Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Norman Black admits surprise as Meralco nabs Bong Quinto in 2nd round


Thanks to his exploits in the past NCAA season – where he had three triple-double performances – Letran Knights’ versatile forward Bong Quinto was highly expected to be picked in the first round of the guard-heavy 2018 PBA Rookie Draft.

But that did not happen.

The stocky 6-foot-1 forward slid all the way to the second round of the draft proceedings, which featured a bevy of surprises that rocked the whole Midtown Atrium of Robinsons Place Manila in Ermita, Sunday evening.

Even Meralco head coach Norman Black admitted that he was surprised as well, as the Bolts were still able to pick up Quinto with the 14th overall pick. “I could not believe it, actually. For me, he was definitely a first round pick.

“I could not believe he dropped to the second round,” said Black.

For his part, the Letranite is simply honored that he was drafted.

“Ang importante dun, na-draft ako. Yun naman ang goal eh.

“Siyempre, ‘di naman natin hawak yung mga decision,” expressed Quinto, who was part of the All-NCAA team last season.

After surprisingly getting Trevis Jackson with the fifth pick, the Grand Slam coach said that he was actually looking to nab 6-foot-6 center Jeepy Faundo in the second round – the Bolts have always wanted to have a big man on their side.

But it was hard to pass up on somebody like Quinto, Black said.

“I wanted to choose a big guy; probably Faundo. But when he was sitting there, I had no choice but to take him because he’s a multi-talented player,” he said.

“Not only can he score the basketball, but he can pass and rebound.”

Quinto, on the other hand, can’t wait to pick the brains of his new mentor as he looks to stay in the big league for the long haul.

#ReadMore  Jeremy Miado hopeful to be part of ONE: Infinity 1

“Maganda rin na nasa Meralco ako kasi kay coach Norman, marami akong matututunan sa kanya,” Quinto shared.

“Siyempre. Ang tagumpay ng kasama ko rito, tagumpay ko na rin. Ang maganda rin dito, lahat ng Letran na nagpa-draft, nakuha.”

Written By

Oftentimes on the sidelines. Forever a student of the game. Morayta-bred.


You May Also Like

Basketball

Meralco turned what was thought to be a dogfight to a lopsided mauling as it whipped Ginebra, 91-73, to arrest its two-game slide in...

Basketball

Northport made sure to get the job done before its long break, hacking out a 90-85 victory over Meralco to extend its streak to...

Basketball

Robert Bolick saved NLEX through clutch free throws once again to escape Meralco, 99-96, for its second win in the PBA Season 48 Philippine...

News

Bong Quinto came through in overtime as Meralco survived the hard-fighting Rain or Shine, 121-117, to barge into the win column of the PBA...

Basketball

ANTIPOLO – Rey Nambatac refused to see his debut become a footnote as he saved Blackwater from a massive collapse against Meralco, 96-93, in...

Basketball

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) unveiled the schedule for the season-ending Philippine Cup, set to kick off on February 28 and conclude on May...

3x3 Basketball

Meralco concluded its PBA 3×3 Third Conference campaign on a high note. The Bolts thwarted TNT Triple Giga’s back-to-back grand slam bid, securing a...

3x3 Basketball

Meralco once again emerged victorious against TNT, securing a 21-13 win to repeat as the leg champion of the PBA 3×3 Third Conference on...

Advertisement