By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
AFTER HAVING solid collegiate careers in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Jesper Ayaay and Bong Quinto are taking their act to the Philippine Basketball Association and are grateful to have found new homes that believe in what they could bring to the table.
Selected ninth and 14th, respectively, by the Alaska Aces and Meralco Bolts in the recently held PBA Rookie Draft, both Messrs. Ayaay and Quinto consider the opportunity given to them to parlay their wares in the pros as a godsend that they hope to make full use of.
For Mr. Ayaay, a stalwart of the Lyceum of the Philippines University who helped the Pirates to back-to-back finals appearances in Seasons 93 and 94 of the NCAA, to be picked by Alaska at ninth was something he did not really expect but nonetheless he is very excited about.
He vowed to work his way to the team and earn his keep while helping the Aces achieve further success.
“I did not expect to be picked at ninth by Alaska. My mindset going into the draft was to be relaxed and just pray and be grateful of what God would hand me,” said Mr. Ayaay, an all-around player who played alongside top overall pick Cjay Perez in Lyceum.
The same all-around effort is what he is promising to bring to the Aces as well as being a true team player and an agent of positivity.
“I would try to bring a positive mindset to the team. I’ll double my effort, especially on defense, to be of better use to Alaska,” said Mr. Ayaay.
Adding, “They have welcomed me with open arms and I can’t wait to get down to work.”
For Letran star Quinto, to finally have a chance to play in the PBA is a dream come true and to be drafted by a team like Meralco all the more makes it promising and exciting.
“Every player dreams of playing for a winning team and here in Meralco I think I’m in that position. This is a dream of mine so I will make sure to do everything I can to prove myself. I may have to spruce up on my English though [Laughs],” said Mr. Quinto, referring to American coach Norman Black and the other Filipino-foreign players in Meralco.
While a star player with the Knights, part of the champion team in NCAA Season 90, Mr. Quinto said he is not expecting to get the same numbers he has in college early in his PBA career.
But he was quick to say that it would not stop him from trying to make a difference every time he takes the floor for the orange and white.
“I think I can fit well with the team. I’m confident that I can keep up with the players in the league and perform whatever task Coach Norman would want me to do,” said the former Letran star.
“This is a whole new journey for me. I’m willing to learn to improve not only as a player but also as a person,” Mr. Quinto added.

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