Simple gestures like this make Ross the ultimate glue guy, indeed.
Rookie hazing is a rite of passage for newcomers. But it appears San Miguel Beerman Chris Ross does not subscribe to it—not after what he recently did for incoming freshman Kyt Jimenez.
The YouTube sensation, of course, is holding out hope of cracking the Beermen’s final lineup after initially getting left out due to his commitment with the MPBL.
Ross, the veteran, gave Jimenez, the San Miguel rookie, a pair of Air Jordan shoes on Saturday—illustrating yet again why he is described by Tim Cone as a chemistry guy.
Put simply, Ross pulls his teammates closer together with acts big and bold, like giving a much-needed pep talk before a huge game, and simple gestures such as gifting fellow players a pair of kicks.
Jimenez, though, was not the only Beerman on the receiving end of Kapitan Ross’ generosity. Journeyman guard Pao Javelona, who was signed by San Miguel in the PBA On Tour, got a pair of Jordan Brand sneakers. John Mallillin, a rookie like Jimenez, also received fresh kicks. And they are just the ones who posted their gifts on social media.
In fact, it would not be much of a surprise if Ross gifted new shoes to a few more Beermen. It would not even be surprising if he gave gifts to SMB staff. The 38-year-old many-time champion just seems to be that kind of guy.
Ross, who entered the league in 2009, will be entering his 14th season in the PBA, and he will once again be counted on to be one of San Miguel’s leaders. This early, he is showing that he's up to it.