If there's one player who was the most excited about the game between the San Miguel Beermen and the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA Commissioner's Cup last Wednesday, it's probably Kyt Jimenez.
The much-talked-about rookie was recently activated by San Miguel after he was released by the GenSan Warriors following their elimination in the semifinals of the MPBL.
It has been quite the journey for the 26-year-old Jimenez, who was the 76th overall pick in the PBA Draft. Now, he's really achieved his childhood dream.
It looked like the flashy guard would get some playing time when the Beermen erected a huge double-digit lead early in the third quarter. But the Road Warriors mounted a comeback en route to the stunning victory in overtime, 117-113.
"Akala ko sure win na. Pero ayun nga, bilog ang bola, hindi natin masasabi (ang resulta)," said Jimenez in the latest episode of his vlog.
Although he got zero minutes, he took it in stride.
"Napanood ko na rin mismo 'yung PBA na nandoon ako sa bench. Nakapag-observe ako, madami akong napulot na aral, asborb lang muna," said Jimenez.
He added that it was his first time to get benched in his career. But he offered a good perspective on it.
"Hindi tayo nagamit, hindi tayo napasok, pero okay lang 'yon. Hindi naman din dun natatapos 'yun. Normal naman 'yun kapag bago ka, lalo na sa napuntahan kong team, which is a champion team, madaming magagaling talaga and star players na veterans," said Jimenez, who suited up for the University of Perpetual Help System-Dalta Altas in college.
Jimenez will indeed have to fight for his minutes with the stacked SMB, as he plays the same position with the likes of Terrence Romeo, Cjay Perez, Chris Ross, Simon Enciso, Jericho Cruz, and Jeron Teng.
Because of his popularity on social media, many want to see Jimenez in action in the PBA. While a handful also say that he's overhyped, it's hard not to be happy for someone who worked his way up after a slew of injuries and despite the odds stacked against him.
It also helps that his head is in the right place.
"Hindi naman ako 'yung klase ng player na hindi nagamit tapos magtatampo. Maintindihin ako, mahaba 'yung pasensya ko sa ganyan. Observe lang nang observe (muna), alam ko ibibigay ni Lord 'yung tamang timing kung kailan ako gagamitin."
ALSO READ: What rookie hazing?: Chris Ross gives Kyt Jimenez 'unexpected gift' amid delayed PBA debut
Jimenez's next chance to make his PBA debut is on Sunday, as San Miguel takes on the Meralco Bolts.