The two rookies have something in common.
Fan-favorite San Miguel Beermen rookie Kyt Jimenez got plenty of well-wishes after suffering an injury in his first PBA game. One of them happened to come from fellow rookie John Amores of the NorthPort Batang Pier.
Jimenez got quite a memorable PBA debut, getting a fracture along the boundary of his eye and nose after he got elbowed by Meralco Bolts' Cliff Hodge last Sunday in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
But the rookie managed to take it all in a stride and even made a joke.
"Mukha daw akong nakipag-one-on-one kay Boss MP," Jimenez said on Instagram, referring to eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.
As mentioned, one of Jimenez's well-wishers was Amores, a man seeking redemption of his own after running amok in one NCAA game last year.
"Get well bro 🙏," he commented.
It was something Jimenez was grateful to read, as he replied with these emojis: 👊🏻💯🙏🏻.
We'd like to think the emojis were made in all sincerity.
Amores continues on his path to redemption, even getting sage advise from PBA's reformed troublemakers in Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots' Calvin Abueva.
Amores also shared on his Instagram Story how he talked with Magnolia Hotshots star Calvin Abueva in their game last Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
"Eto 'yung welcome advice na 'di ko makakalimutan. Thank you, kuya idol," Amores posted, tagging Abueva.
The Beast was quick to share the post.
"Hindi nila maintindihan kung ano meron ka ngayon. Kailangan mo lang magtiwala sa taas," Abueva wrote.
It's a mentorship the PBA didn't expect, but it's something the PBA would probably welcome.
Amores further reflected on the lessons from The Beast with his latest IG post.
"Not everyone is going to see the goodness in you, not everyone is going to appreciate the authenticity you are now operating from, and not everyone is going to acknowledge the growth that has transpired within you—but you know that your ability to recognize your endurance, maturity, and truth is going to be enough," according to the story Amores shared.
"The people who are meant to have that confirmation, align with your purpose, and hear you will fully see, appreciate, and understand you. Don't worry or waste time meditating on the mocking, mishandling, or malicious intent of the ones who don't," it further read.
Looks like these PBA rookies are going to be alright.
NorthPort will face the NLEX Road Warriors this Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(PM)