After years of dedication and hard work, Mark Nonoy fulfills his lifelong dream of playing in the PBA after being the 10th overall pick of the Terrafirma Dyip.
As the PBA Season 49 Rookie Draft unfolded, a lot of basketball dreams were finally realized.
Among those who stand on the cusp of a new chapter is Terrafirma Dyip’s 10th overall pick, Mark Nonoy.
Nonoy emerged as a pivotal force in the DLSU Green Archers’ long-awaited championship in the UAAP Season 86. He also won UAAP Season 82 Rookie of the Year award during his stay with the UST Growling Tigers.
During the two-day PBA Draft Combine, the spitfire point guard also impressed with his test results, which makes his top-10 selection not much of a surprise at all.
“Dream come true para sa akin ‘to. Ibibigay ko lang talaga lahat kasi nandito na ako, eh. ‘Yong opportunity na binigay sa akin, ‘di ko na bibitawan,” an emotional Nonoy said after his name was called during the draft.
While transitioning into a professional basketball team is a new chapter filled with challenges and growth opportunities, Nonoy perceives it as a chance to absorb knowledge and refine his skills.
“Alam ko sa sarili ko na madami pa dapat akong adjustments and kailangan pang learnings, pero willing naman ko to accept ‘yong ituturo nila. Kung ano ‘yong sistemang ibibigay ng coach sa akin,” he added.
On his Instagram account, Nonoy also looked back on his humble beginnings before becoming a professional Filipino basketball player in the PBA.
“Every child has a dream, and every dream has a story. Yes, I dreamed once, and because of courage and faith in God, it turned into reality,” he posted.
Watch the full interview here:
(With reports from Gillian Trinidad/One Sports Digital)