MANILA – Just like any other kid holding a basketball, Bacolodnon forward Kimlee Bayquin of the Far Eastern University Tamaraws is dreaming to join in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) someday.
The six-foot-three Bayquin is now close to realizing that childhood aspiration after formalizing his application for the 2021 PBA Rookie Draft, which will be held virtually on March 14.
“Noong bata pa man ako, it was my dream na makarating sa PBA. Iyon talaga ang motivation ko eversince,” Bayquin said in an interview with Panay News on Friday.
Bayquin was a former standout of Bacolod Tay Tung High School in his elementary days before being recruited to Chiang Kai Shek College (CKSC) in Manila.
“I was still with Bacolod Tay Tung when a coach from CKSC watched my training sa Tay Tung and they talked to my parents about bringing me over to Manila dahil matangkad ako,” Bayquin shared.
“I was still in Grade 6 then when CKSC recruited and, with the help of (University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos head) coach (Gerome) Aledron and boss Dexter (Dy), natuloy po ako,” he added.
Following his graduation from CKSC, Bayquin was recruited by Adamson University Falcons, but was not lined up before he moved to the Tamaraws, where he played for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines in seasons 79 to 82.
Upon his application, Bayquin said he is ready to play for any team that will select him.
“Wala naman akong preferred na team sa PBA and whatever happens during draft day, I am ready,” Bayquin said. “If given a chance, I will be a defensive player. I am a hustle guy and a facilitator.”
As of Friday, a total of 67 aspirants have applied for the draft considered as a talent-rich class. The PBA Commissioner’s Office has set a Jan. 27 deadline for all applicants./PN
