MANILA – While many were stunned with his inclusion to the special Gilas Pilipinas draft of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 46 Rookie Draft, Antiqueño center Tzaldy John Rangel is ready to prove that he belongs to the national men’s basketball team.
The 6-foot-7 former National University (NU) Bulldogs center was surprised that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) included him in the Gilas draft, but is ready for the challenge.
“Being tapped to play for Gilas Pilipinas is a blessing and at the same time a responsibility,” Rangel told Panay News on Monday. “I am excited to represent the country and very much ready to compete.”
“This is a great opportunity for me as a player although I really did not expected it,” he added. “I’m just gonna do my part, work hard, and learn from Gilas coaches and players. Goal ko po is to help the team in whatever way I can.”
The former Hua Siong College of Iloilo Red Phoenix player further said he feels confident that the lessons he learned from playing for various coaches will help him adjust to the national men’s basketball team.
“With the help of my former coaches ko sa NU, si Coach Eric Altamirano, Coach Jamike (Jarin) and (San Miguel-Alab Pilipinas) Coach Jimmy (Alapag), I am confident that I can easily adjust sa system ni coach Tab (Baldwin),” said Rangel.
Rangel was selected at No. 3 by the NLEX Road Warriors during the special Gilas draft, which also included Jordan Heading (Terrafirma Dyip), William Navarro (NorthPort Batang Pier), and Frederick Tungcab (TNT Tropang GIGA).
However, he will not join the Road Warriors in PBA as he was loaned to the Gilas and became part of the delegation that entered the training bubble on Monday for the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifier.
The Antiqueño center is looking forward to join the Road Warriors and learn more from head coach Joseller Guiao once his duty with the national men’s basketball team is over./PN
