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Kevin Espinosa’s long road to the PBA

It was certainly the biggest surprise of his life. Right after PBA Commissioner Chito Salud announced his name, Kevin Espinosa admitted that he was “stunned” upon learning that he got picked 14th overall in the 2014 PBA Rookie Draft by Rain Or Shine.

“I was really stunned when I heard my name. I did not expect this at all. I said to myself, ‘is this really happening?’ I am one step closer to reaching my dream,” said an ecstatic Espinosa in an interview with Yahoo Philippines Sports.

Espinosa was the No. 2 pick in the second round behind Rome Dela Rosa.

It came as a big surprise to many that the 26-year old former Mapua Cardinal would be picked early in the draft. In fact, he came way ahead of other more notable applicants like current NCAA stars Prince Caperal (No. 17), John Pinto (No. 19), Harold Arboleda (No. 20), Kyle Pascual (No. 24), Paolo Taha (No. 29), and Juneric Baloria (No. 30).

Kevin offered a simple explanation. “Last year I planned on applying for the draft already and I tried out with Rain Or Shine. I think I did well in the tryouts and that the coaches liked me. But I failed to meet the deadline so I had to wait for another year. When I joined the rookie camp, I think the Rain Or Shine coaches learned about it and they asked me to try out again. I’m just so thankful that they probably liked what they saw,” said Espinosa.

Kevin was a former high school standout from the prestigious San Beda basketball program. He was known for his long-range sniping. But he often played behind the shadows of his more illustrious teammates like would-be PBA player Ogie Menor, Shaq Taganas and Jay-ar Tecson. But Kevin did well enough to make it to the 2006 Red Lions roster in the NCAA, the same batch that ended San Beda’s 28-year dry spell in the league.

In 2007, Kevin got an offer to move to the Mapua Cardinals den upon the appointment as head coach of former San Beda assistant Chito Victolero. He played in the 2008 and 2009 Cardinals’ rosters. In the 2009 NCAA season, he normed 1.5 points and 2.1 rebounds in 7.3 minutes in 12 games.

But in 2011, Espinosa wanted to focus on completing his Industrial Engineering course in Mapua so he decided to take a break from basketball. “I recently passed the pre-board exams and I’m just finishing my thesis to complete my degree. So my being drafted to the PBA came at a very good time.”

Although Kevin was absent from mainstream basketball competitions, he played in several minor commercial tournaments to stay in shape and get his confidence back.

Espinosa remains blissful hours after the PBA event. “I’m having tears of joy. All the hard work paid off. I’m also especially happy that Rain Or Shine picked me because they are good in developing players. I know I still have a lot to learn about the game. But my prayers have been answered and now I will work hard to earn a slot in the line-up.”