Urbiztondo bares how he wished Ginebra picked him in 2009 rookie draft

JOSH Urbiztondo was quick to admit he already misses `home’ just hours after being traded by Barako Bull to Barangay Ginebra.

But at the same time, the streak-shooting guard said suiting up for the PBA most popular ballclub is `another dream come true’ for him.

Left out by the league's most popular ballclub during the 2009 rookie draft, Urbiztondo disclosed how he was silently hoping Ginebra management would pick his name during the proceedings.

“(To be honest) when I joined the draft, I did wish to be picked by Ginebra,”bared Urbiztondo.

His wish didn’t come true but come the Commissioner’s Cup playoffs, Urbiztondo will finally get to realize what he had yearned for four years ago.

“Ginebra is the most popular team. It’s a blessing, God has purpose for anything. God has a reason. I will really take advantage of this opportunity,” said the 6-foot-1 Fil-American.

As he joins a team that is heavy on the guard rotation, Urbiztondo said he’s ready to accept any role the Ginebra coaching staff has in mind for him.

“In any way they need me, I will try to contribute any way I can to get a championship,” said the San Francisco, California-born player, while stressing playing time will never be a problem for him.

“Winning is a more important thing to me. If I play less minutes and we’re winning and I’m contributing anyway, I’ll be happy and contented,” said the 'Fireball,' who won a championship with San Mig Coffee in last year’s Commissioner’s Cup.

At the same time, Urbiztondo said he has mixed emotions leaving his friends and ‘family’ at Barako Bull, which served as home to him the past two conferences.

“I talked to Boss Raffy (Casyao) kanina. I really felt sorry leaving them. I already built a relationship with them,” he said.

But welcomed with open arms by the legion of Barangay Ginebra fans, Urbiztondo said he’s already looking forward to his first Ginebra practice on Thursday morning.

“I’m really excited. I can’t wait for the playoffs to start,” he said.

“Barangay Ginebra fans, thank you for your warm welcome. Since I started playing here in the PBA, you’ve always been great. Hope we can make you proud in this playoff run.”

Follow the writer on Twitter: @snowbadua
source: spin.ph

muntik pa atang maiyak si fireball

mamasa ka ha.. wag mo gawin sa Ginebra ang 0-9 performance oryt! Bring your swag! And grab the rebound kasi yan ang expect naman sa biggie man like you