4th pick Forrester looks to reward Ginebra’s faith

MANILA, Philippines—Many sports followers were caught by surprise as Barangay Ginebra San Miguel tabbed Fil-Canadian guard James Forrester as the fourth overall pick.

But that didn’t include Forrester himself.

“I think everyone was surprised. Everybody was surprised,” the six-foot-two Forrester told INQUIRER.net. “But to be honest, I have the utmost confidence in myself. I feel like I’ve worked hard to deserve that spot.”

“I’m just feeling so blessed to be part of one of the most talented group of rookies, and to be regarded as that type of high pick is an honor actually, so I just thank Barangay Ginebra for having that kind of faith in me and in my potential and I know that I won’t disappoint.”

The Kings have a lot to choose from as the potential fourth overall pick with Far Eastern University guards RR Garcia and Terrence Romeo, University of Santo Tomas’ Jeric Teng, and even Adamson’s Alex Nuyles, to name some, still available, but clearly they knew what they’re going to get from Forrester.

“He is an energy guy, he hustles every time on the court and he is very athletic,” Ginebra head coach Ato Agustin said in Filipino. “I saw him play and we need someone to back up Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand.”

Forrester, whose final year with Arellano University in the NCAA didn’t go as what he had hoped for after dealing with injuries and the Chiefs crumbling amid a projected breakthrough season during the preseason, knows the expectations are high for Ginebra this coming season.

“There is pressure but not as much as I’m going to put on myself. Of course the fans are going to expect a lot from us this year but I’m just going to come in day in and day out with hard work. I know it’s a little cliche but ultimately, it’s what’s going to get us wins by going to work hard at the defensive end,” he said.

Agustin also hopes that Forrester will have little trouble in learning his system and adapting to the league. And the 24-year-old is looking forward to learning and going through it with the help of his veteran teammates.

“It’s going to be great opportunity to learn under them,” said Forrester on taking down a few notes as he goes through the learning curves with Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand and LA Tenorio showing him the way.

“I’ve been watching these guys for a long time and I look up to them. I’ll just try to learn as much as I can.”