Estil banking on Combine MVP plum to boost PBA Draft hopes

MANILA, Philippines -- Sonny Estil’s basketball journey has been a roller-coaster ride, to say the least.

Estil, who once played for the La Salle Greenhills program in high school, jumped from one school to another as he struggled to get playing time.

He even suited up for the Letran Knights in this year’s FilOil EcoOil preseason basketball league, but he eventually made the decision to turn pro and take his act to the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, playing for the Pampanga Giant Lanterns.

Now, Estil is among the players aiming to make it to the PBA on Sunday’s PBA Season 50 Draft.

Before, he was unheralded. But now, he showcased his athleticism and potential after being named the PBA Draft Combine Most Valuable Player.

A 6-foot-3 winger, Estil sank the game-winning layup to give Team A-2 – Barangay Ginebra the victory over Team D-1 – San Miguel, 37-35.

With his high-flying exploits, he was also named among the Combine’s Mythical Five along with Mario Barasi, Jun Roque, Dalph Panopio and Edrian Ramirez.

“Sana po [mas nakilala ako]. Sana merong kumuha, ganun. Thankful naman tayo doon kasi yun naman talaga ang pangarap ko, mag-PBA,” Estil told reporters after being crowned the Combine Most Valuable Player on Friday evening.

“Kung saan mas magagamit ako, doon ako. Wala namang ano, importante, makalaro ako. Matulungan ko yung pamilya ko.”

He added that he continued to work hard despite his frustrating collegiate career, and he is hoping that all the extra hours in the gym will give him a boost.

The rest for Estil, though, was short as he is set to compete in the MPBL slamdunk contest on Saturday.

“Napakaswerte. Thankful ako kay Lord, atsaka sa mga teammate ko at binigay na opportunity na binigay sa akin,” he said.

The forward will be among 122 players hoping to hear their names called in the draft on Sunday, 5 p.m., at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.