New Kid On the Block: SIMON ATKINS
“In basketball, there’s always room for improvement, even if you’re up there na, you can still improve.”
Full Name: Simon David Atkins
Drafted: 21st overall, Air21 Express
College: De La Salle University
Favorite Food: Filipino Food
Favorite Movie: She’s Out Of My League
Simon Atkins, a cager-model who was selected as the 21st overall pick by the Air21 Express has proven he can go toe-to-toe with the league’s top guards when given the chance. A lefty playmaker, he played collegiate basketball under Franz Pumaren, his coach in the PBa, for the DLSU Green Archers. He also donned the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems jersey in the PBA D-League. He sticks to the game plan and executes it with consistency. He nurtured his skills under the Pumaren system in college, having the ability to contribute off the bench.
“What was your reaction when you heard your name during the draft?”
“During the time, I thought wala na eh, third round na akala ko hindi na ako matatawag then I heard my name, I was shaking actually, relieved kasi nakuha ako, hindi ako nakasama sa mga hindi na-draft and may chance ako masama s line-up.”
“Did you expect to be drafted by Air21?”
“No, actually, when I joined the draft, I was just trying my luck lang talaga, I don’t know what team is gonna get me or what number.”
“Are you happy with Air21?”
“Yeah, of course, I’m back playing for Coach Franz, my coach in college, I like his system because I grew up playing the Pumaren System and may mga former La Salle players din so I feel comfortable here.”
“How did you find your first game sa PBA?”
“Well, sa first tune up game pa lang, kabadong kabado na, first game ko against Meralco, so guarding Solomon Mercado, playing against Mac Mac Cardona, mga star players ng PBA siyempre stratrucked pa din, parang first time to play.”
“Who is your favorite basketball player?”
“I like James Harden, kasi yun nga, kahit sixth man lang, pag pinasok siya, yung energy niya sa court, that’s what I always do even if limited minutes lang, I always try to do something very good.”
“Any message to your coach and the team?”
“Ah, everytime they give me chance, hindi ko sila bibiguin.”
“How do you see yourself 10 years from now?”
“Hopefully, tumagal pa ‘yung career ko sa PBA.”
Photo Credits to PBA, NCAA, PBA D-League, AKTV and to the owner. :)
(Sobrang tagal ko na nasulat ‘to. Hindi lang nag-work-out ang first plan. Pero dahil ayaw ko masayang ang materials, post ko nalang dito sa Tumblr. Hehehe! Gustong-gusto ko ang basketball. Sana mabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na makapagsulat ng sports article. Pangarap ko yun kahit trying-hard sports writer ako. HAHAHA! Siguro hindi pa ito ang tamang panahon kaya hindi natuloy ang magazine. Pero ok lang, naging masaya naman ako. -Jerica)
