Rain or Shine rookie Rey Nambatac was glad to have fulfilled the dream his father failed to accomplish years ago after making his PBA debut in Friday's 82-79 victory over TNT KaTropa at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The former Letran star, chosen by Rain or Shine as the seventh overall pick in the draft, was placed in the starting lineup by coach Caloy Garcia and finished with five points and five rebounds in 12 minutes.
Nambatac's first pro action was witnessed with his father and girlfriend watching from courtside as the Elasto Painters sneaked out a win over the KaTropa to start their Philippine Cup campaign.
Rey Sr. attempted to fulfill his own PBA dream, playing in his hometown of Cagayan de Oro City for both the collegiate and commercial ranks. But injuries on both knees forced him to hang it up and work for the DENR.
"Kinukwento niya sa akin na one step away na lang siya para makapag-PBA, tapos all of a sudden dumating nga yung injury," the younger Nambatac said. "Para sa akin, naging motivation sa akin yun dahil di man masyadong pinaparamdam ng papa ko na nanghihinayang siya pero nakikita ko.
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"Yung pangarap niya noon na di niya nakamit, binuhos niya sa akin. At eto na yun, so I'm sure very happy yung papa ko na nakamit ko na," he added.
The proud papa may have a few regrets, but can only express gratitude towards what his son has achieved.
"Sa tingin ko wala sa akin yung swerte, nakay Rey e," the 55-year-old father said while laughing. "Yun naman kasabihan na kung di natin nakuha bilang ama, siguro sa anak diyan mafufulfill." (JT)
