FELIX Lemetti was surprised as everyone else when his name was announced as one of two Rain or Shine picks in the first round of the recently-concluded PBA Season 49 draft.
No one hardly knew the 25-year-old Fil-Sweden guard and wasn't exactly under the radar going to the July 14 event at the Glorietta.
But coach Yeng Guiao, known for polishing diamonds in the rough players, was more than willing to take a gamble on the 6-foot-1 Lemetti and selected him at no. 8 overall.
"Yeah, I was not sure if they're going to look at me at no. 8. I was looking at a couple of Mock Drafts and (I think) they're not going to pick me. But I'm happy they did, for sure. It's a blessing and I'm excited to get to work," said the player who was the hands-down surprise pick in the opening round of the draft.
The Elasto Painters used their first pick at no. 7 to select Fil-Am Caelan Tiongson.
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Lemetti played for Fairfield University, Salt Lake Community College, Omaha, and finally at Southern Utah University in college.
He likewise once suited up for the Sweden junior national team, which he felt got him ready playing against bigger opponents.
A year ago, he played professional ball in Sweden before deciding to try his luck in the country.
Born and raised in Sweden, Lemetti said basketball is not a big deal in the Scandinavian country.
"Basketball is super big out here. Basketball in Sweden is not big, so there's a huge difference," he noted. "And I'm just happy, hopefully I could make the best out of it."
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Born to a Filipina mother and Swedish father, Lemetti admitted he worked out with Rain or Shine prior to the draft, and obviously left a lasting impression the Elasto Painters went out of their way to make him a first round pick.
"I like the coaches, the team. It feels great, a blessing," he said.
Asked if he's ready to play for the 65-year-old Guiao, the champion coach who's also known for his on-court temperament, Lemetti replied, "Yes, super-excited. It's going to be fun."
The Fil-Swedish had been to the country before the pandemic, and stayed for two months in the province of his mother in Mindoro.
"I feel like it's going to be fun. I have a lot of family here as well. And I'm excited for them to be able to see me play in person and not just on videos," Lemetti added.(RG)
