Internet sensation savors PBA triumph
From an internet sensation to a Philippine Basketball Association champion. Kyt Jimenez is living the dream after being part of the San Miguel Beer squad that clinched the Commissioner’s Cup title following a 104-102 win over Magnolia in Game 6 of their best-of-seven finals series last Wednesday. Jimenez won the hearts of local fans for being an underdog.
Prior to getting drafted with the 76th pick in the recent Annual Rookie Draft, Jimenez was a mere internet personality who was often seen playing against ordinary cagers in barangay courts while holding low-budget training camps as part of Mavs Phenomenal.
His biggest break came in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League in which he dropped a historic quadruple double of 33 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists, and 11 steals in Sarangani’s 125-74 over Mindoro in 2022.
Then, he moved to the GenSan Warriors, where he gained the attention of coaches that prompted him to get picked in the fifth round by the Beermen.
With the Beermen, Jimenez saw very limited minutes and even suffered an injury, but he got even better as he trained with elite players like CJ Perez, Chris Ross, Terrence Romeo and Jericho Cruz.
“I would always guard Kuya CJ, Kuya Jericho and Kuya Terrence in practice. For me, joining them in practices is like playing the real game because we bring out the best in everybody,” said Jimenez, who remains popular among young ballers with combined followers of close to half a million on various social media platforms.
Jimenez, who played college ball for University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, said he will never forget where he came from.
“Everybody knew me from playing in ligang-labas. But I think the Lord gave me this path. I’m thankful to Him and my supporters. They were the ones who put me here,” said Jimenez, who placed a bet that he will cut his long hair should the Beermen win the crown.
Actually, it was seven-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo who was assigned to put an end to his long-hair era.
But Jimenez doesn’t mind. “Me, Kuya June Mar and coach Chris (Ross) actually made a deal that I get a haircut once we win the championship. They even wanted to shave me bald,” Jimenez said.
“It was worth it. This is the best day of my life.”