Baguio boy hopes to make waves with NLEX
KENNETH Ighalo is hoping to finally show off his skills with the NLEX Road Warrior.
The former University of Baguio Cardinals during a recent visit to the Summer Capital said he hopes to pay off the trust given by coach Yeng Guiao who picked the small forward out of KIA Picanto which drafted him in the professional league.
Ighalo also underscored the hard work he has put during team skirmishes and hopes these would pay dividend soon as he has gained playing time with his new team compared to KIA.
“Kay Coach Yeng lahat nabibigyan ng chance so lahat kami kelangan naming maging prepared kasi hindi mo alam kung kelan ka maglalaro,” added Ighalo.
Igahlo is currently averaging 3.0 points and 2.4 rebounds per ball game as a reliever in the deep bench of the Road Warriors.
During his free time, Ighalo admits he often comes back home to Baguio where they reside at Suello Village whch gives him time to reflect and recharge before the tough grind of being a pro baller.
“Madalas akong umakyat ng Baguio kasi andito ang pamilya ko at the same time ditto na rin ako nakakapag relax,” said Ighalo.
Although only a few Baguio ballers have made it to the PBA, Ighalo believes players from the city have enough talent be at par from dribblers from other parts of the country.
“Ang talent ng Baguio na at par with Manila. Kalaban lang homesick kasi iiwan yung family at magisa. Yun ang na over come ko,” said Ighalo who left UB in 2008 to try out for another Cardinals, Mapua and saw significant playing minutes during his stint in the NCAA.
Ighalo was the 28th draft by KIA in 2014 averaging two points and 1.5 rebounds per game before he was dealt to NLEX in 2016 together with team mate Alex Mallari, a 2020 second round pick in exchange for Glenn Khobuntin and Eric Camson. Roderick Osis