Estil steals spotlight with MVP performance in PBA Draft Combine

Sonny Estil scored the game-winning basket to propel Barangay Ginebra past San Miguel, 37-35, and emerged champion at the end of the PBA Season 50 Draft Combine Friday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The unheralded Estil, a San Luis, Agusan Del Sur native, scored off a layup on a perfectly-executed backdoor play made possible by guard Jeff Comia with 1.6 seconds to go that broke the game’s final deadlock and put the Kings in front.

The Beermen then went to LJay Torres for a possible game-winning four-point shot that bounced off the rim at the buzzer.

Estil was later adjudged as MVP of the two-day event and went home with the ₱10,000 prize money.

Handled by coach Olsen Racela and Jam Lipae, the Kings took home ₱50,000 for topping the tournament presented by Pocari Sweat and sponsored by ArenaPlus and Daily Fantasy. They beat Magnolia in the semifinals to arrange the title showdown with the Beermen.

Meanwhile, San Miguel settled for the runner-up purse of ₱25,000. The Beermen, who are coached by Dayong Mendoza, advanced to the winner-take-all showdown by turning back Northport in the semis.

“Natsambahan,” said Estil of Ginebra’s final play.

Estil made it to the Combine’s Mythical Team along with June Roque, Edrian Ramirez, Barangay Ginebra teammate Mario Barasi, and Dalph Panopio. All of them received ₱5,000 each.

Aside from Estil, Comia, and Barasi, also comprising the champion team were Mark Denver Omega, Justine Guevarra, Isaiah Africano, John Barba, and DH Howe.

The runner-up team meanwhile, is consists of Gonzales, CJ Austria, Christian Manaytay, Chris Miller, Arvin Gamboa, Dale Canoy, Lian Morgan Ramiro, Franz Diaz, and Raphael Mallari.

Another member of the Beermen in Ricky Dyn Peromingan suffered an injury during the preliminaries and missed playing in the semis and finals, respectively.

Earlier, Miller was adjudged Three-Point King after winning the contest over Panopio and JP Cauilan to take home ₱5,000 prize.

On hand to grace the awarding ceremony were Commissioner Willie Marcial and Converge team governor Archen Cayabyab.