Kevin Ferrer ‘trusting the process’ as a rookie in loaded Ginebra roster

MANILA, Philippines — Kevin Ferrer pocketed a rookie contract that puts a target behind his back.

But in his debut against TNT, he was far from the lethal version of himself.

Playing for roughly 12 minutes, the Barangay Ginebra rookie understands his predicament: The team that picked him is the latest champions, he is surrounded by grizzled veterans, and most importantly, he has to earn his minutes.

“Siyempre as a rookie naman, ‘di naman madaling makuha ‘yung loob ni coach Tim (Cone),” Ferrer, who finished the game with only three markers, said.  “Kailangan ko pang pagtrabuhan ‘yung playing time ko at ‘yung trust niya sakin.

Ferrer, who was a standout in college, belongs to the famed Gilas cadet pool that even required a special selection in the PBA Draft. His counterparts Mac Belo, Mike

Tolomia, Jio Jalalon, Carl Bryan Cruz and Roger Pogoy have all mounted stellar first games.

The 6-foot-4 forward joined Belo and Jalalon in securing P8.55 million, three-year contracts, the maximum for a PBA freshman.

But the former UST Growling Tiger knows it takes a process — and he is very well aware that he is at the starting point of a long and arduous one.

“Syempre, challenge din sakin paano bumawi,” he said. “‘Di ko muna tinitignan ‘yung points muna.

“Kailangan ko muna dumepensa, kasi marami nang scorer sa amin,” he added. “Extra opportunity nalang yung pag-score ko.”