MANILA, Philippines -- Kyt Jimenez is on cloud nine.
After a long wait, the social media star was finally picked up by the San Miguel Beermen in the ninth round of the 2023 PBA Draft, much to the delight of the crowd at the Market! Market! in Taguig City.
Jimenez, an explosive shooting guard, became emotional upon hearing his name called.
After being drafted, he told reporters the feeling is surreal.
"I feel like I am in heaven, because this has been my dream since I was a kid," he told reporters in Filipino.
"I did not expect that even in the biggest league, the PBA, people are really supportive. Even if I am picked or not, the support the people are giving me is really overwhelming," Jimenez added.
He said that he was already thinking that even if he is not drafted, he has done his "role" as a player to become an inspiration to young basketball players.
"I am playing because I want to give inspiration to those who are aspiring to reach the big leagues. I can see that I can help that community of basketball," he added.
Jimenez also said he is excited to play with his idol Terrence Romeo and the rest of the Beermen.
"This is a very big opportunity for me, so I can learn a lot from [Romeo] and the other veteran players of San Miguel," he said.