Kim Aurin glad to repay Coach Jolas' trust, learn from TNT vets

Kim Aurin had his breakout game, emerging as one of the heroes TNT needed to catch the last bus to the quarterfinal round of PBA Season 48 Commissioner's Cup on Sunday.

The rookie out of Perpetual got a surprise start in the Tropang Giga's crucial 116-96 win against Phoenix Super LPG and he didn't disappoint.

Aurin connived with Calvin Oftana in leading their third quarter barrage, where he dropped eight points en route to a career-high 18 points built on 50-percent shooting from the field alongside three rebounds, one assist, and one steal as TNT completed the playoff cast.

He understood the gravity of the responsibility given to him by TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa and was just glad to be able to deliver when it mattered most.

"Nagulat ako na first five ako then inisip ko talaga na kailangan maka-contribute ako sa team kasi nga ‘yung tiwalang binigay ni Coach Jolas susuklian ko," Aurin said in the post-game interview.

[I was surprised that I was part of the first five then I thought I really needed to contribute to the team because I want to live up to the trust that Coach Jolas gave me.]

Lastimosa said he knew Aurin's potential had always been there.

The one-time PBA champion coach shared that he was able to get a grasp of Aurin's skills during the latter's stint with Barangay Ginebra in the PBA 3x3 competitions. Aurin was drafted by the Gin Kings during the recent Rookie Draft but wasn't given a contract, paving the way for TNT to sign him.

"Si Kim, nakita ko siya sa 3x3 kasi nanonood ako ng mga games nila and I saw some potential there and I just hope that he continues to work hard and he had a lot to prove na maraming umayaw sa kanya," Lastimosa said.

"Gusto niya mag 5-on-5 and we gave him a six-month contract and now, we’re looking at a guy who’s probably gonna play on a little bit more. He deserves what he’s getting now."

[I saw Kim in the 3x3 because I watched those games and I saw some potential there and I just hope he continues to work hard and he had a lot to prove because there were those who didn't want him. He wanted to play 5-on-5 and we gave him a six-month contract and now, we’re looking at a guy who’s probably gonna play on a little bit more. He deserves what he’s getting now.]

Aside from the playing time, Aurin is also grateful for getting a rare opportunity to learn from veterans like Roger 'RR' Pogoy and Jayson Castro in his TNT stint.

"Every training talagang sinasabihan nila ako kung ano ‘yung mga mali ko para ma-improve ko sa training," Aurin said.

[Every training, they share with me what I did wrong so I can improve in training.]

Lastimosa added: "‘Yun ‘yung mga tinitignan ni Kim sa practice kung paano ni Roger carries himself and si Roger nakikita ko na ine-encourage niya si Kim all the time so malaking bagay ‘yon for our rookie."

[That's what Kim observes during practice, how Roger carries himself and I see Roger encourage Kim all the time, so that's a big deal for our rookie.]

—JMB, GMA Integrated News