Former Gilas Youth point guard Dalph Panopio got emotional after revealing that his family won’t be with him for this Sunday’s PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft.
When Dalph Panopio was asked during a media scrum if it was always his dream to play in the PBA, he answered it was because of his dad.
He then had to pause as he was suddenly overcome with emotion, remembering his family, who had to remain in Italy while he joins Sunday’s PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft.
“My family is not here,” Dalph said after he had composed himself. “My family…it’s hard because we can’t afford it. Everything is…I do this for my family, and I wish they’re here to watch and support. But it’s hard because when you’re away from family, you gotta learn to do a lot of things yourself.
“I mean, all I do is want to make them proud. That’s why I do this, it’s just to make them proud.”
Panopio will almost certainly do his family proud on Sunday, when he is expected to be one of the top picks in the draft. Born in Rome to Filipino expats, the talented point guard chartered a different path for his basketball career. He spent his formative years training at the Stella Azzurra Basketball Academy before joining the Gilas Youth program for the FIBA U18 Asian Championship in 2018 and the FIBA U19 World Cup the following year.
In 2021, Panopio ventured to the United States, where he went on to play three seasons with the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners. He then went on to play professionally in Korea and India.
For all his international stops, though, Panopio always knew he would eventually join the PBA. It’s something he’s always dreamed of, from the time he started following the careers of fellow playmakers and PBA legends Jimmy Alapag and LA Tenorio, and later on Terrence Romeo.
“I think it’s really timing,” he said. “I really feel blessed. It was a family decision, so I think it was just really timing, but like PBA is something that I also wanted to do and something that I’m really looking forward to.”
When asked what he could contribute to whichever team drafts him, Panopio was decisive in his answer.
“Energy,” he said. “I’m excited because I love the game of basketball. What I’ve learned in the States, Europe, Italy, Korea, India, wherever I play, I can bring it to whatever scrimmage we play. I think I’m going to focus on this, try to go as hard and compete, try to win. It might as well be here.”
Dalph Panopio certainly has more than just energy to offer. He’s a steady point guard with a decent touch from the outside. He could be an instant contributor on a team in need of help in the backcourt.
And although his immediate family won’t be around on Sunday when his name will almost certainly be called, he will still have relatives in the crowd.
“My uncles and aunts are here,” he said. “They’ve been a big help to me. I’m happy that they’re here.”
Banner image from PBA Images.