“Still nervous but grateful”: Sonny Estil reacts to Barangay Ginebra draft selection

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel made one of the most talked-about moves of the 2025 PBA Rookie Draft by selecting forward Sonny Estil as the No. 11 overall pick on Sunday, September 7, at the Mall of Asia Music Hall.

Estil entered the draft as a virtual unknown but turned heads during the two-day Draft Combine at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, where he emerged as Most Valuable Player (MVP). The native of San Luis, Agusan del Sur admitted he was in shock after being chosen, saying he never expected to be picked in the first round given his limited collegiate career.

“I was really surprised that Barangay Ginebra called my name. Of course, I was really nervous earlier and up until now, I’m still nervous. But I’m thankful to God. Whatever He gives me, I will accept it. I worked hard for this also,” Estil told reporters at the event.

The 6-foot-3 center reiterated that he will give his all on the court after being afforded the rare opportunity to play alongside some of his idols.

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Sonny Estil – #11 pick (Round 1)

Sonny Estil, a standout from Agusan del Sur and former La Salle Greenhills and Letran player, earned recognition as the Most Valuable Player of the Draft Combine mini-tournament. pic.twitter.com/FcRFDQwk6f

— The Shooting Edge PH (@shootingedge_ph) September 7, 2025

“They are my kuyas, they are my idols. I never really expected this but in practice, I will just give my best,” he added.

His breakout Combine performance put him on every team’s radar, but it was Ginebra head coach Tim Cone who made sure to grab him when the opportunity came.

“When I flew back here, I arrived in the morning, I looked at the news and I found that he won the MVP of the Combine. At that point, we thought, well, maybe we can’t get him anymore,” Cone said. “We just think he is a kid with a lot of potential. He’s athletic, he runs the floor well, and he gets to the basket.”

Estil, a product of La Salle Greenhills and later Letran, also suited up in the MPBL for the Pampanga Lanterns, where he was signed by assistant coach Delta Pineda of Converge. His arrival is timely for Ginebra, which is looking to fill the void left by Jamie Malonzo, who recently signed to play in Japan.

Meanwhile, UAAP standout Geo Chiu went first overall to Terrafirma Dyip, while Juan Gomez de Liano landed at No. 2 with Converge FiberXers. The Blackwater Bossing completed the Top 3 by selecting former Gilas Pilipinas Youth guard Dalph Panopio.