#LabanPilipinas: Bulanadi got more than just being drafted after being picked in the Gilas pool

If ever there was a conversation regarding the future of Philippine basketball, Allyn Bulanadi's name went under the radar for most of the time, as fans and netizens were seeing more of the likes of Thirdy Ravena and Kai Sotto. Until last year.

The former Baste standout showed why he was one of the sleepers not to be overlooked, as he poured in every scoring explosion to lead the NCAA in his final year.

Now, the fourth pick in the special round of the most recent PBA Draft is putting on the work enough to be noticed by Gilas Pilipinas, who placed him in the preliminary 24-man squad in the first pair of the qualifiers for the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup.

Bulanadi was beaming when his name was called to serve the nation, which was more than what he bargained for.

"Siyempre masaya ako, kasi kahit papaano nasilip yung konting potential ko," Bulanadi said, who was in San Juan for Basilan in the MPBL last January 11 yet his 33 points were not enough to defeat Bacolod.

"Gilas yun eh. Blessing in disguise yun kasi plano ko lang magpadraft," he added, as he was set to join Alaska after their campaign with the Steel.

Bulanadi waited for the list to come out when he was back home in Davao and he admitted that he was star-struck with the players included in the pool.

"Nakikita ko sila sa TV yung mga yun. Siguro it's an honor na kakampi ko sila if ever."

The notion that lefties are the country's designated shooters will continue, as he was being in the same line as Allan Caidic and Jeff Chan but he will be contented with what role he will be given, recognizing that there are still the veterans such as Japeth Aguilar and Marc Pingris who will guide them.

"Siguro I'll do my thing lang. Sa akin lang, support ako sa kanila," he then said as he will do what it takes to play for the country if given the chance.

"Di ako mawawala, eh. Kung papapasukin ako, ipupukpok ko yan 100%. Aasahan ng Pilipinas, Gilas yan eh."

Photo by the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League