INITIALLY SECURING THE third pick during the third round of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 49 Draft with Terrafirma Dyip but failing to ink a deal, former San Beda Red Lions headman, Peter Alfaro, landed with the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots as a rookie free-agent last August 3.
After leading the Mendiola-based squad to their 23rd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball crown last year, the 5’11 floor general decided to suit up for the Zamboanga Valientes, who competed in The Asian Tournament in preparation for his eventual entry to the PBA.
Despite failing to sign with the Dyip as the 27th overall pick during the PBA draft in Makati, Alfaro was still “blessed to have been drafted,” describing the moment as “surreal” for being able to achieve both his childhood dream as well as his parent’s dream.
Nevertheless, he is still determined as ever to reach greater heights. “It’s just the start of the journey. I have to prove my worth pa when it comes dito sa PBA because it’s a whole different level,” he affirmed.
Now finding his home with the Magnolia Hotshots, Alfaro described the qualities that he possessed that set him apart as a rookie: “Siguro making the right reads, making the right decisions and at the same time, being able to stabilize my team even if I’m a rookie, as the point guard of our team.”
Apart from this, he tips a nod at the winning culture he developed throughout his time with the San Beda Red Lions, hoping that he will be able to carry it on in his PBA journey. “’Yung winning culture, and ‘yung tradition na na-build ko sa San Beda, hopefully I could bring it sa team na mapupuntahan ko,” he added.
He continued by alluding to the learnings he had derived from the coaches of the Red Lions. “I’m very blessed to be part of the San Beda Red Lions, because it prepared me talaga, especially sa PBA and, alam mo ‘yun, when playing sa PBA, I’m confident na naturuan na sa’min nila Coach Yuri, Coach Boyet, nila Coach Norman nung college kami,” he added.
Regardless, he affirmed that he would continue to grow, saying “The learning doesn’t stop, continuous learning kami habang nandito kami sa PBA.” Looking ahead, the former NCAA champion expressed his excitement in playing side-by-side with fellow PBA greats such as Paul Lee, Calvin Abueva, his fellow Zamboangueño Mark Barroca, and former Red Lions team captain Rome De La Rosa.
“Playing with them in practice every day is a blessing because I get to learn a lot under their wings in this period of time and I’m sure their skills and experience will influence me in the long run of my young PBA career,” he added.
Finally, Alfaro extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Bedan community for their unwavering trust and patronage, saying, “thirteen years in the Lion’s Den molded me to be the person I am today. San Beda, you will always be a part of who I am, and I’m proud to be called a Bedan for life. Thank you, San Beda. Animo!”