Panopio dreams of shining in the NBA
TWENTY-year-old Gilas Youth point guard Dalph Panopio said his goal is not merely to play in the NBA, but to shine in the biggest basketball league in the world.
“I sacrificed two big schools in the Philippines, stayed away from my family, risked [it all] for something that I never know, and I learned a lot,” said Panopio in “I am a Baller Reload” on Saturday.
“Being the star in the NBA that’s my dream. You can’t go to the NBA and just sit down there. You have to be a star. Dream big, right?”
The 6’ Panopio is set to play for Division 1 school Cal State Bakersfield in the United States National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Panopio added that he’s also excited to play against his fellow NBA hopeful and Gilas teammate Kai Sotto someday.
“Kai is big time right now in the G-League. He’s trying to get to the NBA Draft,” said Panopio.
“I’m excited to play against him and see how much he improved from last time. I mean, last time was good as well. I’m just excited.”
Panopio played for the Gilas Youth in the 2018 Fiba Under-18 Asian Championship in Thailand and in the 2019 Fiba Under-19 World Cup in Greece.
In the World Cup, Panopio registered 5.0 points, 2.6 boards, and 1.4 assists as the Philippines finished 14th in the tourney.