Belo "blessed" to have earned Blackwater nod as reports of him getting chosen already swirl

Ivan Saldajeno

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY—Mac Belo expressed happiness that he gained the trust of Coach Leo Isaac and the rest of the Blackwater Elite.

Speaking to some sportswriters during the Slam Draft Suite at Impressions Restaurant inside Resorts World Manila, the Gilas forward said, "Syempre masaya ako at sobrang blessed kasi nakikita nila ang hard work ko."

Isaac revealed on Thursday that Blackwater will lock in Belo as the first pick of the special Gilas draft, something the team officials reportedly formalized hours later when news broke out that the first set of Gilas draftees has been named during the PBA board meeting.

On why he believes the Elite locked him in, Belo said, "Nagka-impact [kay Coach Leo] yung mga naiambag ko.

Now reportedly a part of a young Blackwater lineup, Belo said that he is having mixed feelings.

"Andun yung pressure, pero nangingibabaw ang excitement ko. Ilalagay ko na lang sa sarili ko na ready na ako sa challenge."

Speaking of the youth factor, Belo believes it can be beneficial for the Elite in the long run.

"Marami pa kaming mai-improve at maitutulong sa team," he said.

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