MANILA, Philippines – Former University of the Philippines guard Mikee Reyes struggled to explain his feelings after he was selected by the TNT KaTropa in the fifth round of the 2016 PBA Rookie Draft on Sunday.

On the day Reyes turned 26 years old, the Manny V. Pangilinan franchise made him the 36th pick of the annual draft. Instead of being demoralized, Reyes took no issue at all being chosen second to the last.

"I see a lot of people come into the draft, then when they are picked late, like what happened to me, medyo down sila," Reyes said. "But for me, just to be given an opportunity . . . I mean, I almost stopped playing."

• READ: Battered and beaten, PBA dream still lives on for Mikee Reyes

Reyes last played in the UAAP in Season 77, a campaign that saw the Fighting Maroons win only one game. He later tore his ACL while playing in the Filsports Basketball Association, an injury that factored in his decision to try out as a TV analyst. For the past two seasons, he has been part of the ABS-CBN Sports+Action broadcast team covering the NCAA.

Reyes said he wanted to hang up his sneakers and pursue another career, but he was urged by his father to try his luck in the PBA.

It had been a long emotional journey for Reyes heading into draft night, a wait made more agonizing by how long it took for him to hear his name announced. By the fifth and last round, Mahindra and TNT were the only teams that had picks. The Floodbusters would take Jose Rizal University gunner Paolo Pontejos, before the KaTropa finally called Reyes' name.

"Just the fact that I'm here, given an opportunity to practice in an organization like TNT, and to be able to compete against Jayson Castro, it's . . . I can't explain the feeling," said Reyes, who has followed the TNT squad since he was in high school.

Reyes said he only wanted to be drafted, have the chance to work out with a team and compete for a roster spot. Being chosen by the KaTropa was a bonus.

"Grabe, just to be able to get picked, tapos TNT pa, of all teams?" said Reyes.

"Bata pa lang ako, 'yang Talk 'N Text, pinapanood ko na 'yan."

As a college freshmen, Reyes served as a practice player for TNT. Back when he was coached by TNT assistant Aboy Castro at UP, Reyes attended practices and watched Castro, Ranidel De Ocampo and Jimmy Alapag. He was part of their scouting team, tasked with mimicking the play of the likes of LA Tenorio.

"Doon pa lang, nakita ko na 'yung tiyaga na kailangan mong daanan para umabot," Reyes said. "And how ironic na dito ako napunta? Talagang unbelievable experience, and I'm just excited for the challenge."

Reyes knows that getting drafted is just the first step. The next step is to make the final cut on the team, secure a contract and put pen to paper.

"'Yung pag-pirma 'yung importante, hindi 'yung draft eh," he said.

"The challenge of getting drafted is different from the challenge of getting signed and being able to play. All of us enter the draft wanting to play, not just to get drafted.

"So from here on out, I have to work. I just have to prove myself. It will be a tough assignment to crack that roster, but just to be given a chance is unbelievable. Just unbelievable."

Reyes was so thrilled to be selected that his own birthday became an afterthought. "Sabi ko, Draft Day 'yung iniisip ko, hindi birthday eh," he said.

"Grabe. Best birthday gift ever."

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