MANILA, Philippines–Dalph Panopio said he always felt that the PBA would be his eventual destination, especially first emerging from the scene representing the Philippines as a youth player.

“It wasn’t hard to choose the PBA. It’s always been an option,” Panopio said during Thursday’s Draft Combine at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. “Now that I put my name in the Draft, I just enjoy it and keep working.”

Panopio is among the projected high picks of the proceedings set Sunday at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, given his credentials of playing for Batang Gilas in the 2019 Fiba U-19 World Cup and in the US NCAA for Cal State Bakersfield.

His most recent stint was in India before putting his name in the hat for this year’s PBA Draft.

The 25-year-old has drawn some interest from several teams, most notably Barangay Ginebra. His Instagram story showing him alongside coach Tim Cone created some buzz on social media after being one of the hopefuls who took part in a pre-Draft workout.

“Ginebra contacted me to have a workout and there was no problem about it. And then the pictures came out,” said Panopio. “But that’s social media, and at the end of the day, that’s something that I can’t control because it’s the Draft, and whatever happens, happens.”

Terrafirma owns the first pick in the Draft, with Phoenix or Converge, pending a deal still being reviewed by the league, among the early teams to select. Blackwater and NorthPort are also among the early teams to choose.

Many see these teams as potential destinations for the 6-foot-1 guard born and raised in Italy to Filipino parents.

“I’m excited to join the PBA and I’m excited to represent whoever team picks me,” he said.