Though the Blackwater Elite fell short of upending Meralco Bolts Friday night in their 2018 PBA Philippine Cup opener Friday night, their third overall pick in the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft, Raymar Jose, had quite a pro debut.
The product of the famed Far Eastern University program, who was fielded by coach Leo Isaac into the starting five, finished with 16 markers — eight in the opening frame alone — on 5-of-11 shooting alongside six rebounds. And Jose shared that he was ready this moment.
“Siguro nag-focus lang ako sa loob. Nung pinasok ako ni coach, ready lang ako sa mga pinapagawa niya, mga play namin,” said the six-foot-four bruiser moments after Blackwater’s 98-103 defeat at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay.
The 25-year-old admitted that he was excited heading into the match not just because of the fact that he will finally fulfill his life-long dream, but also because he will now have the chance to rub elbows with the country’s best.
“Siyempre mga beterano na sila sa PBA,” said the Gilas Pilipinas member.
“Dati iniidolo ko lang sila, ngayon nakakalaban ko na.”
Speaking of veterans, Jose, a known workhorse, played like one in his debut. Based on his first game, his style of play is complementary with the Elite such as fellow Tamaraw Mac Belo and the resurgent Poy Erram.
Seeing the three together in Blackwater’s frontline brought wonders as their 22-6 run that wiped out Meralco’s 19-point deficit late in the game had the three on the floor at the same time.
Despite that, Jose insists that they still have to work more together.
“Hopefully sana ma-improve pa namin ang sarili namin as a team, magtrabaho pa kami. Kulang pa. Wala pa kaming pinapakita,” said the 25-year-old.
“Sana yung team namin, mas maging isa kami at ma-improve namin lahat.”
And more than the teamwork that has to be polished better, Jose also sees the need to adjust in the league’s style of play, even if he had shown flashes that he can play against much more seasoned cagers.
“Yung mga nakakalaban ko, beterano sila. Kailangan talaga mag-adjust ako. Bawal mag-relax. Konting ano lang, wala ka na kaya kailangan i-improve sarili ko,” said Jose.
“Hopefully next game namin maka-adjust na ako.”
