Exactly eight years ago, Noy Baclao was chosen by the Air21 Express as the first overall pick of the 2010 PBA Draft.
Exactly eight years after that, the 6-foot-5 forward celebrated the anniversary of his entry into the league.
On Wednesday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, Baclao delivered 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two blocks to help the Alaska Aces – his fifth PBA team – post a 108-97 win over the Phoenix Fuel Masters.
According to the league’s chief statistician Fidel Mangonon, Baclao’s 15 points are his best output in an Alaska uniform – the 31-year-old became a part of the Alaska franchise back in 2015 in a trade with GlobalPort Batang Pier.
“Tagal na nun ah,” said Baclao, smiling.
“Sana tuloy-tuloy lang.”
For the eight years he has been in the league, the Ateneo de Manila alum has never reached star status in all the teams – Air21, Petron Blaze Boosters, Talk ‘N’ Text Tropang Texters, GlobalPort, and Alaska – that he has played for.
But he doesn’t aim to be a superstar. For Baclao, he is more than satisfied to provide what is needed from him.
“Sa tinatakbo ng career ko, ano ba, reflection, may ups and downs din talaga.
“Just continue, keep moving forward just keep doing kung ano kailangan gawin. Kasi sa team na ‘to bibigyan ka talaga ng kumpiyansa,” he reflected.
And most importantly, Baclao is thankful that he has been able to be in the league for so long.
“Nakakatuwa na nakaabot ako ng eight years na hindi masyadong nagamit,” quipped Baclao, a two-time gold medalist and Finals MVP in the UAAP.
“As of now, siguro kailangan ko pa magpursige, may family na rin ako.”
