Joshua Munzon entered Saigon as a boy, and left Malaysia as a man
After being in the United States for most of his life, Joshua Munzon entered uncharted territory in 2016.
During his first full year out of California State University-Los Angeles, Munzon traveled halfway across the world to play for the Saigon Heat, traced his roots in the Philippines, and, early in 2017, transferred to the Malaysia Dragons.
“I felt like it was a big learning experience from me. I was a 21-year-old kid when I was first started in Saigon. Now I’m 22 and I have a whole season under my belt,” Munzon reflected.
“I feel like I’ve grown not only as a person, but as a basketball player. Just taking everything as a whole and everything that happened in the year –- I feel like I’ve grown. That’s the big thing for me this year: growth on and off the court.”
Though the Dragons failed to enter the playoffs — finishing the season with a 7-13 slate — the 6-foot-5 impressed. The swingman ended the season averaging 18.73 points, 4.45 rebounds, and 2.73 assists, capping his first campaign with a 35-point, eight-rebound, six-assist, and two-steal outing against the also-ran Kaoshiung Truth.
“I just wanted to come out to play in the last game of our season, give everything I had heading into the summer. Just give all my effort in one game,” he shared after the Dragons’ 114-108 win Saturday evening.
Moreover, with the two steals he registered in the game, Munzon broke the ABL record for most steals in a season with 61. For Munzon, this feat is a testament to his drive and hunger.
“That just shows you [that] I have the motor and I’mma play hard every game, I’mma go out there and get after the ball. I play with a chip on my shoulder,” the all-time ABL steals leader added.
“I play mad. I’ve always been the type of person… you can’t really get in with me. You hit me, I’mma hit you harder. That’s just the way I’ve been brought up as a kid.”
With the ABL season over — and a wealth of experience under his belt — Munzon plans to get a breather before planning what’s next for him.
“Im’ma take some time [off]. I’ll go back home to LA, spend some time with my family and friends, talk to my agent. Weigh my options definitely,” the Filipino-American said.
And he is leaving the doors open for either another stint in the ABL, or possibly entering the PBA D-League.
“You could possibly see me back in the ABL next year or see me in the Philippines.
“It all depends. It’s a long time from now but I just have to weigh my options and talk to my family and see what’s best for me,” he admitted.
Photos by Kuk Thew/ASEAN Basketball League
