“Banat.”
It has become a familiar catchphrase among Adrian Nocum’s followers through his vlogs, but the word now carries a bigger meaning as the guard prepares to bring that same mentality to the 20th Asian Games stage with Gilas Pilipinas.
Rather than dwell on the pressure of representing the country and defending the gold medal, Nocum is choosing to embrace the opportunity, eager to see what he and his teammates can accomplish once they finally step on the court.
“Yun, sabi ko nga, excited din talaga ako kung ano ‘yung mapapakita namin. Excited mag-compete,” said the Rain or Shine guard.
“Kumbaga, banat. Syempre enjoy lang din.”
When the games begin, Nocum knows exactly what he needs to do — apply his game and fill whatever role Gilas needs from him.
Whether it is his fearless drives to the basket, creative finishing around the rim, or the playmaking he has continued to develop, the 27-year-old guard is ready to use whatever tools he has to help the national team.
“’Yun nga, sabi nga ni Coach Richard (Del Rosario) na kaya kami nandito kasi ‘yung mga strengths namin alam na makakatulong dito sa team,” Nocum said.
“So kung ano lang ‘yung laro ko, i-a-apply ko lang sa sistema ng mga coaches. Kung ano ‘yung matutulong ko, gagawin ko lang.”
While Nocum is confident in what he can bring to the table, he also understands that being part of Gilas means learning from those who have already been through the grind of international basketball.
(C) PBA Images
“Nandiyan sila Kuya Robert (Bolick), ‘yung mga beterano sila Kuya Don (Trollano), sinasabihan naman nila kami na ‘yun nga sa mga sistema, kung ano ‘yung matutulong namin sa team,” Nocum said.
Bolick, in particular, has made the adjustment easier for Nocum. The two have shared the court before during the PBA All-Star festivities and now find themselves as roommates while preparing for the Asian Games.
“Ano kami, roommate kami ni Kuya Robert and nagkasama na rin kami sa All-Star, so alam mo ‘yun, si Kuya Robert kasi ‘yung tao na sobrang gaan pakisamahan,” Nocum said.
“Marami siyang kuwento, marami kang matututunan sa kaniya kahit puro kulitan. Sobrang dali lang talaga siyang pakisamahan.”
Nocum also made sure to credit one of the people who helped pave his way to Gilas Pilipinas — Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao, who played a key role in giving him the opportunity to reach this stage of his career.
The former Mapua guard made sure to send a message to his mentor after earning his spot on the Asian Games squad.
“Nung napasama nga ako dito, nag-message nga ako sa kanya na sabi ko sa kanya na ‘Coach, aalis na kami,’” Nocum recalled. “Nagpasalamat lang ako sa kanya kasi kung hindi dahil sa kanya, hindi ako makakasama dito.
“Sabi niya lang sa’kin na bigay ko lang ‘yung makakaya ko and make us proud sabi niya.”
Now, with the opportunity to represent the Philippines on one of basketball’s biggest stages in Asia, Nocum is ready to do exactly that — with his familiar “Banat” mantra leading the way.
