BJ Andrade did not expect to be selected high in the PBA Season 48 Rookie Draft, especially considering that he has yet to recover from an ACL injury.
The former Ateneo Blue Eagle saw himself chosen by Converge with the 10th overall pick on Sunday, which exceeded his expectations.
“Ine-expect ko po second round, third round,” he told reporters during the proceedings held at the Ayala Malls Market! Market! in Taguig.
Andrade tore his left ACL in February during Pampanga Royce Hotel’s game against Davao Occidental-Cocolife in the Pilipinas Super League, marking the second ACL injury of his career.
He had previously suffered a similar injury to the other knee in February 2020 during Ateneo’s game against San Beda in the PCCL UAAP-NCAA Challenge.
His recent ACL tear forced a change in his plans.
Andrade was originally set to sign with the now-defunct Bay Area for the EASL Champions Week until he got injured.
Nevertheless, he is not dwelling on the past and is grateful that Converge selected him with the 10th pick.
“Thankful ako na na-pick ako ng first round,” he said.
Now, his focus is on recovering, with the possibility of suiting up for Converge during the Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup.
“Progress ko siguro is nasa 60-percent na,” said the nephew of all-time great Danny Ildefonso, who’s also an assistant coach in the FiberXers.
“Kaka-start ko lang tumalon. Makiki-clear po ako ng around January, February.”
