CJ Payawal believes that the experiences he’s gained since arriving in the Philippines almost half a decade ago made him equipped for the PBA.
And that, he offered, could be his advantage over the other aspirants looking to make it to the league through the Season 49 Draft this Sunday in Makati.
“I would say my experience, and my ability to adapt to different systems,” he said.
“Because I’ve been on a lot of different teams, I’ve played in a lot of different places. So, I’m feeling really confident in adapting to any system.”
The 6-foot-3 Fil-Am winger is trying his luck in the PBA after going through quite a ride since coming to Manila after the pandemic.
Payawal is known by some for his stint with University of the East in the UAAP Season 85, But little did he know back then that his one-and-done run with the Red Warriors would actually open doors that furthered his young career.
The Illinois-born cager was signed by Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 and went on to see action in numerous competitions here and abroad, most notably in the four-leg FIBA 3X3 Pro League Netherlands 2023 in Amsterdam.
He would soon take his talents to the MPBL by joining the Valenzuela Classic, and eventually decided to apply for this year’s PBA Draft as he believes that all the stops he’s had have made him prepared for the leap.
“Definitely, a journey,” described the 27-year-old Payawal of his stay so far. “I feel like it really grew me — through physicality, through IQ.
“3×3 is a lot different than 5-on-5 obviously, it’s a faster pace, so I was forced to slow down and gain more IQ. And then MPBL, very physical, and I feel like the PBA is a combination of all that. I feel like I’m well-prepared,” he added.
Payawal is among the 70 hopefuls in this year’s class and while others hope to get picked high, to just get selected is already an honor per se.
“Any team would be a blessing. I just can’t wait,” he said, smiling.
“It’s very exciting.”
