Clifford Jopia experienced his first-ever Manila Clasico on Sunday night, and the Magnolia big man couldn’t feel happier to be living in this reality.
The former San Beda Red Lion feels blessed just playing in the PBA, still, after coming to a point where the future appeared bleak for him.
“Sobrang suwerte ko kasi binibigyan ako ng chance,” said Jopia moments after the Hotshots’ 88-73 victory over Barangay Ginebra at the SMART Araneta Coliseum for only their second win in the Season 50 Governors’ Cup.
Drafted at 26th overall by Blackwater in 2023, the 28-year-old found himself without a team after he did not receive a contract renewal from the Bossing after the Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, becoming a free agent.
The situation, of course, left him worried.
“Sobra, kasi siyempre una, wala kang sahod,” lamented the cager from Cebu.
“Marami kang binabayaran.”
Fortunately for him, he’d been working out with renowned skills coach Kirk Collier, who then gave him the idea to try his luck with Magnolia.
“Sabi niya pwede raw ako mag-try out sa Magnolia,” said Jopia of the long-time mentor, who was brought along by LA Tenorio from the Kings when the decorated point guard got appointed as the Hotshots’ chief bench tactician.
After some time, Jopia found himself putting ink to paper. The team gave him a one-year contract, with team manager Alvin Patrimonio welcoming him to one of the league’s most popular ball clubs.
And now, he’s becoming a key part of Tenorio’s rotation. So far in the season-ending conference, he has logged an average of 11.2 minutes per game, allowing veterans like Ian Sangalang to stay fresh when needed in crunch time.
“Hindi ko nakukuha ‘to before, kaya sobrang saya ko na binibigyan ako ng minutes,” said Jopia, who didn’t see much opportunity with the Bossing.
“Nakikita rin nila na kailangan si Kuya Ian sa second unit. So ako, nilalagay nila ‘ko roon. Tsaka depensa na rin, ‘yun ‘yung maco-contribute ko.”
For the 6-foot-8 big man, he’s only trying his best to help however he can — his form of showing appreciation for giving him a chance.
“Galing ako ng free agency eh, nag-try out pa ako. Sobrang saya ko kasi binibigyan talaga nila ako ng opportunity para maglaro,” he said.
