With all his experiences playing for San Beda, the PBA D-League, and Gilas Pilipinas, Garvo Lanete was expected to step to the PBA last year. The multi-titled sharpshooter, however, chose to delay his application to get back to even better shape.
“I think I was more ready this year than last year. Last year I wasn’t really a hundred percent but this year gusto ko pumasok na 100 percent ako,” Lanete said.
In turned out to be a blessing in disguise as Lanete was selected sixth overall by the NLEX Road Warriors in the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft.
With the Road Warriors, Lanete reunites with head coach Boyet Fernandez whom he has played for and won championships in the D-League.
Lanete says it will help him adjust quickly as he already knows what is expected of him in the pro ranks.
“I am really familiar with the system already, and it will be easier for me to adjust with the team. Thankful ako na dito ako napunta,” he said.
The former Gilas cadet is also leaning on his years of experience in international competition and in the D-League to help him adjust to the PBA style of play.
“Yung experience ko malaking tulong dahil it helped me prepare for the pro level. My championships will help a lot. Yung physicality sa D-League big factor para maging ready ako sa PBA,” he said.
One of the advantages Lanete can bring is his outside shooting, and with the presence of Asi Taulava for NLEX, he thinks he will get good looks as the center will draw attention.
“Asi can really post-up well, and if we are on the same side I think maghe-help ang bumabantay sa akin sa kaniya so may factor ang spacing,” he explained.
Lanete is looking forward to improve on even more facets of his game so he can help the Road Warriors, and he is readier than ever.
“Yung mga weaknesses ko like dribbling kailangan ko pang i-improve and kung ano ang kailangan ng team sa akin na sa tingin ko makakatulong ako, willing ako mag-adjust.”
