Former College of Saint Benilde Blazer Jonathan Grey is expected to be a lock-in as a top-three pick in the 2016 PBA Rookie Draft.
A natural scorer, the 6-foot-3 wing turned heads in the PBA D-League. Having played under the tutelage of now-Rain or Shine head coach Caloy Garcia, he proved that he can be one of the focal points of a team’s offense as he was able to lead the Racal Tile Masters to the top seed during the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup.
Even after a stint in the Gilas Pilipinas pool that further raised his stock, Grey is not raising his expectations for the upcoming draft.
“Siyempre very grateful ako na yung projection nila ganoon, pero sa akin, di ko na iniisip. Ang mahalaga lang ay ma-draft,” the Laguna native said. “Hindi mo rin kasi masasabi ang desisyon ng mga coaches.”
“Wala akong ine-expect. Basta gusto ko lang ma-draft.”
Grey shared that he is grateful that the sacrifices he made with Saint Benilde have born fruit.
“Nung nasa Racal pa lang ako, sinasabi na ni coach Caloy sa akin kung ano yung gagawin. Alam na naman niya na alam ko na yung gusto ko gawin,” the NCAA Season 91 All-Star Game MVP shared. “Feeling ko mas okay yung nangyari kasi nakapag-D-League ako at napasama sa Gilas Cadets kaya mas naging okay ang nangyari.”
Without that added year of development, the 24-year-old feels that he would not be as well-rounded as he is today. Moreover, the added weapons that he has gained is what makes him stand out from the rest of the field.
“Siguro bukod sa scoring, team player din ako na kaya mag-defense at pumasa,” said Grey, who was supposed to be a part of the 2015 Draft but failed to meet the D-League residency requirements needed.
“Puwede ako mag-adjust sa team na mapupuntahan ko.”
