It looks like Trevis Jackson won’t find it that hard to adjust to the PBA life.
The 23-year-old from Sacramento is friends with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s veteran guard Sol Mercado, and that relationship has been a big help for Jackson – especially now that he’s about to turn pro.
“Not just in this Combine, but being a young man in life in general – just being here and being on the court, he lets me know to control my emotions, understand the bigger picture, and it’s not always about you but the group.
“Luckily, we’re very similar in that mindset, so he’s been able to get to me very easily and I’ve been able to translate that to my play,” said Jackson moments after the PBA Draft Combine, Thursday at Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong.
But Jackson isn’t just drawing inspiration from Mercado. The Sacramento State product is also looking at the likes of Alaska Ace Simon Enciso, Rain or Shine’s leader Gabe Norwood, and San Miguel Beer floor general Chris Ross.
“I just take little pieces from everybody,” said Jackson, who had drawn comparisons to Ross, according to Alex Cabagnot, when the latter was doing commentary in one of Jackson’s games in the PBA D-League.
Jackson is aware of the pressure being a Fil-Am cager brings, particularly with the impact his predecessors have had in the league. But the former Marinerong Pilipino Skipper isn’t feeling it.
He even likes his chances in the Draft this Sunday, despite the fact that the class is loaded with guards.
“I’ll take the title that comes with it, but I don’t feel pressure that I have to perform extra good. That’s how it is and you got to take it and roll with the punches. It is a guard-heavy draft, but everyone here is prepared,” Travis said.
“As far as my chances, I like ’em. I do like my chances and I look forward to it.”
