For Javee Mocon, he will never say no whenever Gilas Pilipinas extends an invitation his way.
So when he was asked to join the national team in its preparations for the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers’ first window set next week, the 24-year-old did not hesitate to go.
“Ako naman, oo agad,” said the incoming sophomore with Rain or Shine.
“No-brainer ‘yan eh. Basta Gilas Pilipinas.”
Mocon immediately buckled down to work with the Nationals on Tuesday evening, a day after the invite. And none other than head coach Mark Dickel is glad to have him on board.
The Kiwi mentor even admitted that he’s a fan of the 6-foot-3 forward’s game since he had been able to watch him in the PBA last season while serving as an active consultant to TNT KaTropa.
“Huge admirer of him from the PBA. He plays great against TNT every time he plays us,” he said. “It was good to see him up close and he’s a really good player, well-coached.
“Great to have him.”
Mocon is among the new faces of this particular batch of Philippine flag-bearers following the withdrawal of Christian Standhardinger, Japeth Aguilar, and Mac Belo from the pool last week.
Before Mocon, Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters center Justin Chua entered the pool over the weekend, then the Alaska Aces’ frontcourt tandem of veteran Vic Manuel and Abu Tratter.
The San Beda product has now become another viable option for the final 12-man lineup. But for Mocon, whether he makes it or not, he feels honored enough just being part of the pool.
“This is a privilege na ma-consider. It’s a blessing na rin in itself eh, kahit na nasa pool pa lang ako.”
