Javee Mocon made quite an impression in his PBA debut for Rain or Shine.
But more than his known scoring prowess, it was his defensive skillset that caught head coach Caloy Garcia’s eye the most. Mocon helped power a masterful 96-87 win for the Elasto Painters over the NLEX Road Warriors in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup, Friday night at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
Garcia said he was in awe of Mocon’s ability to guard wingmen and guards despite being used the power forward position during his time with the San Beda Red Lions.
“Nung nasa San Beda kasi siya, he usually plays the four position, so malakas ang katawan niya,” said Garcia of the 6-foot-4 Mocon, whom he tapped as the sixth overall pick in the PBA Rookie Draft last month.
“What surprises me is he can guard smaller guards and he doesn’t stop playing hard.”
Mocon was grateful for Garcia’s praises, assuring his readiness to be the Elasto Painters’ newest stopper aside from offering his usual scoring abilities.
“I’m looking forward to defend pa yung mga scorers dito sa PBA,” said the three-time champion NCAA champion and Season 94 Finals MVP, who tallied 13 points and five rebounds in 18 minutes of play.
Garcia was already impressed with Mocon’s versatility.
However, that is only second to his dedication, which proves Garcia’s tag of him as the steal of the 2018 draft class bannered by top three picks CJ Perez, Ray Parks, Jr., and Robert Bolick.
“When we got him, I said that he might be the steal of the draft,” Garcia said.
“He even reported for our first practice at six-thirty in the morning.”
Rain or Shine’s training is set from 9:00am to 12:00nn.
However, Mocon refused to dwell on the praise, as he emphasized the long way ahead of him here in the pro-league.
“Oo, six-thirty ako ng umaga ako dumating. Actually late na nga yun eh kasi ang aga ko umaalis eh, grabe traffic sa’min,” quipped Mocon, who hails from Antipolo City, Rizal.
“I’m just gonna prove everyday na deserve ko yung praises na sinasabi niya. Marami pa ‘kong matututunan.”
