One of the top young floor generals in the amateur ranks is poised to start a new chapter in his life.
Jerom Lastimosa has entered his name in the upcoming 2024 PBA Draft.
“Super excited ako dahil magkakaroon na ako ng bagong chapter sa buhay ko, at sa tingin ko, ito na ang pinakahihintay kong pagkakataon na matupad ang isa sa mga pangarap ko,” the proud son of Dumaguete, Negros Occidental told Tiebreaker Times.
Lastimosa spent the last six years at Adamson University, under the guidance of coaches Franz Pumaren and later Nash Racela, developing into one of the country’s premier guards.
During UAAP Season 85, the 5-foot-11, do-it-all guard earned the PSBankable Player of the Season award – an order of merit award for the student-athlete with the most Player of the Game honors.
(C) Adamson University
The blessings did not stop there. He was part of Gilas Men’s redeem team during the 32nd Southeast Asian Games that saw the Philippines regain the gold medal.
(C) Ariya Kurniawan
His journey took a turn during UAAP Season 86 on October 25, 2023, when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear, sidelining him for the season.
Now eight months into recovery, Lastimosa remains optimistic: “First of all, maga-guarantee ko sa team na kukuha sa‘kin is ibibigay ko ang one hundred-percent ko and I’m talking about one hundred-percent heart and effort,” he shared.
“Since, ayun nga, galing ako sa injury, talagang tinatrabaho ko yung pagpapalakas ko kasi ganun ako ka-hungry na makabalik sa paglaro. Hindi rin ako pinabayaan ng Adamson sa aking recovery. Dahil sa kanila, ang bilis ng progress ko.”
The draft is set for July 14, just 13 days after his 26th birthday. Should he get drafted, it would be the ultimate birthday gift for Lastimosa, who has overcome considerable challenges in the past year.
“Kung sakali na ma-draft ako, it is gonna be the best birthday gift ever.”
