NLEX has signed Jonnel Policarpio to a three-year rookie contract, on Monday at the NLEX Corporation office in Caloocan City.
The 22-year-old Kapampangan was selected as the sixth overall pick in the 2024 PBA Draft held last July 14.
NLEX Corporation President J. Luigi L. Bautista, Team Governor Ronald Dulatre, Head Coach Jong Uichico, and Team Manager Virgil Villavicencio were present during the signing.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa NLEX kasi kahit ako hindi ko inexpect na kukunin nila ako kaagad nung draft. Tapos ngayon, three years pa binigay nila sa akin. Talagang susuklian ko ‘yung tiwala na binigay nila sa akin,” said Policarpio, who was with his agent Anton Brodett of Phenom Championship Clinic during the signing.
Road Warriors head coach Jong Uichico also shared his optimism about Policarpio’s future with the team.
“It will take patience from both sides for Jonnel to realize his full potential. As coaches, we want to be the ones who’ll teach him not just on the court, but also off of it. He’ll be an integral part of our team’s future,” Uichico commented.
Standing at 6-foot-5, Policarpio is a versatile forward with a proven track record, having secured championships in both 5-on-5 and 3×3 basketball during his one year in the UAAP.
Policarpio also expressed his excitement about joining the Road Warriors and his commitment to making the most of this opportunity.
“Masaya ako na makasama ko ang NLEX at maglaro sa PBA,” he said. “Hindi ko sasayangin ang pagkakataong ito, at sisikapin kong ibigay ang lahat para sa NLEX.”
Policarpio and the rest of the Road Warriors are headed to Baguio City for a six-day training camp in preparation for the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup.
