It’s been six years since Justin Chua and Nico Salva went 10 and 11 in the 2013 PBA Rookie Draft.
In the first game of the 2019 season, the two showed that they are just hitting their prime.
Salva, at 28 years old, tallied a career-high 22 points on an efficient 9-of-12 shooting to go along with six rebounds. But his output was not enough to overcome the 29-year-old Chua’s career game of 24 points.
During that early season classic on Wednesday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, it was as if both Chua and Salva were fighting a personal duel as the two exchanged baskets, especially in extra time.
“Nag-usap nga kami kanina. Sabi ko, ‘Bakit parang kapag nakaka-score ako, nakaka-score ka rin? Ano meron?’ Kasi last conference siya rin kapag nakaka-shoot ako nakaka-shoot din siya,” recalled Chua, who is in his sixth team.
“Siguro nagkakataon lang lagi, pero alam naman natin magaling si Nico.”
Salva, who is in his fifth team, added, “Oo nga eh. Actually yung last game rin namin dito nung playoffs merong time na nagpapalitan din kami.”
“I’m happy for him.”
Both Salva and Chua have come a long way.
Back in 2008, they were part of a recruiting coup for the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles. Together with Ryan Buenafe, the troika led the Blue Eagles to history, carrying Ateneo to an unprecedented five straight championships. In addition, both Salva and Chua became part of an ultra-elite club in the UAAP – the five [championships] in five [years] club.
However, during the first few years of their pro career, the two struggled to find their niche in the PBA. Trade after trade, the two simply became pieces for transactions.
Still, it did not dampen their spirits as they continued to persevere.
And they were both rewarded with two-year extensions by their respective balls clubs.
“Siyempre fruit of labor din ito kasi we’re all working hard naman eh. Lalo na si Nico, laging ‘yang nage-extra work eh,” expressed the 6-foot-6 Chua.
“Nung start ng career niya, ‘di siya nagagamit kaya buti ngayon nabigyan siya ng chance.”
“I’m happy he’s being given the opportunity and chance to show what he’s got and he’s playing well,” shared Salva.
“It’s really an answered prayer. I also waited for this for a long time. There were times na nagdo-doubt ako, but I just stayed consistent with my work. And I just kept on praying and thank God na nabibigyan ng chance ngayon.”
Seeing Chua and Salva flourish, Meralco head coach Norman Black – who was their mentor back in Ateneo – could not help but be proud with the work the two have put in. And he knows that the two former Blue Eagles will still be in the big league for the years to come.
“I think what you see happening is what normally happens with most players who enter the PBA. Very few players come in and become superstars right away,” said Black, who was a two-time Best Import back in the 80s.
“It’s really after three or four years that they start to mature, their bodies get stronger, they get a little bit of experience that you see. [Then] the real talents start to come out,” he added.
“Both Justin and Nico were good players in Ateneo. Now it’s just coming out. They’re used to the league already. Their coaches have given them opportunities and they took advantage of them.”
