Despite not getting to win the PBA Season 45 Most Improved Player award, Justin Chua still hit the jackpot.
Chua, who is in Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna, received a pleasant surprise from his team Phoenix Super LPG. For his efforts in the PBA Bubble in Clark last year, the seven-year pro was rewarded with a three-year deal by the Fuel Masters.
And of course, the product of Ateneo was elated.
“Sobrang ecstatic to be staying in Phoenix,” he told Tiebreaker Times.
“We still have some unfinished business and I’m excited to be playing again with my teammates.”
The 6-foot-6 stretch big man came into the league in 2013 as he was picked 10th overall by San Mig Coffee. He was immediately shipped to GlobalPort where he spent his first year in the league.
Year after year since 2017, he bounced around the league, playing for San Miguel Beer, Barako Bull, Meralco, and TNT.
Since then, he has found a home in Phoenix.
During the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup, Chua averaged career-highs of 13.18 points, 6.82 rebounds, 1.82 assists, and 1.73 blocks per game. It resulted to him getting the longest contract of his career.
“I’m so thankful sa management and coaches for trusting me with this long contract. Ibig sabihin they value me also.”
And come April, he can’t wait to prove to Phoenix that he is not just a one-hit wonder.
