Sunday evening, after the NLEX Road Warriors’ selection of Paul Desiderio with the number four pick in the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft, there was another shocker when the Meralco Bolts chose Trevis Jackson with the fifth pick.
Many projected the Bolts to acquire a big man to boost them, most especially in the Philippine Cup. Hence, their decision to draft the 6-foot point guard from Sacramento raised eyebrows.
But head coach Norman Black justified their move.
“He attended our practices and he played really well. We took into consideration the last few years – we’re in the top three on defense in the PBA, but offensively, our pace is quite slow. We think Trevis brings a lot of speed,” Black said.
“He’s a good point guard in terms of facilitating for others, and we just want to pick the pace a little bit faster and score a little bit more points,” he added. “We really felt that the bigs in the draft we’re not much better than what we have.
“We just wanted to take the best available talent. If you don’t think you’ll bring in people who can bring in a huge difference immediately, then you want to make sure you get the best available players. And that’s what we did today.”
It might bring unnecessary pressure for him after being picked that high, but Jackson says otherwise.
“No pressure. I just play the game I’ve loved since day one. That’s the only way I see it. I don’t feel pressure,” said the Sacramento State product. “This is what I wanted to do, and this is what I’ve chosen to do. And I’m gonna keep going.”
Jackson is simply grateful that his dreams have come true. And he can’t wait to buckle down for work with the Orangemen and especially with Black, who’s regarded as one of the greatest to grace the league.
“Oh man, it’s an honor! I’m ecstatic to be playing for him and their organization. I’m thankful he picked me and I’m ready to go,” said Jackson, who played two D-League conferences last season with Gamboa Coffee and Marinerong Pilipino.
“I’m ecstatic, I’m so happy. I loved my workout with them. And just the atmosphere at that gym – it made me excited to play basketball,” added the 23-year-old.
“I’m so happy to go there and get ready to work.“
Jackson is aware that he will be in a team loaded with guards – incluing Anjo Caram, Mike Tolomia, and Baser Amer – so he really has to earn his spot. But for the Fil-American, he’s looking forward to learn from them.
“First of all, I wanna learn from them, learn the little tricks of the game. Take everything that I can and be ready to play the game I’ve played my whole life.”
