Ulsan Hyundai Mobis has found its Asian import.
Miguel Oczon has decided to forgo his remaining years with the College of Saint Benilde, signing with the Phoebus for the rest of the 2023-24 Korean Basketball League season.
The 23-year-old native of Davao City will join Ulsan Hyundai later this month.
Oczon, a 6-foot guard, transferred to the Blazers after a season at National University.
He still had two years of eligibility left in the NCAA.
In 38 games played with CSB, he averaged 12.63 points, 4.97 rebounds, and 2.34 assists.
“I am beyond thrilled. When we took him in, he was initially just a role player, but his hard work and dedication truly helped him improve as a player,” said Blazers head coach Charles Tiu about Oczon.
Oczon becomes the second CSB product who will ply his trade in Korea after Justin Gutang, who is with Changwon LG.
“It always gives me a sense of fulfillment to see any of our players succeed in life; in fact, it gives meaning to what we are doing. Let me be clear that we don’t take any credit for his success; we merely provided an opportunity for him to showcase his skills,” Tiu continued, who also guided Gutang during his collegiate years.
“It goes to show that we are doing something right when it comes to developing players. He deserves this, and I am excited to see him play in Korea. Hopefully, he will perform well there.”
Oczon will have big shoes to fill as he is tasked to replace RJ Abarrientos, who was last season’s Rookie of the Year. Abarrientos eventually left the Mobis to join the Shinshu Brave Warriors.
Other Filipinos in the KBL are Rhenz Abando (Anyang Jung Kwan Jang), SJ Belangel (Daegu KOGAS), Juan Gomez de Liano (Seoul SK), Dave Ildefonso (Suwon KT), Ethan Alvano (Wonju DB), Avan Nava (Seoul Samsung), and Calvin Epistola (Busan KCC).
The Phoebus are currently 8-9 in the standings.
