Brian Heruela was the 26th overall pick of the 2014 PBA Rookie Draft, and quickly made mileage for the Blackwater Elite in his first year as a pro.
Despite being a rookie on paper and on a cellar-dwelling team, Heruela displayed the characteristics of a veteran on the hardcourt, and a fine quarterback in the 26 games he played for the Elite in the 2014-15 PBA season.
Heruela put on 10.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.5 SPG in while playing over 33 minutes per match as the Elite’s leader.
The 5-foot-10 guard was then dealt to the Barako Bull Energy via a trade which brought Carlo Lastimosa to the Elite, a surprising move given how Heruela is the clear-cut best player of the Blackwater franchise.
With a season already in the bag and starting the next one with a new squad, Tiebreaker Times had the chance to talk with the point guard.
You put on an impressive first year, although you will have to sort of start again after being traded. How do you approach this new experience?
Brian Heruela: As soon that I learned I got traded, I just took it as a professional. For me, I have to prepare mentally. It is an adjustment for me, a new team, a new system so I just hope they are going to like how I am going to play.
You’ve been in the local basketball scene for a while now, but to be a full-time pro finally, how would you sum up your first year in the PBA? What has changed?
It is a good experience. I got a lot to learn and a lot to improve on. I will continue working and learn how to be a leader on the court as a point guard. It is a process. Now being on a new team, I am looking forward to learn more. I have to improve on my skill sets a lot, my shooting, my assets and overall game.
When you hear or see people talk about you in a positive way like including you among the brightest guards in the league, how do you react?
It has been amazing for me. It is a confidence booster and I appreciate all those who believe in me. I promise them to continue working hard and improving my game. I hope they keep on watching.
What else should you work on in your next seasons in the PBA and what should you bring to Barako?
With my energy and leadership I hope I can fit right with the team. I am just going to adjust to whatever system they have and have good chemistry. I look forward to be with them.
