Though the Blackwater Elite failed to acquire a spot in the Asia League Summer Super 8 2018 semifinals in Macau, China, due to number crunching, rookie forward Raymar Jose still had a great time in the tourney.
For him, the Super 8 gave him confidence for the Governors’ Cup.
From an underwhelming 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup run, where he only normed 2.6 points and 2.7 rebounds, Jose improved in Macau with numbers of 14.3 points and 6.3 boards in over 24 minutes.
His finest outing happened on July 19, in their 90-66 rout of Japan B.League’s Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka. Jose was at the forefront of the Elite’s attack with a near double-double of 18 points and nine rebounds in 20 minutes.
“Malaking bagay ang exposure na nakukuha ko dito sa liga na ito. Kumbaga nakakabalik kumpyansa ko sa laro kasi tagal ko ring hindi nakakalaro ng heavy minutes,” the former FEU Tamaraw told Tiebreaker Times, Friday.
“Sobrang laking bagay na nabibigyan ako ni Coach Bong ng chance dito sa Macau.”
Aside from the confidence boost, the 6-foot-4 tenacious rebounder is also thankful for the lessons that he learned while going up against more seasoned ball clubs from other parts of Asia. For him, it’s helped him grow as a player.
Photo from Power Sports Images
“Madami ako natutunan dito,” admitted the third overall pick in the 2017 Draft. “Very good experience ito para sa akin. Kahit sa tatlong laro lang, natutunan ko kung papano maging mature na player, yung pagiging smart kasi maliliksi mga big man na nakakalaban ko dito e.”
With all that that he was able to absorb in the Super 8, the 2017 Foundation Cup Most Valuable Player has now become optimistic that he can deliver come the 2018 Governors’ Cup.
“Sa tingin ko madami ang madadala nito sa akin para sa Governors’ Cup. Basta always ready lang ako lagi kung gamitin ako ni coach,” shared the 24-year-old forward. “Para sa akin, kailangan ko ibigay best ko kung gamitin niya ko sa loob.
“Tulad dito, nung binigyan niya ako minutes at ginawa ko best ko. Buti nag-deliver naman ako at hindi nasayang yung minutes na binigay ni coach sa akin.”
