A little over a month ago, Matthew Wright’s dream of entering the PBA was just a plan; a two to three year plan to be exact. However, plans change.
When coach Chot Reyes took charge of Gilas Pilipinas once more, he committed every member of the Gilas Pilipinas pool to the 2016 PBA Draft. Moreover, the PBA exempted Wright from the PBA D-League residency rule.
“It was crazy. A month ago I had no idea what was going to happen,” Wright said Friday afternoon during the 2016 SLAM Draft Suite. “I had a plan on what I want to happen but it finally came into fruition.”
“I’m just a kid from Canada who did not expect to be in the PBA for another two to three years. Just being in the Combine with a bunch of draft hopefuls and being in this Slam Draft Suite is just a blessing. I used to read Slam as a kid. It’s crazy how far I’ve come.”
However, Wright’s journey to the PBA Draft is different from the rest of his Gilas Pilipinas teammates. Compared to the 11 other members of the pool, the Filipino-Canadian did not play collegiate basketball here, as he had studied and played for St. Bonaventure University. For him, playing in the United States is what differentiates him from the rest of the draft hopefuls.
“In college, I was guarding NBA talent. I was going up against guys like Langston Galloway, Norris Cole. That stiff competition helped me prepare as I played against the best of the best in the States,” said Wright, who played for the KL Dragons in the ABL after his collegiate career ended.
“I think it will give me an advantage as a rookie playing in the PBA.”
Moreover, a short stint with Mighty Sports-Philippines during the Merlion Cup helped introduce him to the Filipino brand of basketball.
Photo by Kuk Thew
“That was a great experience as well but the last game though still haunts me,” the 25-year-old reflected. “Playing against Jimmer Fredette and other NBA guys, and having NBA guys on my team, that experience alone helped me get better as a basketball player.”
And with reports stating that he is set to be drafted by the Phoenix Fuel Masters, Wright’s transition to the PBA will be a lot easier since he will be reunited with former Dragons head coach Ariel Vanguardia.
“If that happens on Sunday, I’d be very happy,” he shared.
But for Wright, whose mother hails from Tarlac, he just wants to be drafted and enter the big league.
“But to be honest, I’m just lucky to be here. I’m not picky. I’m just happy that I can be picked by anybody.”
