MANILA – Hard work has finally paid off for Bacolodnon guard Nico Paolo Javelona. He is set to make his PBA debut with Global Port Batang Pier in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup.
The 25-year-old Javelona, who came from an impressive stint with newly-crowned ASEAN Basketball League champions San Miguel-Alab Pilipinas, was signed up by Batang Pier recently.
The former National University Bulldogs guard said he was thankful for the opportunity given by Batang Pier and plans to pay the team’s trust with his tough defense.
“Sa depensa, it’s all about discipline,” The Bacolod City-native Javelona said in an interview. “Wala namang sikreto doon. Iwas lang sa mga sundot at mas maganda kung nasa harap ka ng kalaban, mas lalo silang nabo-bother.”
“Karamihan ayaw ng defense. Kailangan talaga ng effort at saka willingness,” added Javelona. “Sobrang sarap kapag naka-stop, lalo na kapag crucial. Proud ako kapag pinagkakatiwalaan ng coach na bantayan ‘yung star ng kalaban.”
Javelona, who was selected by Phoenix Fuel Masters in the second round of the 2016 PBA Rookie Draft, said being signed up by Batang Pier was a fulfillment of his deceased father’s dream for him to make a name for himself in Manila.
“Ang pangarap ng dad ko sa akin ay makapaglaro ako sa UAAP. Alam kong matutuwa siya na nakapasok ako sa PBA,” said Javelona, who previously played for West Negros University Mustangs before being recruited to the Bulldogs.
Javelona, who also had stints with Marinerong Pilipino in PBA D-League, will make his Batang Pier debut when it faces Magnolia Hotshots in an out-of-town game today at AUF Sports Arena & Cultural Center in Angeles, Pampanga./PN
