Javee Mocon confessed he’s a long-time TnT Katropa fan, who counts former stalwart Jimmy Alapag and current star Jayson Castro among his basketball idols.
But like any of the 47 hopefuls for this year’s PBA rookie draft, Mocon said he’s ready to play for any team that’s willing to put its trust on him.
“Any team naman basta ‘yung magde-develop sa akin at magagamit ako,” the San Beda hotshot stated following the Draft Combine, where all rookie applicants played and participated at the Hoops Center in Mandaluyong.
The 23-year-old marketing student was among those who impressed during the two-day event that drew coaches and the respective staffs of all PBA teams.
The 6’4” forward, a true-blue Bedan from high school to college where he won a number of championships, including the last three NCAA men’s basketball titles of the Red Lions, emerged as one of the five best players during the camp that he made it to the Mythical Team.
He has also caught the fancy of Phoenix and Meralco that he was invited over to work out with the two teams.
“Nag-train ako sa kanila, although wala namang assurance na sure na ako. But definitely malaking tulong sa akin ‘yun to prove na I’m really ready to play now in the PBA,” said Mocon, who has three brothers and a sister. “Kaya unsure pa rin talaga. Sa Draft Day na malalaman.”
As the excitement builds heading to draft day, Mocon, the finals MVP in this year’s NCAA title series between San Beda and Lyceum, can’t help but feel anxious about the matter.
“Hindi ko alam kung ano ang mapi-feel ko,” said the two-time juniors’ MVP and member of the Gilas national training pool for the 2023 FIBA World Cup here.
Mocon vows to bring two things on the table, though—winning attitude and hard work.
“‘Yung championship experience ko, intensity, and energy,” he said.
