Message to the new PBA draftee

Your name was called, you climbed the stage, shook a few hands, put on the team colors and smiled for a photo.

For now, you are a PBA draftee.

In all your interviews, you will proclaim that it has always been your dream to make it to the PBA. From the first time you dribbled the ball to the time you made your first team, your dream was always there. You watched the game on TV or when your folks brought you to the venues. You had a few idols and imitated all their great moves.

You had a fine school career. Your name would not have been called if you didn’t make waves in college or even later when you made the PBA D-League.

And now you’re finally inside your dream.

In a few days, the decision-makers will determine where you will finally go. Trades and all their complexities will kick in. Your chosen manager will try to seal the best deal and probably advise you to take what you can now. “Think long term,” he or she will probably say. You weigh the options, talk with your parents or significant other and make that final decision to sign on the dotted line.

And now the work begins. Here are a few tips for a long and meaningful career:

Work hard—Nothing is more noticeable and frustrating to coaches than a slacker and an alleged star who doesn’t work. You come to terms that there are other stars in the team who do work on their game and physical conditioning. You are all fighting to save your jobs.

Listen to your coaches—Most of your mentors are hard-nosed veterans.  Ask questions on how to improve. As Jack McCallum reported in his book on the 1992 US Olympic Dream Team, even Michael Jordan asked revered Duke coach Mike Kryzewski, an assistant back then, if the coach could check on a part of his game.

Be respectful but brave—In the days ahead, the veterans on your team will make you go through the rookie rituals, as you are once again a neophyte. You will also be tested in the scrimmages on whether you have what it takes to be part of grownup basketball. The initiation will last well into your rookie season until you show them you are beyond errant elbows and cheap shots.

Play defense—How many times have we heard rookies respond to the tired question on what else they can improve in their games? The equally redundant answer is to improve their defense because there’s no question the pros play D, hustle hard to get to defensive positions and battle fiercely for rebounds and loose balls. You will get playing time if you play defense hard and you will most likely have a job for a very long time.

Love the fans—They are the lifeblood of the game. You’ve had fans before but now that you’re in the big league, learn to sincerely smile when they ask for selfies and group photos. The fans can tell if you’re faking it and simply want to flee their enthusiastic approaches. Ask Robert Jaworski, Mon Fernandez, Atoy Co, Alvin Patrimonio and others who have been fan favorites long after they have retired. They knew how to enjoy their fans.

As league followers, we look forward to your success. But take note we will also be there when the going isn’t exactly smooth, when you are frustrated by a lack of playing time and an unfortunate injury. How you handle yourself inside your dream will determine how long you will stay in it.

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