In absence of top stars, Grey pounces on chance to shine

Jonathan Grey (middle) goes for a shot. PBA IMAGES

With a lot of the top collegiate stars about to forego entering the 2016 PBA Rookie Draft, Jonathan Grey sees the PBA D-League as an opportunity to showcase his skills.

The former St. Benilde standout has made an impression so far, pouring 20 points alongside his three rebounds, three steals, and two assists in Racal’s 102-83 win against Topstar ZC Mindanao on Tuesday.

Grey just wants to make the most of the opportunity, looking at the absence of his fellow collegiate standouts as a chance for the others to shine.

“Sobrang laking advantage nun para sa amin. Aangat kami kasi yung ibang players, pwedeng hindi magpa-draft. Parang right timing para sa amin yun,” he said.

Coach Caloy Garcia believes that his shooting guard is capable of making waves in the pros. “I think he’s ready for the pros, lalo na nhauin na medyo shallow yung Draft.”

The Racal coach, who is also coach Yeng Guiao’s deputy in Rain or Shine, projects Grey to land early in the first round.

“Give him more time and I think mas marami pa syang maibibigay,” said Garcia. “The thing with our team lang is we try to balance the playing time of every one. But I have no doubt na he can deliver in the pros.”

But at the moment, Grey is more focused on improving with his team as they hope to snare the PBA D-League elusive title.

“Sa akin naman, kita naman sa lineup namin na wala talagang tapon. Lahat yan star player nung college, so sa akin, nilalaro ko lang yung laro ko. Ang maganda sa team namin, tulungan talaga, walang selosan. Yun lang ang focus ko,” he said. “Wag lang kaming mag-relax at mag-collect lang ng wins every game. Gusto namin mag-champion.”