Fernandez has high praise for Cignal big man Jose

Raymar Jose. PBA IMAGES

It took three games for Cignal HD coach Boyet Fernandez to prove his assumptions correct, and after the team’s 107-69 win over Zark’s Burger on Monday, he can dare say that his hardworking forward is one of the best young prospects in the country today.

“I can’t say anything about him. He’s one of the best in the amateur leagues right now,” he said. “He’s hardworking and he always makes it a point that he knows the system. He has a good chance of making to the PBA and I’m happy with the way he’s playing.”

The numbers speak for themselves.

Jose is averaging 14.7 points and 12.7 rebounds through three games for the Hawkeyes.

In their recent conquest against the Jawbreakers, the former FEU bruiser tallied 12 markers and 17 rebounds to carry his team to a 2-1 slate early in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup.

But as gaudy as his stats are, Jose made it clear that he’s simply doing what Fernandez is asking from him.

“I’m only doing what I can for the team, which is hard work and hustle. I always give my all whenever I’m on the floor,” he said in Filipino.

Jose, though, wouldn’t deny that his goal is to make a good account of himself this conference as he seeks to make some noise in the upcoming 2017 PBA Rookie Draft.

“Of course, I want to make it to the pros. That’s why I’m this focused. This is my last conference in the D-League going to the draft, so I have to step up for me to make it to the goal that I want to achieve,” he said.

Before he could get too ahead of himself, Jose still maintained that his focus is on Cignal as the team seeks to complete a season sweep this year.

“Cignal is known as a top team, so we have to be up there. Our goal is to win a championship, so we can’t relax and we have to sustain the way we are playing,” he said.

The Hawkeyes return to action on Thursday against Marinerong Pilipino.