Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
For Cignal HD coach Boyet Fernandez, Davon Potts’ efforts alone make him stand out among the prospects for the upcoming 2017 PBA Draft.
“That’s what Davon is. He really sacrificed himself and practiced twice a day for Cignal and San Beda just for him to be allowed to play in the PBA,” the mentor said, talking about the seven hours he and Potts spend inside the San Beda Gym daily. “I appreciate that and hopefully, the PBA scouts and the coaches will give him a look because I think he deserves to be in the PBA.”
The Hawkeyes went on a grueling seven games in 10 playdates stretch in the first three weeks of the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup just for Potts to meet the required games to be eligible in the draft proceedings.
The Fil-Am scorer didn’t disappoint though, capping off his PBA D-League stint with a bang as he wound up with 15 points, three rebounds, and three assists to lead Cignal to a 93-75 rout of Racal Motors on Tuesday.
“He knows this was his last game and I have him a chance to really show himself,” said Fernandez.
For Potts’ part, he’s just glad to get the killer stretch over with, rewarding Cignal with a 5-2 slate over the course of his stay.
“It’s tough. Honestly, it was a physical battle, a mental battle. (The PBA D-League) is very different and the biggest difference here is the maturity. Here in Cignal, we make sure that we are all professionals. It’s not a showcase over here and we can’t be selfish. We have to get everybody involved,” he said.
Potts averaged 9.57 points, 2.14 rebounds, 1.14 assists in the seven games he suited up for the Hawkeyes, but more than the numbers, he has shown a better grasp on Fernandez’ system, a learning which could prove to be beneficial for San Beda this NCAA Season 93.
The 24-year-old agreed that Fernandez has been a huge help in his development as a player, saying, “Coach is a big blessing. We talk a lot and talk about finding the next level.”
“He’s been a coach in the PBA and has been someone I look up to. He taught me, mentored me, and has become an inspiration for me to balance defense and offense to move forward to the next level.”
And for Fernandez, he’s confident that Potts, who has transformed himself into an all-around guy, can break through to that next level once he enters the PBA.
“Davon is still a shooter just like before, but now, he can play defense. Now, he can attack the basket and make a layup, so he’s a more complete player,” he said. “It also depends on the teams who wants him, but I assure the teams that guy will give his best every time. He will always practice all out. He will shoot the ball and he can give you points right away, he can play defense and he’s going to prove it to you. Hopefully, he will continue to improve on doing that.”