Jason Perkins was picked fourth by Phoenix in the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
The 2017 PBA Rookie Draft has been a long time coming for Jason Perkins, and on Sunday, he finally became and official PBA player while wearing a barong tagalog.
“I’ve been working pretty hard at the gym so I feel like I needed to wear something that shows my curves,” he joked as he stood out among the 43 aspirants, who attended the annual draft selection at Robinsons Place Manila.
Turns out, Perkins didn’t really need the extra attention as Phoenix had its eyes on him, picking him fourth overall.
The 25-year-old is just grateful for the chance of a lifetime.
“I’m really happy, I’ve been working hard for this for a really long time so finally making it, it’s like a big weight off my back. I’m so happy and thankful to be here,” he said.
Perkins falls under the classification of undersized big men in the PBA.
But what he lacks in height, he makes up for with his effort, and that’s exactly what coach Louie Alas and the Fuel Masters will get from the former La Salle star.
“I enjoy physical game play so I’m willing to sacrifice my body, do whatever I can for the team. I believe I’m pretty good at setting screens as well and I’m a good teammate so I’ll do whatever the guys need me to do, the dirty work or anything, I’ll do it,” said Perkins, who is also welcoming the challenge of defending bigger guys like four-time MVP June Mar Fajardo and 7-foot Greg Slaughter
“I think I can match up them,” he said confidently. “I haven’t played against them before but I’ll try my best, that’s all I can do. Control what I can control. I’m excited to play against them to see where I’m at.”