Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Like a son taking on his beloved father in an unwanted fight, Raymar Jose expressed uneasiness when asked about Blackwater’s upcoming game against TNT on Wednesday.
“I don’t know what to feel,” he said in Filipino as he struggled to put into words his emotions as ahead of his game against his former coach Nash Racela and longtime teammate Roger Pogoy.
The three, together with Blackwater teammate Mac Belo, Rain or Shine guard Mike Tolomia, and Kia forward Russel Escoto, enjoyed success in the amateur ranks with the highlight being the UAAP Season 78 championship in FEU.
Being on the opposing sides with Racela and Pogoy is undoubtedly a foreign feeling for Jose, but the third overall pick in the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft has no other option but to do what Racela has always taught him: to play at his best.
And if Jose’s past games are any indication, he will have no problems contributing for the Elite as the Pontevedra, Negros Occidental native averages 12.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assist through his first three professional games.
However, the soft-spoken forward remains wary, knowing that someone who knows the strengths and weaknesses of him and Belo is going to be on the opposite side.
“Coach Nash knows our games so well. We’ve been together for so long and it will be a big advantage for TNT,” said the 25-year-old.
It may be an emotional game by all indications, Jose knows that it’s all business inside the court as he looks forward in this surefire competitive duel between the Elite and the KaTropa.
“I feel shy and excited at the same time facing off against them. But we’ll be ready,” he said.