Baclao grateful for eight-year PBA career despite its ‘ups and downs’

It’s been eight years since Noy Baclao featured in one of the more memorable drafts in the PBA.

Baclao became the top overall pick in 2008 and was chosen ahead of that time the higher-touted Rabeh Al-Hussaini who called the move to pick him no. 2 as  “an insult.”

But nearly a decade since, Baclao has nonetheless enjoyed a solid PBA career.

READ: Baclao taken No. 1 over Al-Hussaini

“The way my career has been going, I’m sure there are ups and downs,” said Baclao in Filipino after his Alaska Aces beat Phoenix 108-97 in the PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“I think I’ll just keep moving forward and just keep doing whatever that needs to be done.”

Baclao’s PBA career is far from perfect after he bounced around six teams in his first six years in the league but found a home as a defensive role player with Alaska in 2015.

READ: Seldom-used Noy Baclao finally delivers for Alaska

He did, however, become a champion in 2011 with San Miguel in the Governors’ Cup.

Baclao said he’s just happy he’s reached this long in the PBA, despite not getting extended minutes.

“It’s just gratifying that I reached eight years in the league even though I’m not used that often,” said Baclao who had 15 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks in his eighth-anniversary game. “I will just have to play harder since I already have a family of my own.”