No pressure for potential top pick Munzon ahead of PBA Draft

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Joshua Munzon has already made a name for himself in the international level even before he threw his name into the PBA Draft.

A Philippine international in the 3×3 basketball circuit, Munzon was already primed for the rigors of the PBA and this notoriety led to his branding as this year’s consensus top pick.

Munzon, however, doesn’t mind having that distinction and is in fact unfazed with how he’s seen even before Sunday’s draft night

“I don’t feel any pressure, because I feel like at this point everybody’s opinions have been gathered,” said Munzon Friday. “You know I’m just grateful and thankful to be in the position and have people think highly of me.”

Munzon, however, is not a mere college star who will make the jump from the collegiate scene to the pros.

After his graduation from California State University, Munzon played for the Saigon Heat in the ASEAN Basketball League from 2016 to 2017 before joining the Westports Malaysia Dragons.

He also played in the PBA D-League for AMA and even joined the iECO Green Warriors selection team that competed in the Asia League Terrific 12 in Macau.

It was in the 3×3 circuit, though, that he established his presence becoming the Philippines’ No. 1 player in the discipline and playing in several Fiba World Tours.

Munzon’s current Fiba ranking in the men’s division in No. 105 in the world.

“I’ve put in the time and the work and all that experience put me in this position and I think I’ve set myself up to be successful,” said Munzon.