2023 PBA Draft fourth round pick Fran Yu. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Excitement filled Fran Yu after being selected by Northport in the 2023 PBA Draft on Sunday.
But it wasn’t just because he was selected as the fourth round’s fifth pick, it was also because his fellow Letran alumni Brent Paraiso was also chosen earlier by Batang Pier.
“Of course, we’re excited because we reached the next level. It’s nice because Brent isn’t hard to be with, he has a high IQ,” said Yu in Filipino. “I hope we can give Northport some wins.”
Paraiso was picked by Northport as the fifth pick in the third round. Both Yu and Paraiso were vital in giving the Knights a rare three-peat in the NCAA last season.
Paraiso bolstered his stock in his final season in Muralla, averaging 10.5 points, four rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
Yu, meanwhile, stuck with the process and became the NCAA Season 95 Finals MVP.
To add more dazzle to the situation, both players’ coach in the NCAA is also their tactician in the pros in Bonnie Tan.
Despite that being the same, however, Yu expects to have a bigger role for Batang Pier.
“I’m expecting to have a more matured role. I’ll seek help from the veterans first and then I’ll apply it.”