NorthPort rookie Cade Flores.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Cade Flores didn’t hold back when asked about his exclusion from the Rookies-Sophomores-Juniors game in the upcoming PBA All-Star Weekend in Bacolod.
Despite being one of the most productive rookies since the start of the season, Flores wasn’t selected to be part of the event that showcases some of the league’s promising talents.
“I was mad just because I feel like I was disrespected but you know me, I play with my heart on my collar, I play hard defense, I’m always gritty in a way and I have a lot of passion. When I saw I didn’t get selected, it was like ridiculous,” said Flores, a first-round pick by NorthPort in last year’s PBA Draft.
@inquirersports Cade didn’t hold back. 😬 #Northport’s #CadeFlores talks about getting snubbed in the #PBA #AllStar weekend’s Rookies-Sophomores-Juniors game. #fyp #tiktokph #sports #basketball ♬ original sound – INQUIRER Sports
READ: PBA: Cade Flores’ work ethic, dedication continue to impress NorthPort
“It’s probably just a popularity contest but it is what it is. I’m not going to complain about it. I’m going to show them what I got during this conference.”
Flores again showed why he deserved a spot in the contest after putting up a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds to help the BatangPier come back from 18 down in an overtime win over the Converge FiberXers on Sunday.
READ: NorthPort coach has high hopes for rookie Cade Flores
The former Arellano star is averaging close to a double-double in his first two games of the conference with 9.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per outing. He is also averaging 3.0 assists and 1.5 steals a game.
Big man Keith Zaldivar, who hardly plays for Converge, surprisingly got the most votes in the RSJ game.
Flores, who is currently second to Terrafirma’s Stephen Holt in the Rookie of the Year race, added he had no idea he was not selected for the Team Greats vs Team Stalwarts showcase as part of the All-Star festivities from March 22 to 24.
“I didn’t even find out myself. When it came out, I was at my condo just playing PlayStation.”