NorthPort coach Bonnie Tan and second round pick Evan Nelle during the 2024 PBA Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Of all the coaches Evan Nelle would play for to begin his PBA career, he ended up with Bonnie Tan at NorthPort.
The two have a history together with Tan, who was still calling the shots for Letran, steered the Knights to an NCAA championship in 2019 at the expense of San Beda, which had Nelle as its starting point guard.
“Very ironic,” said Nelle with a laugh.
“In my last game in the NCAA, he (Tan) made me cry. Now, he’s making me cry again because he drafted me. It’s a big honor. I thank him for the trust and I hope I can repay him,” added Nelle, who played two seasons with San Beda before transferring to La Salle.
Nelle was among the notable names in this year’s draft after helping La Salle win the UAAP crown last year but somehow slipped into the second round where Tan and the Batang Pier took him as the 14th overall selection.
READ: Evan Nelle gets his vindication as he leaves La Salle a champion
Having to wait longer than expected did not bother Nelle, who was just happy to be chosen by a team that wanted him.
“Honestly, I didn’t mind what round I land. I just hope I get drafted to a team that trusts me, that’s the only thing I look at.”
Seeing his fellow Green Archers Mark Nonoy, Jonnel Policarpio and Francis Escandor, who went just one pick ahead of him and went to Rain or Shine, get drafted in the same class as him was also another reason for Nelle to smile about.
“I’m honestly proud of them but they know how competitive I am,” said a beaming Nelle.
“Even in practice alone, I want to beat them. It’s going to be the same here in the PBA. I hope every time I face them, I beat them.”