PBA: Adrian Nocum overwhelmed by praises from Jayson Castro, Chot

Rain or Shine Elastopainters’ Adrian Nocum during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals game against TNT Tropang Giga. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Rain or Shine dropped Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals at the hands of TNT but Adrian Nocum was certainly the center of attention in the defeat.

Following the Tropang Giga’s 88-84 win over the Elasto Painters, coach Chot Reyes and league veteran Jayson Castro commended the rising point guard for his steady projection as a star in the league.

“Actually, I think he’s better than me because he’s taller and has a higher vertical than me,” said Castro boldly.

READ; PBA: Adrian Nocum has tools to be MVP, says Yeng Guiao

“Those kinds of players really fascinate me because I can see that they’re increasing in the PBA. At the same time, his game is exciting.”

Veteran tactician Reyes also gave Nocum his credit, saying the Tropang Giga made an emphasis on defending him on offense.

“He averaged a lot in the quarterfinals and he’s really going off. One of our priorities is defending Adrian and for us to make him work for his points,” said the former Gilas coach.

Rain or Shine may have lost but that didn’t take away Nocum’s shine as he finished with a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds plus two blocks and a steal on the defensive end.

READ: PBA: Jayson Castro shows veteran wits amid RHJ struggles in Game 1

His efforts just weren’t enough for TNT and Castro, who came up as the better point guard with 24 points, three assists and four steals.

After the loss, Nocum was still ecstatic after hearing the comments of some of the PBA’s household names.

Those, of course, didn’t take away his mentality of getting back at them for taking Game 1 of the best-of-seven series.

“Those comments are huge to me. It feels nice receiving those kinds of statements,” said Nocum, followed with a pause and a chuckle.

“But of course, we need to bounce back against them. I’m more motivated after hearing those. Even if they’re our opponents, it still feels good hearing them but they’re our opponents so we need to bounce back.”

Nocum and Rain or Shine aim to tie the series at 1-all in Game 2 of the semis at Philsports Arena on Friday.