Cawaling relishes leader role with Mindanao Aguilas

JR Cawaling. PBA IMAGES

JR Cawaling sees his stint with Topstar ZC Mindanao as a career reboot of sorts.

Falling waywards after his suiting up for San Mig Coffee, Blackwater, and Mahindra, the Cagayan de Oro native decided to go back to his roots and see action for the Aguilas in the PBA D-League.

“Ako ang nagle-lead dito as a veteran. Ina-accept naman nila yung sinasabi ko sa kanila,” he said.

Though Topstar ZC Mindanao has yet to taste success the way Cawaling did in the pros, the 29-year-old is hopeful that this run would help him in his quest to crack one of the PBA rosters anew.

“Kaya ako naglaro dito kasi gusto ko mag-excel yung laro ko at lumabas yung laro ko ulit, makuha ko yung kumpyansa ko para makabalik ako sa PBA,” he said. “Tiwala ako na kaya ko pa naman eh.”

And Cawaling is also hopeful to share his experience to his younger teammates this 2016 Foundation Cup after a forgettable 1-7 run last conference.

“Masaya naman ako kasi binibigyan nila ng opportunity yung mga player na di nakakaabot sa Manila. Malaking bagay yun para sa mga taga-Mindanao. Magsisipag sila dahil may mapupuntahan na sila na team.”