Two top rookies share contrasting stories about the fast-approaching Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup which gets off the ground on 5 November.
Christian David of Blackwater appears to be having a ball while working out with Blackwater, which picked him No. 2 overall in the PBA Rookie Draft a couple of months ago.
Listed as 6-foot-6, David trained with Rain or Shine for a while before being officially picked by Blackwater and likes what he sees during the Bossing scrimmages.
“We’re still learning from each other,” David told DAILY TRIBUNE.
“It’s a new coach, a new team, but I think everyone is getting along and we have good pieces on that team. We’re just putting things together and we still have a few more days to prepare.”
David will be tasked to play a major role right in his rookie season and he looks to the tough task at hand, fully aware that the squad has been associated with losing.
“I’m going to try my best. We’re going to take it one game at a time, but I’m so excited to go out there and play.”
While David is doing quite well, Villegas, selected third by Rain or Shine, is keeping his fingers crossed that everything’s going to be okay given his current condition.
The 6-foot-7 Villegas suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury when he last saw action for University of the East last season.
To address the problem, Villegas regularly visits a therapist and a strength and conditioning coach to help speed things up.
The prognosis is that Villegas will be ready to suit up by January.
“I’m returning in January and things are looking good right now,” Villegas said.
“I’ve started light shooting and then started to jump and run a little bit. The next phase is integration with the team, but right now, it’s all about individual stuff.”
As he watches the team work out, Villegas is upbeat about the future.
“They’re great. We have a good system, good players, good chemistry and I’m just excited getting to join them soon.”
Villegas is one of the two first-round picks of the Elasto Painters, the other one is another big man in 6-foot-8 center Keith Datu, who’s been impressive in tuneup games so far.
Also joining head coach Yeng Guiao is shooter Sherwin Concepcion, who was picked in the third round.
