AVERY Scharer plans to make a big impression in the Asia League Terrific 12 in the hope of boosting his stock ahead of the PBA rookie draft later this year.
The 32-year-old Fil-American has been playing around Southeast Asia for several years now, spending most of his time in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) and the Thailand Basketball League (TBL).
Scharer has now set his sights on the PBA.
“Hopefully, December (PBA draft),” said Scharer. “I heard some good news from my agent. Hopefully, December, some things should be working themselves out.”
Scharer, whose mother traces her roots to La Union, is a product of Shoreline Community College and has played for the Malaysia Dragons in the ABL and the OSK Basketball Club and Hi-Tech Bangkok City in the TBL.
It was a banner year for the 6-foot-2 Scharer in Thailand this year when Hi-Tech captured the TBL crown. He also won the Best Point Guard honor.
Scharer hopes to have the same success when he plays for Philippine-based iECO Green Warriors in the Asia League Terrific 12, where they will be playing against quality teams from around the continent.
“We’ve already have a commitment (to apply for the draft) but we will see. I’m going to continue, I’m playing in this tournament. Hopefully, when the dust settles, when the Terrific 12 is over, more teams will be interested as well,” said Scharer.
Scharer said it has always been his dream to play in the PBA.
“I want to play here. I love it out here. It’s always my dream to play in the PBA. My ultimate goal is to play here. I love it here. This is where my family is originally from,” said Scharer.
Scharer said playing in Southeast Asia gave him the confidence to aim high.
“I love Southeast Asia. A special place in my heart. ABL, I started off there and really did my thing out there, went to the championship and lost in the championship. Competition continues to get better very year,” Scharer said.
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