JVEE Casio isn’t through yet with his playing career, as he’s set to take his act to the returning Basilan Steel in the coming MPBL Season 8.
Casio, 39, was formally introduced as one of the key players of the original Basilan franchise that is making a comeback in the country’s sole home-and-away tournament.
The veteran guard out of La Salle said the fire remains inside him and he is ready to accept the challenge of leading the team in his attempt at a playing comeback following a long PBA career.
Casio also added he’s free of injury that marred the latter part of his tenure in the PBA.
“Ok naman, wala akong injuries, pero need talaga nating i-prepare ang body for the upcoming season,” said Casio during the formal team presentation Friday night at the Discovery Suites in Ortigas.
Casio will be wearing his signature jersey No. 6 for the Steel, who will be mentored by Arnold Oliveros, a former San Beda alumnus like Casio.
He was presented his Basilan jersey during the event by Oliveros, together with team owner Lamitan City Vice Mayor Hegem Furigay.
Casio's career in the PBA
A member of the original Smart Gilas Pilipinas, Casio was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 draft by Powerade.
But his stint with Powerade was shortlived after the franchise was bought by GlobalPort, which initially traded him to Barangay Ginebra before the Gin Kings sent him to Alaska in exchange for the rights to LA Tenorio.
Casio won his first and only PBA championship with the Aces during the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup, then saw his decade-long stay with the team end in 2021 when he was dealt along with Barkley Ebona to Blackwater for Mike Tolomia and a future second round draft pick.
He stayed with the Bossing for the next four seasons before being let go as an unrestricted free agent at the end of Season 49.
The 5-foot-10 guard tried out with Converge during last year’s Kadayawan Invitational basketball tournament, but failed to clinch a roster spot with the FiberXers prior to the new season.
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