IT is easy to get lost in the shuffle of Philippine basketball's fast-paced news cycle, but DJ Fenner is ready to remind everyone exactly who he is and what he brings to the table.
Following his impressive stint with Strong Group Athletics during their Dubai campaign two years ago, the Fil-Am winger has quietly been putting in the work with the Abra Solid North Weavers in the MPBL.
However, with the sudden buzz regarding the loss of Mike Phillips in the upcoming PBA Draft, many fans and pundits have seemingly forgotten to mention Fenner’s name in the first-round conversation.
For Fenner, being overlooked is just more fuel to the fire.
"I have so much left in the tank. I haven't proven nearly as much as I'm capable of, and not just in my professional career, but definitely in the Philippines," Fenner said in an exclusive SPIN.ph interview.
"It's always good to prove doubters wrong, but it feels better to prove my supporters right,” he insisted.
Fenner is officially declaring for the PBA Draft this coming January, and he possesses a modern skillset that PBA coaches drool over.
At 6-foot-6, he is incredibly agile, capable of knocking down shots from the outside, banging bodies in the paint, and switching across multiple positions on defense.
"I bring leadership, for one. I lead by example, I put in a lot of work. Active on both ends, offense and defense. Definitely athletic at a 6'6" wing. I don't think there's many guys that can match up with me, and I'm able to switch on defense. I think I bring a lot to the table," he emphasized.
If anyone doubts how Fil-Am forwards can transition into the PBA system, one only needs to look at Caelan Tiongson.
Despite being in his mid-30s, Tiongson continues to provide massive upside, toughness, and versatility for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
Fenner, who has closely watched Tiongson alongside other standouts like Jordan Heading and Jason Brickman, who alongside Tiongson joined the PBA draft in mid 30s, offers that same level of two-way impact but with fresher legs and explosive athleticism.
While he is currently focused on finishing his MPBL season strong with Abra, Fenner is keeping a close eye on the big league.
Asked which team he'd like to play for, including crowd-favorites like Barangay Ginebra, Fenner kept it professional but confident.
"Whatever team drafts me is going to get a steal. I'll do my best to help them win and bring my experience and skills to that program,” said Fenner, who claimed that his titos and titas were Ginebra fans.
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