ANTIPOLO – Rookie JM Bravo showed he belonged in the PBA as he played like a veteran in Terrafirma’s breakthrough win in the Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Picked in the sixth round in the last draft at 56th overall. Bravo exceeded expectations after topscoring for 18 points in the Dyip’s 97-91 upset of NLEX Road Warriors on Sunday night at the Ynares Center.
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Bravo accounted for half of the seven three-pointers made by the Dyip while adding eight rebounds in the win that made up for the team’s 107-87 loss to Blackwater in its season debut.
He credited the trust given him by the Terrafirma coaching staff notwithstanding that he’s the second lowest drafted rookie to be signed this season after No. 62 pick Ira Battalier, also of the Dyip.
“Hindi ko inintindi yun (late draft pick). Ang iniintindi ko yung trust na binibigay sa akin ng mga coaches,” said the former Lyceum stalwart.
Given the opportunity to shine, the guard out of Lyceum dedicated this special day to his later father, who passed away early this year.
“Kaya andito ako ngayon dahil sa Papa ko, gina-guide niya ako,” he said. “Sabi ko nga sa kanya, ‘Hindi ako susuko, makapasok lang ako sa professional league.”
That he’s currently living a dream came as a total surprise for Bravo.
Almost a year ago, health issues marred his final year with the Pirates in the NCAA, the most serious of which came in a game against Arellano where he suffered a concussion after being knocked unconscious on the court following a collision with Renzo Abiera.
“Sobrang nagulat nga din ako,” he said, adding how grateful he is to Terrafirma management for taking a gamble on him.
“Last year sobrang struggle yung nangyari sa akin. Pero hindi ko na iniiisip yun,” he said.
“Past na yun. Magpo-focus ako kung nasaan ako ngayon.”
He better be as the future looks bright for this young rookie.
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