DURING Enoch Valdez’s best game by far in the PBA, one of the persons in the crowd was La Salle coach Topex Robinson, who was on hand to do TV work.
Robinson had a big part in Valdez’s basketball career, when he recruited him out of Letran high school to join Lyceum. There, as a rookie, he was part of the Pirates team that reached the finals in 2018 in CJ Perez’ final year in college.
“Doon talaga na-boost ‘yung confidence ako,” said Valdez, reminiscing about how Lyceum became the starting point for his career direction.
Valdez misses Topex
Valdez said he remains in touch with Robinson even if the two had taken different paths. “Na-mimiss ko na nga siya. Mamaya, mag-memessage ‘yun,” he said.
With their history, it was no accident that Valdez performed well in front of Robinson during NLEX’s game against Converge.
Valdez, who at 23 is the youngest player in the PBA active roster, had 19 points and nine rebounds, all personal bests in the professional ranks so far, in the Road Warriors’ 107-103 win over the FiberXers.
Valdez had 10 points in the fourth quarter to help NLEX put the game away after Converge made a run.
Wednesday was the third straight game where Valdez posted double-digit figures in scoring, but his four threes against Converge was also the best in the pros.
“Ginawa ko lang po ‘yung pinapagawa ng coaches. Kung open, tira. ‘Yun naman po ‘yung ginagawa ko sa training. Kapag libre, they allow me to take the three points, rebounds, defense,” said Valdez.
It was only Valdez’s fourth game in the PBA since he had to finish his commitments with Lyceum last year.
But even if the team knew that he still has to finish his college stint, it didn’t prevent NLEX from picking Valdez in the second round, No. 18 overall in the recent draft.
A great player, Lim says of Valdez
“Great player,” said NLEX coach Frankie Lim. “He is very aggressive at masipag in practice. He comes in early, takes some shots, gets out of the gym late, nag-eextra siya. It’s paying off. Matapang. Even before the draft when I saw him practice in our team, I was already telling the coaches that I’m going to pick this guy. Pag eto, nag-land sa atin, I’m going to get him for sure.”
“I like the way he plays. Very aggressive, ang galing dumepensa, he can shoot threes. Pag takbuhan sa lay-ups, maasahan mo,” said Lim.
After his arrival to the team, Valdez said he was able to adjust quickly with the Road Warriors, but added he still has a lot to learn.
“Okay naman dahil winelcome naman nila ako ng maayos at lagi nila ako gina-guide. Lalo akong nag-blend sa kanila,” said Valdez.
“Sa akin, gusto ko lang ma-improve ‘yung decision making ko at off-ball defense. Tinatrabaho ko naman ‘yan sa training,” he added.
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