J-JAY Alejandro acknowledged the burden he carries after being listed as a member of the Gilas cadets pool for the 2023 Fiba World Cup.
"May pressure talaga na kasama yun, na ma-name ka kasama yung future ng Philippine basketball," he said.
Alejandro was named by ex-Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes to his "23-for-23" list, identifying young talents who could represent the country for the 2023 staging of the global basketball expo here in the country.
Though some may see it as a stamp of approval, Alejandro also knows the pressure that comes with it whenever he steps on the court as he tries to live up to the hype, especially now that he enters the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft.
But all he has is confidence as the 23-year-old guard is expected to be picked in the middle to late-first round, banking on his final year in National University that earned him a spot in the Mythical Team in UAAP Season 80.
"Sa akin lang, I think enough na rin yung pinakita ko para ma-pick man lang this coming draft. Hindi na natin hawak yan eh," he said.
It also helps that Alejandro got some advice from his Bataan Risers teammates Gary David and Pamboy Raymundo, both PBA veterans who are now playing in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).
"Sila kuya Pamboy at kuya Gary, sinasabi lang nila sa akin na everytime magpa-practice ako, dapat excited ka and eager to learn. Ipakita mo lang ang makakaya mo," he said.