JACKSON Corpuz felt that it was fate and divine intervention that brought him back to the PBA, specifically with Converge.
Out in the league since last year prior to signing with Converge, Corpuz had several offers to continue his playing career in the MPBL. But to the surprise of even him, Corpuz resisted declined those offers to focus on keeping himself fit and attending to his gym business.
But when Converge coach Franco Atienza invited him for a tryout in the lead-up to the Philippine Cup, Corpuz didn’t hesitate one bit.
READ: Newsome's last-gasp jumper completes Meralco comeback vs Converge
“Masaya na nakabalik ako sa PBA na mahal ko,” said the 36-year-old Corpuz.
“Actually, marami ring nag-offer na maraming teams sa ibang liga,” said Corpuz. “Hindi ko rin alam, siguro God’s plan na makabalik ako sa PBA. Parang last week na lang ‘yung sign ko nun that time tapos bigla akong minessage ni coach Franco. Parang sabi ko, mukhang ito na ang sign.”
“Nagpapasalamat lang ako kay coach Franco, management namin, sila Gov. Delta, Gov. Archen na binigyan ako ng second chance at naniwala sila na kaya ko,” said Corpuz.
Corpuz admitted he was hesitant on accepting offers elsewhere since there are already a lot of younger players in the league.
“Hindi ko din alam eh,” said Corpuz, when asked about why he declined the offers. “Parang siguro hindi pa time. Parang siguro eto ‘yung nakalaan sa akin na bumalik ako sa PBA.”
“Hindi naman sa hindi nagbabalak pero marami ng mga bata ngayon, parang binigay ko na lang kay Lord kung makakabalik pa ba ako, kung magbabasketball pa ba ako, itutuloy ko na lang ‘yung business ko sa gym ko. Siguro eto ‘yung binigay ni God para makabalik ako. Sabi Niya, kaya mo pa,” said Corpuz.
Corpuz entered the PBA in 2017 through Mahindra after being undrafted three years prior. He spent two years with the team before being traded to Magnolia where he suited in the ballclub from 2020 to 2024.
He saw action for 11 minutes and six seconds in his first PBA game in his return and scored two points and grabbed six rebounds in the FiberXers’ 91-89 loss to Meralco on Friday.
Corpuz said his role is different with Converge, serving as an elder statesman of the team.
“Isa na rin as a veteran na siyempre, ginagabayan ‘yung mga bata. Hindi ko man maipakita kung ano man ‘yung [laro] ko, as word na lang siguro, advice sa dalawang Justin [Baltazar and Arana], kung paano mag-adjust,” said Corpuz.
“Alam naman natin ‘yung dalawang Justin, mga bata pa. Kailangan pa ng gabay ng mga kuya. Ako okay naman ako as a kuya sa kanila,” said Corpuz.
Corpuz also looks forward to playing against Magnolia, which will come on Wednesday during the 50th anniversary game day at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The Ilagan, Isabela native said Corpuz was able to meet his former teammates in a tune-up game.
“Nung nakaraan nag-tune-up kami kaya lang hindi ako nakapaglaro dahil may therapy. Sabi ko, sa season na lang tayo magkita. Masaya ako na nakita ko ‘yung mga dati kong coaches, mga family ko ‘yun, mga players, mga utility. Ilang taon din ako doon. Na-miss ko din sila. Niyakap ko sila after,” Corpuz said.
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