JONAS Tibayan won't let an ugly incident in the MPBL that left him with multiple injuries sidetrack his dream of making it to the PBA.
The 26-year-old Tibayan applied for the PBA Rookie Draft this year even while he's still recovering from injuries sustained after being hit by a sucker punch by GenSan’s Michole Sorela in an MPBL game last August 11.
READ Sorela hit with MPBL lifetime ban, P200K penalty for Tibayan sucker punch
The 6-foot-3 Mindoro big said he already made plans of entering the draft even before the incident that left him with a concussion, a broken jaw, a busted lip, and a fractured shoulder caused by the hard fall.
“Bago kasi mangyari ‘yun, I plan to go to the draft din talaga. Parang pinursue ko na lang din after ng nangyari,” said Tibayan. He has filed a case against Sorela who was also handed a life ban by the MPBL.
"Iniisip ko, hindi naman ‘yun ang basehan. Kung kaya ko pa naman, still go (do it). Hindi na ako kumuha ng gauge ng lakas ko," he added.
Tibayan has recovered and was well enough to participate in the Draft Combine tests during Day One, but he admitted he's far from top form.
“Still catching up din po. Still recovering. Still trying my best para maka-catch up sa kanila lalo na puro rookie ‘yung iba. I’ll do my best pa rin,” said Tibayan.
Although he was not able to fully showcase what he can do during the Draft Combine, Tibayan said he will give his best for whichever team will pick him in the draft.
“Stay physical pa rin po pero not dirty, at saka ‘yung sipag. Doon ako kumukuha. ‘Yung puntos, bonus na lang sa akin,” said Tibayan.
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