IN only his second appearance in the PBA, towering Clifford Jopia is preparing to face off against one of the league's premier big men.
As Blackwater concludes its campaign in the Commissioner's Cup next week, the team is set to clash with none other than the star-studded San Miguel Beer.
Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, Jopia is contemplating the possibility of being tasked with the challenging assignment of defending seven-time MVP June Mar Fajardo in the paint.
The upcoming matchup against the formidable San Miguel Beer squad presents a significant test for the emerging player early in his PBA career.
The Beermen on Friday reactivated Fajardo after recovering from a metacarpal fracture on his left hand and could be back playing again on Sunday against Terrafirma.
Jopia faces Fajardo
But Jopia is ready for the inevitable as Blackwater main man Troy Rosario is out for the rest of the conference with a calf injury.
“Siguro kaya ire-ready ko lang ang sarili ko kung sakali,” said the rookie center out of San Beda.
Jopia had two points, three rebounds and an assist in 18 minutes of play to cap his debut as a pro in a 106-89 Blackwater loss to Northport. It was the ninth straight loss for the team for a 1-9 record at the bottom of the standings.
Signed to a two-year contract by the Bossing, Jopia came on a board a little bit late as he had to finish his campaign with San Beda in the NCAA, eventually helping the team regain back the men’s basketball championship after beating the Mapua Cardinals in the deciding Game 3 of their title series.
While he found plays in the PBA as very physical, the Blackwater freshman said he has to become used to playing under such circumstances.
“Sobrang physical dahil yung mga teams ayaw ding magpatalo. Kailangan masanay,” he said.
Jopia used to playing physical
Good thing he already had a taste of what PBA action is all about following his stint with TNT Tropang Giga along with fellow Red Lions Damie Cuntapay, JV Gallego, and Peter Alfaro.
“Sobrang laking tulong (On Tour). Nasanay na rin ako sa laro dito sa PBA,” he said.
“Ngayon nga lang may import, pero ganun pa rin kasi nakalaban mo na rin yung iba.”
Before going out of the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Jopia dropped by the TNT dugout to say greet and visit his former teammates.
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