ANTIPOLO – While all eyes are on top overall pick CJ Perez, fellow Columbian rookie JP Calvo is quietly making his mark.
And he wants it that way.
The former Letran guard scored 12 points in the Dyip’s 110-100 victory over NorthPort on Friday night, sustaining a dream start to a pro career that started when he was picked 11th overall in the last PBA rookie draft.
“Mas maganda para sa akin kasi hindi pressure,” said Calvo. “Kailangan ko lang maglaro. Hindi ko talaga kailangan magpakita. ‘Yung ginagawa ko sa sistema, go with the flow, at least effective ako.”
Fellow Columbian rookie Jeepy Faundo finished with 15 points and seven rebounds and Perez added 12 points, but Calvo stood out with composure rarely seen from a rookie.
As a rookie, Calvo didn't expect to finish the game for the Dyip. He scored eight points in the final quarter.
“Sa totoo lang, hindi ko ineexpect na ipapasok pa ako ni coach. First half, parang pigil ‘yung gamit sa akin pero binunot pa rin niya ako. Ginawa ko lang ‘yung gusto niyang mangyari para sa akin.
"‘Yung tiwala niya, at least sa game na ‘to, nasuklian ko.”
The game also saw Calvo take on NorthPort star Stanley Pringle, one of the members of the Mythical Five last season. He wasn't intimidated.
“Siyempre as a rookie, challenging kasi pinapabantay sa akin ni coach lagi ‘yung mga star players eh. Tine-take ko lang as a challenge. Kailangan ko pa mag-work para at least kahit papaano, maabot ko rin kung ano sila ngayon,” said Calvo.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
