FOR a long time, TNT had its eyes on former San Beda forward JB Bahio.
But he ended up instead in the arms of NLEX.
Referring to the confluence of events as just a matter of timing, the Road Warriors landed the services of the 6-foot-5 rookie who has so far been showing what exactly he brings to the table in the team’s campaign in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Bahio produced a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds, while adding four assists in a 91-74 win against, of all teams, the Tropang 5G (then the Tropang Giga).
Looking back, coach Jong Uichico said said NLEX wasn’t actually after the services of the 26-year-old native of Lapu-Lapu City - who was originally picked in the third round (No. 25 overall) by Terrafirma during the Season 48 Draft, but was never given a token offer by the Dyip, making him a rookie free agent.
“Actually hindi kami ang kumukuha sa kanya, e. Kasi under contract pa siya sa MPBL noon. So when we found out na-expire na siya, na-timingan lang namin siya,” said Uichico. “Pero hindi kami yung unang kumukuha kay JB.”
It was actually TNT which had been hot on the heels of Bahio, as it tried not only once but twice to get his services.
Initially, the Tropa had their eyes on him shortly after Terrafirma didn’t sign him to a rookie deal. But Bahio was under contract back then with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the MPBL, where he eventually won a championship.
“Dalawang beses nila (TNT) ako nilapitan,” recalled the former Batang Gilas member. “After nung season namin two years ago with Pampanga, dapat nasa kanila na ako, pero hindi ako na-release.”
It was actually TNT deputy coach Yuri Escueta who suggested that the team take a second look at Bahio, who was his player with the Red Lions.
“Naging coach niya kasi si Yuri, kaya si Yuri yung nagpu-push na kunin nila si Bahio,” said Uichico.
By Season 49, the Tropang 5G again attempted to sign Bahio, but to no avail.
“After Pampanga, nag-Nueva Ecija naman ako. Dapat nung July pa lang, pinapasama na nila (TNT) ako sa training camp,” he said of the pre-season training camp TNT had in Cebu last year.
“Kaso hindi na naman ako na-release (sa Nueva Ecija), kasi kailangan kong tapusin yung season sa MPBL.”
In the end, the Tropa just couldn’t afford to wait any longer and instead looked at other players who were available.
“Kasi kailangan ng kumuha ng ibang player ng TNT noon,” said Uichico.
Let's get this show on the Road (Warriors)
Then came perfect timing.
At the end of Season 6 of the MPBL, Bahio became available and needing an additional big man, Uichico invited him to try out with NLEX.
“After ng MPBL, in-invite ako ni coach Jong na mag-training (sa kanila),” he said.
Uichico liked what he saw, and soon after, Bahio became the newest member of the Road Warriors.
TNT no longer pursued their interest on Bahio upon learning he ended up with NLEX.
“Hindi na rin namin siya hinabol, kasi sa NLEX din naman napunta. So sa MVP (Group) pa rin naman,” said Escueta.
Added Uichico, “Na-timing lang talaga si JB sa amin.”
The NCAA Season 98 Mythical Team member made his debut with the Road Warriors in the Commissioner’s Cup where he suited up for five games before suffering an injury.
But now back in the pink of health, Bahio is beginning to answer the call for the Road Warriors, just like he did in the win over the Tropang 5G.
Asked if his inspired game had anything to do with going up against the TNT, the Cebuano cager let out a shy smile.
“Hindi ko na iniisip yun,” Bahio casually said.
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