FOR someone expected to go early, Valandre Chauca's wait in the 2019 PBA Rookie Draft was an agonizing one.
"It was a little bit unexpected," said Chauca.
That was an understatement, really. The former Adamson Falcon slipped all the way to the fourth round. He was the 46th overall pick among the 50 players picked in the annual rookie selection process
But his sudden slip serves as the biggest motivation for the Fil-Peruvian shooter, who wants to make the other teams regret passing up on him as he looks to carve a name at TNT.
"It's just more fuel to the fire," he said. "I didn't think it was going to happen, but it's burning right now."
Working in favor of Chauca is his familiarity with Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin, who is working closely with KaTropa head coach Bong Ravena and team consultant Mark Dickel.
"I love coach Tab. He's always been a mentor since I arrived. I'm excited to pick his brain and learn from the endless knowledge he has of the game," said the 5-foot-10 gunslinger from Enderun and Adamson.
"I'm happy I'm in, just happy for the opportunity. I'm gonna show everything I have and give everything I have. I'm just excited to get to work."
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