LOUIE Vigil consider missing last year’s PBA Rookie Draft as a blessing in disguise, saying he is now fully-prepared to turn pro.
Vigil, 26, was supposed to join the 2016 rookie draft but decided at the last minute to stay in the college ranks to his fifth and final year with University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP.
Vigil said he has no regrets even though his final season with the UST proved a disappointment as the Tigers won no more than three games.
“Hindi ko naman mababalik ‘yung decision ko. Iba pa rin ‘yung nag-serve ka sa school mo. Five years ‘yun. Walang regrets,” said Vigil.
The former UST forward feels he is more prepared for the PBA after playing in the D-League for two seasons including one with Tanduay.
Vigil also had time to work on his game at the Headstart Academy where he is played scrimmages with former UST teammates Kent Lao and Jam Sheriff and former Jose Rizal University juniors teammates Keith Agovida and Joshua Saret.
More importantly, Vigil said he is now more prepared mentally to battle the top PBA players.
“Siyempre, ‘yung utak ko sa game at mental preparation, mas ready na ako. Mas matured na ako ngayon,” said the 6-foot-3 cager who has a feathery touch from the outside.
Vigil believes his five-year stint in the UAAP has prepared him well for the pro ranks.
“Siguro ‘yung spark off the bench sa scoring at ‘yung defense,” said Vigil, when asked what he can contribute to any team that will select him in the draft.
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