JOSE Rizal University coach Vergel Meneses naturally rooted for Heavy Bombers star Philip Paniamogan, but admitted he was not surprised his prized ward was snubbed in the PBA draft.
Paniamogan was one of the most notable pro aspirants who didn’t hear their name called during the proceedings that had Fil-American ABL star Stanley Pringle going first to Globalport and Gilas Pilipinas cadet Kevin Alas picked second by Rain or Shine.
“Honestly, pakiramdam ko mukhang walang da-draft talaga,” Meneses said after the Bombers’ 73-54 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College in the NCAA on Friday. “Pero siyempre, gusto kong ma-draft yan—player ko yan eh.”
“Pero honestly, parang feel ko hindi makukuha.”
Paniamogan came in averaging 18.8 points, behind only Perpetual Help star Juneric Baloria’s 20.9 markers.
“Pero hindi porke’t your’re the number two scorer in the league, you can already play in the PBA or ma-da-draft ka,” said Meneses, noting Paniamogan has to improve other aspects of his game.
“He needs to rebound more, have more assists, play decoy, or maybe you have (lessen) his forced shots.”
Panimogan scored 12 points, but had to take 15 shots to get to his total in 28 minutes against the Generals.
Aside from individual improvement, Paniamogan, Meneses believes, should help boost the performance of the Bombers, who missed the semifinals the last two seasons, get better.
“Sabi ko sa kanya if you bring this team to the Final Four, they will give you a second look, for sure.”
“Ang napupunta sa PBA ang yung mga extraordinary talent at the same time mga players na galing sa champion team, added Meneses, the former PBA MVP known as the Aerial Voyager.