I still remember the first time I stepped onto the PBA court - the roar of the crowd, the squeak of sneakers on polished wood, and that overwhelming sense that I was about to face the toughest challenge of my basketball career. Looking back now, I realize my journey through the Philippine Basketball Association wasn't just about scoring points or winning games; it was about survival and growth in what felt like a constant baptism by fire. When people ask me about my career highlights, they often expect me to talk about specific games or championship moments, but honestly, my most valuable memories come from those early days when I was just trying to keep my head above water against some of the most talented guards in the amateur ranks.
The transition from college basketball to the PBA was like jumping from a swimming pool into the ocean. I joined the league back in 2012, and let me tell you, nothing truly prepares you for that level of competition. During my rookie season with the Alaska Aces, I found myself matched up against established stars like Jimmy Alapag and Jayson Castro - players I had only watched on television before. Those first few games were brutal, honestly. I remember one particular game where I committed 5 turnovers in just the first half against Talk 'N Text. My coach pulled me aside during halftime and said something I'll never forget: "Stop trying to be them. Be you." That moment changed everything for me. Instead of being intimidated, I started studying my opponents differently - watching how they moved without the ball, how they read defensive schemes, even how they communicated with teammates during timeouts.
What made those early struggles worthwhile was the incredible learning environment. The PBA has this unique culture where veterans genuinely help newcomers, despite the fierce competition on court. I'll always be grateful to players like LA Tenorio, who spent extra hours after practice showing me how to read pick-and-roll situations. He didn't have to do that - we were technically competing for minutes - but that's the beautiful thing about Philippine basketball culture. Through it all, I just tried to maximize my time, absorbing every lesson like a sponge. Those lessons weren't always about basketball techniques either. I learned about professionalism from watching how James Yap prepared for games, about resilience from seeing how Marc Pingris played through injuries, and about leadership from observing how Arwind Santos motivated his teammates.
My career really started turning around during the 2014-2015 season when I averaged 12.3 points and 4.7 assists per game. Those numbers might not seem spectacular to outsiders, but for me, they represented proof that I belonged in this league. The highlight that season was definitely our game against San Miguel Beermen where I scored 28 points, including the game-winning three-pointer with 2.3 seconds left on the clock. What people don't know is that shot came from hundreds of hours practicing that exact scenario. Our assistant coach and I would stay after practice, running through end-game situations until the stadium security would literally kick us out. That commitment to extra work became my trademark throughout my 8-year PBA career.
The physical demands of professional basketball are obvious to everyone, but what surprised me most was the mental toll. We played approximately 45-50 games per season, plus playoffs, plus practice sessions that often lasted 3-4 hours daily. The travel between different venues across Metro Manila - from Araneta Coliseum to Mall of Asia Arena to Smart Araneta - might not seem like much, but when you're recovering from a game or preparing for the next one, that commute time adds up. I developed routines to handle the pressure: specific pre-game meals, meditation sessions, even particular ways of taping my fingers before games. These rituals might seem superstitious to outsiders, but for athletes, they create necessary structure amidst the chaos of professional sports.
One aspect of my journey that doesn't get discussed enough is the business side of basketball. When I signed my second contract in 2016, I finally understood that basketball isn't just a sport - it's a career, complete with negotiations, marketing commitments, and public appearances. I remember being surprised that we had approximately 15-20 mandatory community events per season, on top of our playing schedule. These experiences taught me about the responsibility that comes with being a professional athlete. Kids would look up to us, and that realization changed how I conducted myself both on and off the court.
If I'm being completely honest, not every moment was glorious. I suffered a knee injury in 2017 that kept me sidelined for nearly 4 months - 112 days to be exact. That was the lowest point of my career, watching my team struggle while I was stuck in rehabilitation. The recovery process taught me more about perseverance than any game ever could. What kept me going during those dark days was the support from fans - receiving letters and messages from people who appreciated my journey. That connection with fans became one of the most rewarding aspects of being a PBA player.
Reflecting on my entire PBA journey, what stands out aren't the statistics or the highlight reels, but the relationships built and lessons learned. The league gave me more than a career - it gave me an education in resilience, teamwork, and personal growth. For any young player aspiring to join the PBA, my advice would be simple: embrace the struggle. Those difficult moments facing elite competition aren't obstacles; they're opportunities to build the foundation for your entire career. The fire that feels like it might consume you initially is actually forging you into a better player and person. My time in the PBA may have ended, but the values and lessons continue to shape my life beyond basketball.