Athlete

Policarpio optimistic for what he can bring to NLEX in PBA debut

Photo sources: PBA Images, UAAP Media Team, NLEX

Jonnel Policarpio signed a three-year contract with the NLEX Road Warriors to start his PBA career, which is a display of faith between both sides who are hoping for a productive partnership.

The 6-foot-5, UAAP 5-on-5 and 3×3 champion has been training with the Road Warriors for a few weeks and admitted that he has learned much since his first practice with the professional franchise.

“Unang practice ko pa lang marami na akong natututunan eh, lalo na sa mga kuya ko. Nakikinig din ako lalo na sa mga coach ko, tinuturuan ako sa offense at defense,” the 22-year-old former La Salle forward shares.

Policarpio made the surprising move to go the one-and-done route in college. He averaged 6.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists last UAAP Season, playing a prominent role in La Salle’s title conquest of Season 86 men’s basketball off the bench.

The Pampanga native aims to not waste the opportunity given by NLEX as he embarks on what was his ultimate dream: to make the PBA.

“Sobrang excited ako na nakapirma ako ng tatlong taon sa NLEX, ga-grab ko lang yung opportunity na binigay sa akin at di ko sasayangin,” he proclaimed.

RELATED: Former Green Archer Policarpio signs three-year deal with NLEX

Adjusting from the training environment he was used to with the Green Archers to the Road Warriors was a challenge for him. The sixth-overall pick is still getting used to NLEX’s gameplay strategies and is glad that he can somehow catch up with his new team.

The Road Warriors finished sixth last PBA conference after losing to the eventual champion Meralco Bolts in the semi-finals.

The newly signed rookie was able to turn heads during the PBA Draft Combine mini-tournament where he led his team to the championship and later was awarded the Most Valuable Player. He also led the Mythical Five, which featured other top picks in the combine. This made the rookie a great prospect for his new team which fell short of a finals appearance during their previous PBA Season. 

“Sobrang malaki yung pa-practisin ko mag aadjust ako sa offense and defense lalo na yun kailangan ko aralin. masaya naman ako nakakasunod ako sa offense at defense ng NLEX.”

The versatile wingman has already suited up for the team in a tune-up game against Magnolia where he was impressive.

He credits the tutelage from La Salle’s head coach Topex Robinson during their year together in Taft, on and off the court. He is grateful for the knowledge he gained from his Green Archers teammates and aims to bring this mindset with him on his PBA Journey.

“Yung winning culture ni Coach Topex, and yung sinasabi nya palagi sa amin na kahit anong mangyari bigay lang namin lagi yung best namin, yung 100% namin sa game.”