JHAYMO EGUILOS just played two games for the Blackwater Elite when the squad decided to give him an opportunity to play in the big league as an unrestricted free agent.
Since then, the 6-foot-5 big man from Far Eastern University decided to hone his craft more, playing in minor leagues like the D-League and lately, the Batangas City Athletics-Tanduay where he was spotted by Phoenix Fuel Masters head coach Louie Alas.
“I saw some of his games, particularly during the championship series and I was impressed,” Phoenix coach Louie Alas told BusinessWorld.
With the Fuel Masters needing a big man in the season-ending PBA Governors’ Cup, will Mr. Alas give Mr. Eguilos an opportunity to crack the lineup?
“I cannot tell yet if I’m interested. I have to ask his former coaches if he has high motor. Physically he’s OK. About his IQ, I need to assess him, kailangan personal. But no guarantees if he could make the lineup. He could try out for a spot, though,” added Mr. Alas.
“But I need with a high basketball IQ because three weeks na lang opening na. Kapag medyo slow at hindi makakasabay agad sa gusto naming ipagawa, medyo mahihirapan.”
Mr. Eguilos is probably the best big man playing in the fastest growing regional amateur basketball league in the country — the MPBL. He was a key figure in the Athletics’ championship run last season.
But whether Mr. Eguilos will pursue PBA plans by attending Phoenix’s practices or staying with the Athletics camp remains to be seen.
The Athletics are still playing without ace gunner Val Acuña due to an injury and await the return of Bong Quinto, who is still playing in the NCAA for Letran. On Saturday, Batangas City picked up its second loss in four games, dropping a 78-66 decision to Valenzuela.
Mr. Eguilos was hardly a factor in that game, making only eight points on one-of-seven shooting from the field. — Rey Joble
