By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
AMONG the players selected late in the recently held Philippine Basketball Association Rookie Draft, Al Josef Benedict “Job” Cariaga knows that he still needs to prove that he belongs with the big boys in Asia’s first play-for-pay league.
But the Filipino-Canadian player said he is up for it, believing he has the talent to hold his own which he intends to complement with the right work ethic to be a success as a professional player.
The six-foot guard Cariaga, who played for the AMA Online Education Titans and Zark’s Burger Jawbreaker in the PBA Developmental League, was picked in the fourth round by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. He was the 39th pick overall and third to the last selected.
Mr. Cariaga, who hails from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, said he was a bit surprised that he fell late in the draft but nonetheless was not worried of not being selected.
“I wasn’t really that worried because I know I have the talent to play in the PBA. Maybe I was just competing with big names in the draft that’s why I fell in the draft. But I’m just blessed that Rain or Shine gave me a chance to be part of the team,” said Mr. Cariaga in an interview with BusinessWorld immediately after the rookie draft on Dec. 16 at the Robinsons Place Manila in Ermita.
The Fil-foreign guard recognizes that to be picked in the rookie draft is one thing and to make it to the final roster of the team is another, which is why he is very determined to go all out to be able to make the cut.
“I’ll just come to practice confident. When you come in late in the draft you have to go out there with a first-round mindset and prove that you belong in the league. Of course, I have to have fun as well because at the end of the day it’s just basketball, right?” he said.
With Rain or Shine, Mr. Cariaga thinks he fits well even as he said that he is looking forward to learning from the veterans of the team and eventually making a name for himself.
“I like how Maverick Ahanmisi plays. Obviously the big names there like James Yap, players I look up to growing up. But I intend to make a name for myself in Rain or Shine,” said the newly drafted rookie, talking about what excites him about playing for the Elasto Painters.
Asked what he would bring to the team, Mr. Cariaga said he would strive to make his mark on defense.
“Rain or Shine fans can expect a lot from me especially on defense. I don’t have to score that much because there are a lot of scorers in the league. Even those not drafted today can score. I have to be selfless, do the dirty work and give my all to help the team,” said Mr. Cariaga.
Apart from Mr. Cariaga, other picks by Rain or Shine from the rookie draft were Javee Mocon (6th), Paul Varilla (13th), Robbie Manalang (19th), and Harold Ng (20th).
