FORMER collegiate standouts Evan Nelle and CJ Cansino are among the early applicants for the coming PBA annual rookie Draft set July 14 at a venue still to be announced by the pro league.
Both champion cagers, Nelle, who played for San Beda University in the NCAA before moving to La Salle, and Cansino, a product of University of the Philippines where he transferred from University of Santo Tomas, are raring to prove they have what it takes.
“I’ve always wanted to play in the PBA. Ngayong magkakatotoo medyo kinakabahan na ako,” the 5-foot-11 Nelle said two days ago on the Power and Play program hosted by former PBA Commissioner Noli Eala, adding he is toughening up with the help of PBA great Jimmy Alapag in California in the United States. “I’m picking his brains a little and a few more days in, I hope to learn more from him.
“Sulit, grabe, iba talaga si coach Jimmy. Very kind, very nice, idol,” he added.
The 6-foot-1 Cansino said he is using his stint with Iloilo in the MPBL to prepare for the big league.
“Feeling ko iyong MPBL sobrang makakatulong in terms of physicality, kung paano maglaro iyong mga pros kasi may mga nakakalaban din akong pros sa MPBL,” Cansino said. “What I can bring to the table is siguro iyong leadership and scoring.
“Tingin ko makakatulong ako sa team na kukuha sa akin. Tingin ko handa naman ako sa physicality.”
