FROM two pro leagues to another? That’s possible.
Prized guard Encho Serrano, a former La Salle standout, intends to join this year’s PBA draft after proving he has what it takes.
The high-flying Serrano averaged 15.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game for Basilan-Jumbo Plastic Medical Depot in the Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational powered by TM last month.
The Jerson Cabiltes-mentored Basilan squad bagged the title and P2 million against favorite Nueva Ecija in the 13-day, FIBA-style tourney.
“Magpa-draft sa PBA,” Serrano said, referring to his possible next plan.
Cabiltes said he will support whatever decision Serrano and his other wards come up with.
“I don’t restrict my players when it comes to the draft kapag nakikita kong hinog na sila.
Minsan, baka masobrahan pa sa pagiging hinog so kung gusto nilang magpa-draft, I support them,” Cabiltes said.
The 6-foot Serrano also showed his worth for Pampanga in the NBL, a pro league like the MPBL and PBA.
In steering the Delta to the crown against La Union via a sweep of their best-of-3 finals duel also last month, Serrano, 22, was named finals MVP.
Blackwater, Alaska, and Rain or Shine hold multiple selections in the draft that is seen likely to be loaded with Fil-foreign players after the PBA board decided to relax its eligibility rules.
A native of Apalit, Pampanga, Serrano was good for 7.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per outing for the Green Archers in the last UAAP cage wars in 2019.
Cabiltes just wants Serrano to continue working hard even if he makes it to the PBA.
“I just always tell them na kailangan ninyong mag-extra work kasi iba din ang labanan doon,” he said.
“Iba iyong how to get there, and how to stay there. Dalawa iyan, so iyon ang lagi kong ina-advise ko sa kanila na magsumikap sila.”
