By REYNALD MAGALLON
Regardless of the outcome of the quarterfinals series between Rain or Shine and Converge, the Elasto Painters seemed to have found their next big star.
Adrian Nocum has slowly been emerging as a potential face of the ROS franchise, thanks to several stellar performances this season including a head-turning 28-point showing in Game 2 of the quarterfinals to help the Elasto Painters force a do-or-die.
And he did that with the jaw-dropping drives and gutsy triples that amused and drew the attention of the fans in the venue – some even waited for him outside the media room to get pictures with him.
Nocum certainly has the charisma to become the poster boy of the franchise: he has the looks, he’s exciting to watch, and for head coach Yeng Guiao, he’s unique.
“Ano ito, nag-iisa lang. Unique siya,” Guiao said of his sophomore who has been becoming popular to fans largely due to his airborne acts.
Obviously brimming with confidence when on the court, Nocum, for his part deflected that credit to his coaches and teammates for his stellar game.
“Sa mga teammates ko rin iyon. Iyon talaga ang dahilan kung bakit nakuha ko ‘yung ganoong puntos. Nag-stick lang kami sa game plan ng coaches at suggestions ng teammates ko,” said Nocum.
As for his acrobatic shots, he said simply: “Di ko rin alam ba’t nagagawa ko ‘yung mga ganun. Nilalaro ko lang.”
Nocum’s talent is undeniable though, and head coach Yeng Guiao knew about it the moment he joined ROS practice for the first time.
“Actually, nung una pa lang na pagpasok niya sa team. sinabihan ko na siya na meron kang talent: slashing sa basket. May bilis ka. Pero inconsistent yung outside shot mo,” Guiao said.
But in order for the 25-year-old guard to have a consistent impact on the court, he needs to have a well-rounded game – something that Nocum has been working on and slowly but surely finally showing some results on the court.
“Pag na-develop niya ‘yung outside shot, sabi ko baka mag-MVP ka. So, baka ina-ambisyon niya. “Binobola ko lang siya nun, naniwala eh,” Guiao jested.
