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| Enoch Valdez proved his worth as an NLEX Road Warrior in a huge win against the Converge FiberXers. PBA Images |
QUEZON CITY—NLEX coach Frankie Lim revealed on Wednesday night that the team was really intent on drafting Enoch Valdez in last year's PBA Draft.
Lim said that he was impressed with what Valdez showed when they invited him for a pre-draft workout.
"Before the draft, when I saw him practicing in our team, I was telling already my coaches, 'I'm gonna pick this guy. Pag ito nag-landing sa atin sa turn natin, I'm gonna get him,'" Lim recalled what he told his coaching staff during one workout.
The Road Warriors could have selected the six-foot-two winger in the first round, but they opted instead for Richie Rodger, which was actually a surprise pick in itself since only a few mock drafts actually had him projected as a first-rounder.
Valdez, though, remained available until the first of two second-round picks NLEX had, so the team did not hesitate in drafting him with what would be the 18th overall pick of the draft.
The team, however, had to wait for a little while as the high-flying Valdez was still finishing his tour of duty with Lyceum in the NCAA.
Valdez signed a two-year contract with the Road Warriors after the Pirates fell short of making the finals despite holding a twice-to-beat advantage against eventual champions San Beda Red Lions and was activated immediately along with NLEX's other second-rounder, Jhan Nermal, who was fresh from the MPBL National Finals for the Bacoor City Strikers.
A month after officially turning pro, Valdez played a crucial role in keeping NLEX's playoff hopes alive in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
Valdez led all the Road Warrior locals with 19 points, nine rebounds, and one steal to backstop the debuting DeAndre Williams-Baldwin in pacing their 107-103 win against the Converge FiberXers at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
"Ginawa ko lang yung pinapagawa ng coaches, and pag-open, tira. Yun naman ang ginagawa ko sa training," said Valdez, who went 7-for-12 from the field including 4-of-6 on threes, adding that he also put a premium on rebounding and defense for the game.
What Lim likes about Valdez more is the work ethic he is showing in practice.
"He's a great player. Alam niyo, he's very aggressive, and he's also masipag in practice. He comes in early, takes some shots, and gets out of the gym late. Nage-extra siya, and it's paying off," Lim further said.
Valdez, on the other hand, further said that he will work on his decision-making, off-ball defense, and even adjusting to the PBA brand of officiating as he moves on further in his pro career.
For now, though, NLEX needs to think about winning another must-win game for them on Saturday night against Ginebra at the Ibalong Center for Recreation in Legazpi.
Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno
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