Caelan Tiongson, enjoying for Robust Group Athletics within the Jones Cup, is among the aspirants on this yr’s PBA Rookie Draft. –SGA PHOTO
Caelan Tiongson as soon as put aside his basketball profession for an everyday job again in the USA, however is now taking the subsequent step of enjoying within the PBA.
“It looks like a long-time coming,” stated Tiongson, seen as one of many early names to be referred to as within the PBA Rookie Draft on Sunday at Glorietta in Makati Metropolis.
Tiongson, 32, is projected to be an early first-round choose owing to his spectacular credentials of enjoying within the defunct Asean Basketball League and Taiwan’s T1 League.
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However there was a time when Tiongson, recognized for enjoying the small ahead and energy ahead positions, had determined to name it quits after enjoying for Alab Pilipinas within the ABL again in 2019.
“I used to be simply serious about being residence with my household after a number of the hardship of enjoying basketball abroad,” stated Tiongson.
He recalled taking a gross sales job within the US, earlier than deciding to take one other shot at a hoops profession by enjoying for Taiwan’s Taoyuan Leopards in 2021.
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It was with the Leopards that Tiongson was ready so as to add some elements to his sport.
“I used to be really enjoying for a younger staff, in order that they requested loads from me,” he stated. “I’m a staff participant who can play throughout the system. However in Taiwan, they requested me to attain loads so I used to be in a position to develop that a part of my sport.”
Now Tiongson seems to carry these expertise into the PBA, a league he holds with excessive regard.
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“I feel it’s gonna be a aggressive league, for certain,” he stated. “I like the pleasure, I like the fanbase that comes with every staff. So I’m anticipating to have plenty of enjoyable.”