Converge FiberXers’ first spherical choose BJ Andrade within the PBA Draft 2023.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.internet
MANILA, Philippines—From Tab Baldwin in school for Ateneo to Aldin Ayo within the PBA for Converge, BJ Andrade has no scarcity of alternatives to be taught from the higher echelon of coaches within the Philippines.
Andrade, who was chosen by the FiberXers within the first spherical of the 2023 PBA Draft with the tenth choose, mentioned he’s excited to play for Ayo on the skilled degree.
In any case, it was Ayo and his then-UST Growling Tigers who gave the Blue Eagles some issues within the UAAP Season 82 Finals.
“Me, I’m so excited to play for coach Aldin as a result of once we confronted him [in the UAAP], he gave us a tough time and he’s among the best coaches right here within the Philippines so I’m excited,” mentioned Andrade on Sunday. “I hope he’ll train me so much.”
Andraded joins Adrian Wong and Mike Nieto, additionally former Ateneo gamers, at Converge.
Apart from the Sorsogon-native coach, Andrade may also be mentored by his uncle Danny Ildefonso and having a relative within the teaching employees relieves strain off of his shoulders.
“For me, no strain there however I’m completely satisfied as a result of that is the primary time that I’ll be with him in a crew and it’s within the PBA instantly.”

Converge FiberXers’ first spherical choose BJ Andrade within the PBA Draft 2023.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.internet
The Loyola Heights product admitted he didn’t count on to be chosen so excessive with names like Ricci Rivero, James Kwekuteye and JB Bahio, amongst others, nonetheless on the board.
Nonetheless, Andrade mentioned he feels blessed to be chosen by the FiberXers regardless of his present damage.
“Actually, I didn’t count on to be picked this excessive as a result of I’m nonetheless injured. I anticipated to be picked within the second or third spherical however I’m grateful to be picked within the first spherical.”
Andrade suffered a torn ACL damage in February final February throughout a recreation between his Pampanga Royce Lodge and Davao Occidental-Cocolife within the Pilipinas Tremendous League.
In his closing yr below Baldwin, he posted norms of 9.5 factors, 2.7 rebounds and a couple of.1 assists per recreation.
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