Sol tells rookie aspirants to never give up on PBA dream

MANILA, Philippines -- Barangay Ginebra combo guard Sol Mercado reminded every rookie aspirant that playing and eventually making a name in the PBA requires more than just a talent or skill.

Appearing at the 2015 Gatorade PBA Rookie Draft Combine, Mercado has no doubt that this year’s batch of freshmen has the tools that could earn the nod of PBA coaches come draft day.

But what will make these rookies play longer and leave an impact in the PBA is the attitude and their proper approach to the game.

“My advice to any of the players whether guard or big men is to be determined and continue to work hard,” Mercado told Philstar.com on the first day of the draft combine on Wednesday at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong.

“You’re gonna find some bumps on the road, but stay on it. Never give up on your dream, continue to work hard and be dedicated,” he added.

Big men like Fil-Tongan Moala Tautuaa and former National University slotman Troy Rosario are expected to figure in the top two picks on this Sunday’s draft.

But the six-foot Mercado said there’s also a bevy of explosive guards to watch out as well.

The former Biola University standout noted that Simon Enciso, a Fil-Am who played for Notre Dame de Namur University, is one rookie aspirant who could instantly make an impact in the PBA.

“He’s (Enciso) a hard worker. He’s coachable. He listens and wants to learn. He wants to get better, plus he’s strong and he’s quick,” observed the 31-year-old Mercado.

“He can definitely come in and help the team right away.”

The 5-foot-11 Enciso teamed up with Tautuaa in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup, where the dynamic duo helped Cebuana Lhuillier reach the semifinals, before losing to Hapee Toothpaste.

Other than Enciso, who interestingly goes by the Twitter handle @FilipinoDRose, guards who are shoo-in for the first round in this Sunday’s rookie draft include Chris Newsome of Ateneo, Fil-American Maveric Ahanmishi of Cafe France and reigning NCAA MVP Scottie Thompson.