Adrian Nocum marks regular rise with first PBA All-Star nod

Adrian Nocum takes flight for his maiden PBA All-Star look, and Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao believes there’s a lot in retailer for the daredevil guard, together with an MVP award

MANILA, Philippines – Adrian Nocum has gone from an under-the-radar prospect to some of the thrilling younger stars of the PBA. 

And his first All-Star nod serves as validation to his regular rise simply over two years since Rain or Shine chosen him because the twenty fourth total decide of the 2023 draft. 

“I by no means anticipated that I might attain this level as a result of I used to be only a position participant once I was in school,” stated Nocum, who’s a part of the North All-Stars captained by Barangay Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar and coached by San Miguel’s Leo Austria. 

The 26-year-old product of Mapua joined the draft with hardly any fanfare because the 2023 class featured a number of prime abilities in Stephen Holt, Christian David, Zavier Lucero, Schonny Winston, and Ricci Rivero.

However coach Yeng Guiao and the Elasto Painters already had their eyes on Nocum, hoping different groups would go on him so they may snag the satisfaction of Tondo, Manila, on the finish of the second spherical. 

Guiao had seen glimpses of brilliance from Nocum throughout his time with the Cardinals within the NCAA and with the San Juan Knights within the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, the place he earned Rookie of the Yr honors.

“He had qualities that we felt match with our staff. He had toughness, he was naturally athletic and fast, he had slashing skills, and he was additionally a superb defender,” stated Guiao. 

“We noticed weaknesses in his recreation, together with his decision-making, maybe as a result of he was nonetheless younger then. His outdoors shot was additionally inconsistent. However we thought these had been issues that we [could] enhance on.”

It didn’t take lengthy for Nocum to make his presence felt as he averaged 12.8 factors, 3.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.0 steal within the 2024 Philippine Cup — his second convention within the PBA — to assist the Elasto Painters return to the semifinals for the primary time in 5 years.

Nocum and Rain or Shine additionally reached the ultimate 4 in every of the three conferences of the 2024-25 season, the place he ended up because the Elasto Painters’ highest native scorer with a median of 13.7 factors to go along with 3.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.1 steals in 59 video games performed.

His relentless drives to the basket and his aerial artistry have drawn Nocum comparisons with PBA legends Vergel Meneses and Samboy Lim, icons who endeared themselves to followers with their high-flying exploits.

And similar to Meneses, who gained league MVP in 1995, Guiao believes Nocum has what it takes to seize the best particular person honor within the PBA.

“Very early in his profession, he has already proven star potential. I inform him that [he] might be an MVP so long as he improves his outdoors capturing. And it isn’t an exaggeration,” stated Guiao, who coached Meneses and one other league MVP in two-time winner Willie Miller. 

“He’ll go a good distance. That is simply his first All-Star look; there can be many extra.”

For Nocum, he’s merely grateful to have been put in the correct state of affairs that permits him to thrive, beneath the steering of a coach recognized for unearthing hidden gems, as he is aware of there are many promising gamers who by no means had the chance to showcase their wares.

All of it labored out for Nocum, whose choice to depart Mapua prematurely and pursue knowledgeable profession led him to Rain or Shine.

“There are various nice gamers everywhere in the Philippines, some much more proficient than I’m. I’m simply actually grateful to the Lord. I prayed for this. That is meant for me,” stated Nocum. 

“I nonetheless had two years left in school. I made a decision to not end it, and I entered the draft. Every thing simply lined up completely.”

With so many nice issues going for him, Nocum hopes a PBA championship can be subsequent because the Elasto Painters search a return to glory, having not gained a title since 2016.

“In fact, I wish to develop into a champion. I’ve by no means gained a championship in my whole basketball profession,” he stated. – Rappler.com