Enoch Valdez is out to make a name for himself, this time in the PBA stage as he is ready to move on to the professional ranks after a stint with Lyceum of the Philippines University.
The graduating team captain will cap off his collegiate career as probably one of the more successful products of the Pirates, making the Final Four in four of his five seasons with Lyceum.
In his rookie year, although still playing in the shadows of CJ Perez and brothers Jayvee and Jaycee Marcelino, Valdez was among the key cogs that helped Lyceum reach the finals before bowing to eventual champion San Beda in Season 94.
The following year, though, the Pirates would only make the Final Four as they stumbled against Letran in the stepladder semis.
They missed out on the semifinals spot in Season 97 after racking up just two wins in nine games but they came back roaring in the next two seasons.
A finals return, though, remained elusive for Lyceum as they fell prey twice to red-hot San Beda University on Friday in their semifinals encounter despite carrying a twice-to-beat advantage.
Still, Valdez has no regrets in choosing to fight for Lyceum.
"''Di naman ako nagsisi, ginagawa ko trabaho na depensahan star player [ng San Beda]. Ginawa ko part ko na, naka-score ng 28," Valdez said on the heels of their 82-72 loss.
"Wala akong regret, binigay ko lahat."
(No regrets, I did my job to defend their star player. I did my part, I scored 28 points. I have no regrets, I gave my all.)
Now, the flashy guard is all geared up to strut his stuff in the PBA as he is set to join NLEX, which selected him during the second round of the previous Rookie Draft.
By making a leap to the pros, Valdez is also looking forward to facing current San Miguel guard Perez, whom he considers as one of his mentors since his early days with Lyceum.
"Sobrang excited. Gusto ko depensahan ko siya, 'yung idol mo, kuya ko, tapos makakalaban ko na," an ecstatic Valdez shared.
"Tapos mas-stealan ko tapos idadakdak ko, sarap sa pakiramdam."
(I am excited. I like to defend him, he's my idol and brother, then I'll go against him, then make a steal and dunk. It feels good.)
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
