John Barba is entering his final playing year with Lyceum of the Philippines University, and for him, it is another chance to revive his derailed pro dreams.
Barba was among the applicants in the recent PBA Draft, but his name was not called among the 77 players selected.
"Dumating ‘yung time na nagpa-pass na ‘yung mga team nung Draft, unti-unti ka nang nawawalan ng gana," Barba said Monday during the NCAA Season 101 media launch. “Pero positive lang ako noon kasi iniisip ko lang may magandang plano si God para sa akin.”
Barba considers NCAA Season 100 as his breakout year.
He was named to the Mythical Five last season, posting averages of 17.61 points, 5.83 rebounds, 2.89 assists, and 1.22 steals per game, leading the Pirates to a Final Four finish. However, Lyceum fell to eventual champions Mapua University in the semifinals.
"Parang na-boost ang confidence ko na ‘yung laro ko, try ko na makipagsabayan sa mga pro," he said, sharing that he believed he had a legitimate shot in the draft.
Despite going undrafted, Barba is now more motivated than ever to prove that his talent belongs in the pros.
"Sobrang blessed ako kasi may opportunity pa ako na mapakita ang talent ko sa last season ko sa NCAA. So ayun, dodoblehin ko lang effort ko, ibibigay ko best ko," he added.
"Kung anuman maging resulta o kung anuman makita sa laro ko, masaya ako kasi nakarating ako rito sa NCAA at may opportunity pa ako."
Barba also believes that the upcoming season will help him continue to grow as a player.
"Isa rin sa naisip ko, baka hindi pa rin ako ready o hindi pa ako pang-pro. Baka itong last season ko, ito pa ang maging stepping stone ko para maipakita ang kulang ko pa."
NCAA Season 101 kicks off on October 1.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
