PBA: Jonnel Policarpio given three-year rookie deal by NLEX

Jonnel Policarpio is officially starting his professional career after he signed a three-year contract with NLEX following his decision to forgo his remaining years with De La Salle University in the UAAP.

The Road Warriors announced Policarpio's signing on Monday as the sixth overall pick during the Rookie Draft earlier this month has officially joined the franchise that's eager to boost its contender status in the PBA.

The 22-year-old Policarpio, who spent just one season with the Green Archers in Season 86, said he's out to repay the trust given by head coach Jong Uichico and the whole Road Warriors management.

"Masaya ako na makasama ko ang NLEX at maglaro sa PBA. Hindi ko sasayangin ang pagkakataong ito, at sisikapin kong ibigay ang lahat para sa NLEX," Policarpio said.

[I'm happy to be part of NLEX and play in the PBA. I won't waste this opportunity, and I'll strive to give my all for NLEX.]

Uichico, meanwhile, sees Policarpio becoming a key cog in their program, which is being led by Robert Bolick, Baser Amer, Matt Nieto, Dave Marcelo, and Enoch Valdez.

“It will take patience from both sides for Jonnel to realize his full potential. As coaches, we want to be the ones who’ll teach him not just on the court but also off of it. He’ll be an integral part of our team’s future,” Uichico shared.

Policarpio was the latest rookie to be signed after RJ Abarrientos (Barangay Ginebra), Caelan Tiongson, Francis Escandor, and Felix Lemetti (Rain or Shine), and Sedrick Barefield, Miggy Corteza, and DJ Mitchell (Blackwater).

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News