Adrian Nocum takes his 'Banat' game to Asian Games in Gilas Pilipinas debut

Adrian Nocum has never been one to shy away from a challenge.

The Tondo pride has built his name in the PBA through his fearlessness and leadership that have helped Rain or Shine emerge as a more competitive squad in recent years.

That same fearless mentality is what Nocum hopes to bring to Gilas Pilipinas, regardless of the role he is asked to play at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, as he marks his national team debut.

Of course, defending the gold medal the squad won three years ago to end a 61-year drought is no easy task. However, Nocum and the rest of the current Gilas Pilipinas crew are prepared to give it everything they have and enjoy the ride while they are at it.

"Sabi ko nga, excited lang din ako kung ano ‘yung maipapakita namin, excited akong mag-compete. Kumbaga, ayun nga, banat lang. And siyempre enjoy lang din," Nocum said in a press conference.

"Siyempre nagpapasalamat ako na nakapasok ako dito and excited din and ‘yun, ibibigay ko lang ‘yung best ko every game, kung ano ‘yung maitutulong ko sa team. Excited na akong makipag-compete sa ibang lahi."

Nocum has long dreamed of donning the national colors, but his chance has only come now after Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone opted for a new-look and all-PBA roster for the Asian Games.

The former Mapua star, who is averaging 17.67 points, 4.00 rebounds, and 7.17 assists in the PBA Governors' Cup, was among those called up by Cone alongside the likes of Robert Bolick, Justin Arana, Justine Baltazar, Sedrick Barefield, RJ Abarrientos, and Zav Lucero.

Almost immediately, Nocum found himself at home, especially with veteran and fellow NCAA product Robert Bolick.

Bolick, in particular, gives the young Nocum a wealth of experience to draw from. The NLEX guard has worn the national colors on several occasions, most recently helping Gilas Pilipinas capture gold at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, where the Philippines edged host Thailand in the finals.

"Roommate kami ni Kuya Robert and nagkasama kami sa [PBA] All-Star. Si Kuya Robert kasi ‘yung tao na sobrang gaan pakisamahan," Nocum shared.

"Marami siyang kwento, marami akong natututuhan sa kanya kahit mga kullitan. Sobrang gaan niya pakisamahan."

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA News