Evan Nelle, selected No. 14 overall in PBA Season 49 Draft, signed with NorthPort on Friday, July 19.
NorthPort signed No. 14 overall pick Evan Nelle to a two-year deal on Friday, July 19.
Batang Pier coach Bonnie Tan confirmed the news to One Sports on the same day.
The former UAAP and NCAA champion is expected to make an impact right away for NorthPort, which recently acquired Jio Jalalon and Abu Tratter in a trade with Magnolia.
In exchange, the Batang Pier shipped promising big man Zavier Lucero to the Hotshots.
After working out with PBA and Gilas legend Jimmy Alapag in California in the lead-up to the draft, Nelle is confident he can contribute to the squad as it aims to make the playoffs this season.
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Hard work is what he learned from Alapag, and this is where the ex-La Salle playmaker will draw his confidence as he enters the pros.
“I am super confident, but I know what I work for. [I am] confident in my hard work. I think naman na I can help in any way,” said Nelle during the draft proceedings at the Glorietta 4 Activity Center last July 14.
“That’s what Jimmy taught me: Hard work brings you places,” added the former Green Archers stalwart, who had a workout with the Sacramento Kings assistant coach Alapag for a week.
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Ironically, Nelle, who also suited up for San Beda in the NCAA before transferring to the Taft-based squad, will now play for coach Bonnie Tan, who led rival Letran past then four-peat seeking Red Lions to claim the title in the league in 2019.
Tan went on to claim a three-peat with the Knights before taking the reins at NorthPort.
“Very ironic, because my last game in the NCAA, he made me cry. Now, he’s making me cry again because he drafted me,” said Nelle.
“It’s a big honor. Thank you for the trust, coach Bonnie and the coaching staff. I hope I can repay you, guys.”