Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 15) — After being drafted ninth overall by Meralco in the first round of this year’s PBA Rookie Draft, Alvin Pasaol is eager to push for a championship for the Bolts.

Pasaol said he is thrilled to be sharing the court with Meralco cagers Chris Newsome and Aaron Black — who are both former Rookie of the Year awardees.

“I’m excited to be working with Aaron Black and Kuya Chris Newsome,” he said. “They’re guys I look up to.”

Aside from taking Pasaol in the first round, the Bolts also picked John Yasa in the third round and Louie Brill III in the fourth round.

“There’s no question that Alvin Pasaol is one of the best scorers in the draft,” Meralco team manager Paolo Trillo said. “We’re looking forward to seeing him on the team and developing him even further. We’re pleased with the results of this year’s draft and we’ll keep working to achieve more this 2021.”

The PBA is eyeing to hold two conferences in its 46th season. The league plans to adopt a closed-circuit format, where teams will be transported to the venues from their homes and vice versa.

The four-month long Philippine Cup is slated to start on April 11, with Barangay Ginebra defending the crown.

“I’m so motivated because they reached the semifinals (last year). We’ll just put more effort and we’ll reach the finals. I will do everything I can to help the team win the title,” the former University of the East standout said.

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