The highway to the PBA took a while, however finally, Will Gozum made it after being picked by Phoenix final Sunday within the PBA Rookie Draft.
Gozum performed his remaining season with De La Salle–Faculty of Saint Benilde in 2023. Nonetheless, a knee damage in 2024 whereas enjoying for the Quezon Huskers within the MPBL put his PBA desires on maintain.
After recovering, the NCAA Season 98 MVP returned to the Huskers, and shortly afterward, submitted his title for the PBA Draft.
Now, after nearly a yr and a half, Gozum is lastly in Asia’s first professional league.
“Sobrang glad ko na na-pick nila ako. Sobrang glad ko na ‘yung belief nila is nandiyan, and I’ll do the whole lot, I’ll do my greatest na makabawi sa kanila,” Gozum informed GMA Information On-line.
Gozum admitted he had beforehand feared he won’t return to his outdated kind however he simply targeted on what he may management.
“My mindset earlier than was like that, however it’s what it’s, eh. Kontrolin ko lang what I can management and let God do the remainder. Wala nang ibang ita-trust kundi Siya lang,” he mentioned.
With Phoenix, he will probably be enjoying alongside the likes of Jason Perkins and Kai Ballungay — teammates he says he’s excited to work with. Gozum may even be underneath the steerage of the Gas Masters’ new head coach, fellow large man Willy Wilson.
“Siguro, ma-co-contribute ko kung anong gusto ipagawa sa’kin ni Coach Willy,” he mentioned.
Fellow first-round choose Juan Gomez de Liaño, drafted by Converge, additionally described Gozum, his former UP teammate, as a “sleeper choose.”
“Phoenix acquired a very good one,” he mentioned about Gozum.
—GMA Built-in Information
