Top draftee avoids getting star-struck

MANILA, Philippines - For Powerade rookie Jvee Casio, playing against his hardcourt heroes in the PBA is a tough challenge but he won’t back down in proving he belongs in the big league.

Casio, 25, singled out L. A. Tenorio, Jimmy Alapag, Jason Castro, Alex Cabagnot and Denok Miranda as among the outstanding guards he’ll lock horns with as the season unravels. The key is not to get star-struck, he noted.

“I remember what coach Rajko (Toroman) would always remind us with Gilas,” said Casio. “He told us to just play our game even if the opposing team is supposed to be stronger and more experienced, that we can’t be intimidated. My idols are playing in the PBA. I’ve played against some of them in the UAAP before, like L. A. I know I can’t afford to get star-struck. I’ll just keep my focus and play as hard as I can.”

Casio, however, won’t be able to make his PBA debut until two to three weeks from now. He continues to undergo therapy on his bruised left knee under orthopaedic specialist Dr. George Canlas. “I’ll probably sit out three to four games,” he said. “It’s all about rest and therapy. Luckily, there’s no tear in the knee, just some swelling.”

Casio has been a fixture on the Smart Gilas national team since completing his varsity eligibility at La Salle in 2008. At the recent FIBA-Asia Championships in Wuhan, Casio averaged 7.8 points in nine games. He put up a bold stand in the 75-61 semifinal loss to Jordan, scoring 15 points.

 “It was an honor to play for our country,” said Casio. “I’m grateful for the opportunity. Now my goal is to contribute to winning championships for Powerade. It’s a new level of competition. I’m excited about it. It will take a major adjustment for me. With coach Rajko, we played under strict rules. With coach Bo (Perasol), he allows for some free lancing. We’ve got a lot of talent at Powerade and I’m fortunate to be with the team, especially since Marcio (Lassiter) is also with us. What we learned from coach Rajko, we’ll bring to the PBA. And I’m sure to learn a lot more from coach Bo.”

Casio said he realizes there are high expectations for him as this year’s first overall draft pick. “I know there’s pressure – that’s expected,” he said. “But I try not to think about it. I’ve played under pressure ever since I was a kid. I think because I’m short, I always have to prove myself more than others out there. I’m used to it.”

Casio said he’s surrounded by outstanding players at Powerade and the outlook is bright for a good showing. “Gary (David) is an exciting player, a scorer who will demand attention from the defense,” he said. “There’s a lot of competition for playing time at point guard so we all have to fight for our spots for the good of the team. I think that’s healthy. Celino (Cruz), Rudy (Lingganay) and James (Martinez) give us depth at the No. 1 position. We’ve got Marcio and (Josh) Vanlandingham at No. 3. Francis (Allera) and Sean (Anthony) can play two or three. Then, we’ve got our bigs. Rommel (Adducul) is very motivated and his experience will go a long way for us. Alex (Crisano), Doug (Kramer), Will (Antonio) and Ricky (Calimag) are our other bigs. For me, I just have to be familiar with coach Bo’s system. It’s an adjustment process.”

Casio said he’s not ruling out playing for Gilas once more but only if it doesn’t conflict with his Powerade commitments in the PBA. “I’ve told Chris (Tiu) that if I’m called, I’ll be ready,” he said. “I’m now under contract with Powerade but I’m sure something can be worked out if it’s for the country. I hope the Gilas program will continue because I know someday soon, we’ll win the FIBA-Asia championship. We came close in Wuhan and we showed everyone how competitive we’ve become in international basketball.”

With Paul Lee’s exceptional performance in his debut last Sunday, all eyes will be on Casio when he finally suits up for Powerade. Lee was the second overall draft pick behind only Casio and fans expect a down-to-the-wire battle for Rookie of the Year honors between the two crack guards.