Kings 4th pick Forrester excited to learn from Caguioa

MANILA, Philippines – It was a no-brainer that Brgy. Ginebra picked 7-foot center Greg Slaughter as the top overall pick but to the surprise of many, the Kings traded two pieces to get Fil-Canadian James Forrester at no. 4.

Forrester was picked ahead of more heralded rookies Terrence Romeo, RR Garcia, Jeric Teng, Alex Nuyles, Nico Salva and Ryan Buenafe.

Now, the pressure is on Forrester to show his real worth after the Kings gave up former Rookie of the Year Rico Maierhofer, who didn’t get his game going after battling assorted of injuries starting his sophomore year, and role player Willy Wilson.

“I don’t feel that much pressure because I have utmost confidence in myself. I feel like I’m a good fit. I’m just ready to come in and work hard and get things started,” Forrester told Philstar.com.

The 6-2 swingman is just coming off a meniscus tear injury that slowed him down in his last stint with the Arellano Chiefs in the NCAA this season. But the Kings’ coaching staff is banking on his athleticism and daredevil plays which Ginebra coach Ato Agustin likened to that of Sol Mercado.

“I’m just blessed to be given this opportunity. I’ll work as hard as I can. I don’t like things to be just given to me.  I love to work for my own. I’m just so happy to be here,” added Forrester, whose mother Leticia hails from Pangasinan.

The 24-year old wingman feels that Brgy. Ginebra is the best team that will give him the room to grow and develop in the PBA.  

“It’s a great opportunity for me to learn under Mark Caguioa. He’ll most likely be a mentor to me. I just feel that it’s a great situation for me,” Forrester said.  

Caguioa was flattered and is willing to take him under his wings.

“Di ko pa siya nakikitang maglaro talaga eh but I’ve heard a of stuff about him. Talking to him now, he sounds like a good kid. I hope kung anuman ang ituro ko sa kaniya, ma-i-apply niya sa sarili niya. I hope he just listens,” Caguioa told Philstar.com.