MANILA, Philippines - Jonathan Belorio, the former skipper of the Letran Knights, has joined a slew of local aces and top Fil-foreign players in the 2014 PBA Rookie Draft where he hopes to be picked high when the event is held Sunday at Robinsons Ermita in Manila.
Measured at 6’3, the high-leaping Belorio was a member of the 2012 Letran squad, which battled San Beda in the finals alongside fellow draft applicant Kevin Alas and Rain or Shine’s Raymond Almazan.
Alhtough the Knights fell short of their title bid, Belorio made good impression as a versatile big man who can score from inside and out and can easily play the No. 3 and 4 spots, a rare skill that would serve him well in the pro league.
Belorio hopes to join his fellow Zamboangueños who have already made it big in the PBA such as Mark Barocca, RR Garcia and Rudy Lingganay. In the amateur ranks, Zamboangueños who are slowly making their mark include Mark Tolomia of the FEU, Gino Jumadas of UE and Gilas’ Garvo Lanete.
“I am proud to be a Zamboangueño. If given the chance in the PBA draft, I would work hard to prove my worth as a player and carry the pride of Zamboanga and the entire Mindanao island,” said Belorio.