Rain or Shine’s Adrian Nocum
Rookie Adrian Nocum quietly makes a name for himself, even if it is his rookie year. The 24th overall pick in the second round of the PBA’s 48th Season Draft exploded for 28 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals as Rain or Shine finally earned its first win after five tries in the Philippine Cup, dispatching Phoenix, 100-85, on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Compared to the past few games, where Nocum scored most of his points inside, Nocum showed a different facet of his game by making five 3-pointers out of nine attempts. Nocum shot an impressive 52 percent clip from the field as he gave the Fuel Masters a headache in different areas of the court.
“We need guys to really step up, especially since Rey, one of our top scorers, isn’t here anymore. It’s good that Adrian played well today, but actually, he’s been playing good games in the past few games. His play really changes, and he becomes a bigger threat when he makes his three-point shots,” said coach Yeng Guiao in Filipino after Rain or Shine’s win.
“Today, he made enough three-point shots for him to be able to balance his offense.”
“I’ve been telling that to him for a while now, I want him to balance his game and not just penetrate and slash. He needs to take the open threes because he’s been practicing that and at least, they’re going in.”
The Mapua product is currently averaging 16 points, three rebounds, and four assists per game and has paid Guiao’s trust in him.
“I need to practice my shots outside because I’ll have a hard time if I just drive. I worked on it in practice and I applied it today. They give me confidence when I’m open,” said Nocum in Filipino.
“My problem with myself is my consistency. Every game, I need to be consistent. The outside shots, I have to take them if I’m open and grab the opportunity so I’ll work on it and just keep practicing,” he added.
The 6-foot Nocum was a late addition to the Elasto Painters after he signed a two-year contract last November.
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