Former UV Green Lancer Andrew Avillanoza says he’s all geared up for Aspirants Cup action

With the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup opening next week, high-flying Fil-American center Andrew Avillanoza believes that he has what it takes to help the reigning Foundation Cup champions Blackwater Elite claim another crown and make a name for himself in time for the PBA draft next year.

The 6-foot-7 Avillanoza, a former stalwart of the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers and a slam dunk champion in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi), was picked third overall by Blackwater in the recent D-League draft. He spent the better part of last year training with the Cagayan Valley Rising Suns.

The Elite is currently in town for a team building activity. They spanked the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors Wednesday evening and were set to battle Cesafi runners-up Southwestern University as of this writing before going back to Manila today.

Blackwater is aiming for back-to-back titles after shocking the powerhouse NLEX Road Warriors in the previous conference.

According to Avillanoza, the D-League experience, which allowed him to be surrounded by some of the best amateur players in the land, has been a valuable one for him especially in his quest to make it to the big leagues someday.

“The D-League experience has been educational,” Avillanoza said. “It has given me a chance to practice with some of the biggest names in Philippine collegiate basketball. Scrimmaging and playing with Raymond Almazan (Letran) and Mark Bringas (FEU) with Cagayan last year has given me an opportunity to truly gauge my game against the elite amateur players. Now with Blackwater, being able to be around Jericho Cruz (Adamson), Kevin Ferrer (UST), and Allan Mangahas (Meralco) has helped me develop other aspects of my game, helping me become a multi-dimensional player.”

Avillanoza also narrated that he cherishes being coached by Leo Isaac, who he described as a “player’s coach.”

“Being picked third overall by Blackwater has been a blessing from the start. Coach Leo is a very laid back, ‘player’s coach,’ which is reminiscent of my days with Coach Elmer Cabahug (former UV head coach). Being a part of a true team not only is refreshing, but I also believe it will be great as far as developing my game the correct way,” he added.

Avillanoza hopes to use the next two conferences to boost his stock and someday fulfill his boyhood dream of playing with the pros.

“I am still a work in progress. I feel like these next two conferences in the D-League will serve as a good barometer as to how ready I am for the big leagues. I’m working everyday to prepare myself mentally and physically for the pro game, and I hope that one day I will be a productive piece of a quality PBA team.”