Solid in exhibition series, forgotten Joseph Eriobu again knocking on PBA door


Joseph Eriobu (right) shows he’s ready for a second PBA wind. —PBA IMAGES

Joseph Eriobu (proper) reveals he’s prepared for a second PBA wind. —PBA IMAGES

Joseph Eriobu, a reputation that will sound unfamiliar to the informal fan, will not be taking as a right the possibility of turning his dream of returning to the PBA right into a actuality.

“I’m simply having fun with the second,” Eriobu, who’s a part of Magnolia’s roster for the PBA On Tour, stated in Filipino. “Being right here within the PBA On Tour is already an achievement for me, as a result of when you’re now not within the league, it’s very tough to get again.”

After making himself into one of many prime gamers within the PBA 3×3 and representing Gilas Pilipinas in a pair of halfcourt tournaments on the worldwide stage, Eriobu was put ready to make one remaining step in direction of a return to the large league by being listed by the Hotshots to play within the exhibition sequence.

By two video games within the On Tour, the southpaw from Las Pinas Metropolis produced 9 factors and two rebounds in a median of 13 minutes in opposition to Blackwater and Converge.

He has already skilled how it’s to be taking part in below the brilliant lights of the PBA, first with Mahindra (now-Terrafirma) as a rookie popping out of Mapua in 2016 earlier than taking part in for Phoenix and Blackwater.

However Eriobu has been out of the league since 2019, taking part in for Hong Kong Jap within the Asean Basketball League earlier than turning into a forgotten determine when the pandemic halted most sporting occasions exterior of the PBA.

Stepping stone

It wasn’t till 2021 when Eriobu type of returned to the PBA when he was signed by Magnolia for the three×3 tourney.

Keen to make use of it as a stepping stone, Eriobu blossomed for Purefoods throughout the first two seasons of the PBA’s halfcourt model and it will definitely led to him getting a name to characterize the flag and nation within the 2022 Fiba (Worldwide Basketball Federation) 3×3 Asia Cup and the current Cambodia Southeast Asian Video games.

His 3×3 exploits led to the place Eriobu is correct now, a shot at reaching his final aim.

“I’m so grateful that my further work and sacrifices are bearing fruit,” he stated. “I set a aim for myself to make use of my 3×3 stint to probably returning to taking part in 5-on-5. I actually wished to make it occur.”

Enjoying within the On Tour is already a bonus for Eriobu, however he is aware of that there’s extra work left to be completed shifting ahead as the possibility of getting a spot within the PBA’s forty eighth season will relaxation on how he can make the most of the chance.

“I used to be as soon as advised that I ought to adapt as [quickly] as I may and never the opposite method round,” stated Eriobu. “However by means of the grace of God, I used to be capable of regulate and I used to be capable of at the very least make a stable contribution at any time when they name my identify.”



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