By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Former Hua Siong College of Iloilo Red Phoenix superstar Mark Nonoy is close to living his PBA dream after earning a first-round selection during the 2024 Rookie Draft ceremony.
The daredevil point guard was selected 10th overall by the Terrafirma Dyip franchise and will immediately be put to the test once the PBA season kicks off this coming August.
Already projected as a high pick after an impressive performance during the PBA Draft Combine, Nonoy stunned the mock draft made by several analysts after barging into the top 10 picks in the first round.
Known as a high-octane ball handler who can score the leather in spurts with his three-point shooting and slashing ability, Nonoy will be fighting for the backcourt spot in Terrafirma following the arrival of former Barangay Ginebra San Miguel guard Stanley Pringle.
Together with Pringle and steady floor general Juami Tiongson, their trio will be a highly-anticipated showtime display and is already considered as one of the most talented guard pools in the league.
Nonoy’s draft stock quickly rose after he declared for the PBA Draft last July 4, 2024, confirmed and announced by the Daily Guardian.
The pride of La Carlota, Negros Occidental is currently playing for the Iloilo United Royals in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).
Before entering the professional scene, Nonoy helped the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers reclaim the UAAP Men’s basketball throne after defeating the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons in the grand finals.
Nonoy was spectacular during that championship series and provided the Green Archers with the much-needed scoring and fast-paced tempo style of attack.
Despite a slow start in the first elimination round of the UAAP, Nonoy reclaimed his shooting touch and efficient scoring late in the second round, a vital reason why DLSU was able to make an incredible run to the Final Four.
