MANGATAREM-born Enoch Valdez, a collegiate basketball standout, was selected by the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) pro team NLEX Road Warriors during the PBA Season 48 Rookie Draft Pick on Sunday, September 17.

Valdez, who hails from Mangatarem town, was one of 79 names called during the draft pick out of 124 aspiring applicants. He was chosen by the NLEX Road Warriors management in the 2nd round, ranking 18th overall.

Formerly a player for the Lyceum Pirates in the NCAA, Valdez at 6’2″, is eyeing a career as a professional basketball player. Valdez is of mixed Filipino and Ghanaian heritage and comes from Barangay Andangin. He completed his junior high school at Macarang National High School.

He later attended Lyceum-Northwestern University for Grade 11 senior high school but transferred to San Juan de Letran to finish his remaining year in senior high. It was during this time that he was scouted to play for the Pirates.

Valdez is set to fulfill his ambition of competing against his former teammate and fellow Pirate CJ Perez, who hails from Bautista town.

He said he plans to give back to his community in Mangatarem that played a significant role in shaping his character and skills.

Pangasinan has a rich basketball tradition and has produced PBA legends like Marlou Aquino, Danny Ildefonso, Marc Pingris, Orlando Bauzon, Lordy Tugade, and many more. (Ahikam Pasion)

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