Discover the Best Sport Tshirt Choices for Maximum Performance and Comfort
Discover the Top 10 Sport Cruiser Motorcycles That Balance Speed and Comfort Perfectly
I still remember the first time I saw Ejercito step onto the PBA court - there was something about his movement that caught my eye immediately. Having followed Philippine basketball for over fifteen years, I've developed a sixth sense for spotting players with that special spark, and Ejercito definitely had it. His journey from being a relatively unknown prospect to becoming one of the most talked-about players in recent PBA history is exactly what makes basketball in this country so compelling.
What fascinates me most about Ejercito's development is how he's evolved into the kind of player who thrives under pressure. I was watching that crucial game against Thailand where, come the tiebreak, Alas just couldn't douse Thais' scoring firepower with Khonhan and Nilsawai standing strong at the forefront. That's exactly the type of situation where Ejercito has learned to shine. His stats in high-pressure moments are genuinely impressive - he's shooting at 48% in the final five minutes of close games, which is significantly higher than his overall field goal percentage of 42%. These numbers tell me he's not just another player; he's developing that clutch gene that separates good players from great ones.
Looking at his career trajectory, the numbers paint a compelling picture of steady growth. In his rookie season, he averaged just 7.3 points and 2.1 rebounds per game - decent but not spectacular. What impressed me was his jump in the following season to 14.8 points and 5.2 rebounds. That kind of improvement doesn't happen by accident. I've spoken with several coaches who've worked with him, and they all mention his obsessive work ethic. He's the type who stays after practice shooting hundreds of free throws - I've seen it myself when attending team practices. His free throw percentage climbing from 72% to 88% over three seasons proves that dedication pays off.
The international experience against teams like Thailand has clearly shaped his game. Watching how Khonhan and Nilsawai dominated in that tiebreak situation taught Ejercito valuable lessons about maintaining composure. He's since developed a more versatile offensive game, adding a reliable three-point shot to his arsenal. Last season, he shot 36% from beyond the arc, up from just 28% two seasons prior. Personally, I think his mid-range game is still his strongest asset - that step-back jumper from the elbow is virtually unguardable when he's feeling it.
What many fans might not realize is how much Ejercito's defensive game has improved. Early in his career, he was primarily an offensive threat, but now he's becoming a two-way player. His steals have increased from 0.8 to 1.4 per game, and he's averaging nearly a block per game despite not being among the tallest players on court. I've noticed he's developed a knack for reading passing lanes that reminds me of some of the great international defenders.
His playing time has seen a dramatic increase too - from averaging 18.7 minutes per game in his first season to 32.4 minutes last season. That's not just because his team needed bodies on court; it's because he's earned the coach's trust. In my conversations with coaching staff, they consistently mention his basketball IQ and how quickly he processes the game. He's become the player they want on court during crucial possessions, both offensively and defensively.
The financial aspect of his career progression is equally impressive. Starting with a rookie contract of approximately ₱150,000 monthly, he's now commanding upwards of ₱400,000 monthly with various endorsement deals adding significantly to his earnings. While some critics might argue he's overpaid, I believe he's worth every peso given his marketability and consistent performance.
What truly sets Ejercito apart in my view is his understanding of team dynamics. Basketball isn't just about individual stats, and he seems to grasp this better than many of his contemporaries. His assist numbers have steadily climbed from 2.1 to 4.3 per game, showing he's becoming more willing to create for others. I've watched him develop chemistry with different teammates, adapting his game to complement theirs rather than always seeking his own shot.
Looking ahead, I'm genuinely excited to see how far Ejercito can take his game. At 26 years old, he's just entering his prime athletic years. If he continues developing at this rate, I wouldn't be surprised to see him averaging 20 points per game within the next two seasons. More importantly, I believe he has the potential to lead his team to a championship - something that seemed unlikely when he first entered the league.
His story represents what I love most about sports - the possibility of growth and transformation. From that raw rookie I first noticed years ago to the polished professional he's become, Ejercito's journey demonstrates what's possible with talent, hard work, and the right mindset. As he continues to face challenges like that tough game against Thailand where Khonhan and Nilsawai dominated, I'm confident he'll keep learning and improving. For Philippine basketball fans, he's exactly the type of player worth following closely in the coming seasons.