Javi, wanting to focus more on self-development, chose to give up the opportunity of playing for UP in Season 83 as he affirmed that the big factor of it was being called up for the Gilas opportunity last February.

And now that this FIBA-opportunity has come into reality he shared that everything seems too good to be true.

“Honestly, I still feel very surreal that I was part of the 15-man lineup to travel and play. All my family and friends know how hard I’ve been working to get to this point because for the past five years, I was always the last cut. I guess those had to happen for me to be where I am now,” Javi shared.

Nonetheless, he hopes for another door of opportunity to open. 

“Hopefully, this Friday is finally the day I’ve been working for all these years. I’ll be more than ready when coach calls my name,” Javi propounded.

Standing 6-foot-4, Javi cast himself to being a two guard, shaping his play to NBA idol Klay Thompson’s game.

“I’m really more comfortable playing off-guard. I really mold my game like Klay Thompson,” he further explained.

Moreover, Javi shared that the UP head coach Baldwin said that his biggest asset is his skills in shooting.

“…I love my role here since I play shooting guard and he expects me to play great defense and get buckets, be a 3-and-D player,” he mentioned.

Still, the veteran Javi doesn’t want to set his high hopes until he sees the final 12-man list.

“I haven’t played a game yet. Hopefully, ma-lineup na ako ’cause I’ve been waiting all these years for this opportunity,” he concluded.