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I still remember the first time I watched Ricky Relosa play—it was during the 2022 PBA Commissioner's Cup, and even then, you could tell there was something special about his court vision and defensive instincts. Fast forward to today, and he’s become one of the most talked-about rising talents in Philippine basketball. But what really strikes me about Ricky’s journey isn’t just his natural ability—it’s his resilience, especially when you consider the physical and mental hurdles that many players, like JP Erram, have faced in this league. Speaking of Erram, did you know he’s recovering from his third ACL injury? That’s right—his third. And that’s on top of the season he missed just two years back after surgeries for a meniscal tear, bone spurs, and swollen cartilage. Watching players like Erram battle through these setbacks gives you a whole new appreciation for what it takes to stay at the top level—and why Ricky’s trajectory, though still early, feels so promising.

When I look at Ricky’s game, what stands out most is his versatility. At 6'5", he moves with a fluidity you don’t often see in players his size, whether he’s finishing in traffic or locking down opponents on the perimeter. But here’s the thing—talent alone doesn’t guarantee success in the PBA. The league is unforgiving, and injuries can derail even the brightest careers. Take Erram, for example. He’s been through three ACL reconstructions—a brutal toll by any measure—and still managed to come back each time. In my view, that kind of persistence is what separates good players from legends. Ricky seems to understand that implicitly. I’ve heard from insiders that he’s been working closely with the team’s medical staff on injury prevention drills, focusing on knee and ankle stability. It’s smart—proactive, even. Because let’s be honest, in a physical league like the PBA, you’re always one awkward landing away from a long rehab.

Now, I don’t want to overhype the kid—he’s only in his second season, after all—but the numbers don’t lie. Last conference, he averaged 12.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Those aren’t superstar stats yet, but they’re solid, especially when you consider he’s playing around 24 minutes a night. What’s more impressive, in my opinion, is his efficiency. He’s shooting 48% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc—respectable percentages for a forward who’s still developing his outside shot. Compare that to some of the league’s established stars at the same stage, and Ricky’s trajectory looks even brighter. I remember talking to a scout who told me that Ricky’s basketball IQ is already at an elite level. He reads defenses like a veteran, and his decision-making in pick-and-roll situations is beyond his years. That, combined with his work ethic, makes me believe he’s on track to become an All-Star sooner rather than later.

But let’s not forget the human side of the game. Injuries like the ones Erram has endured remind us how fragile an athlete’s career can be. Erram missed nearly a full season two years ago—imagine that. Twelve months of rehab, doubt, and grinding just to get back on the court. And now, with another ACL recovery ahead of him, it makes you wonder how much more he has left in the tank. In Ricky’s case, I think he’s learned from veterans like Erram about the importance of taking care of your body. I’ve noticed he’s added yoga and mobility work to his routine—something you didn’t see as much from players a decade ago. It’s a new era, and the smarter athletes are investing in longevity. Personally, I love seeing that shift. It shows that the next generation isn’t just relying on raw talent; they’re building sustainable careers.

Of course, Ricky still has areas to improve. His free-throw shooting, for instance, hovers around 68%—a number that needs to climb if he wants to be a closer in tight games. And while his defense is already above average, he could stand to add a bit more strength to hold his ground against bruising bigs. But here’s what I appreciate: he seems aware of these gaps. In a post-game interview last month, he mentioned spending extra hours with shooting coaches and studying film of defensive specialists like Arwind Santos. That kind of self-awareness is rare in young players. Too many guys come into the league thinking they’ve already made it—Ricky clearly hasn’t fallen into that trap.

As I wrap this up, I can’t help but feel optimistic about Ricky Relosa’s future. He’s got the skills, the mindset, and from what I can tell, the support system to thrive in the PBA. Will he become the next June Mar Fajardo? Probably not—that’s a once-in-a-generation player—but I do think he has what it takes to be a perennial All-Star and a key piece for the national team down the line. And if his career is anything like Erram’s in terms of resilience, we’re in for a treat. Because at the end of the day, basketball isn’t just about highlight dunks or triple-doubles—it’s about overcoming obstacles, and Ricky, like Erram, seems built for that challenge.