TRAPPED AND TALENTED | JEREMIAH GRAY

A Look Back at the 2022 PBA Draft

In the 2022 PBA Draft, also known as the Season 47 Draft, a significant trade occurred between Ginebra and Terrafirma. Ginebra acquired the second overall pick, which they used to select Jeremiah Gray, a standout from Alab Pilipinas. In return, they gave up the eighth pick, which became Javi Gomez de Liano, along with second-year player Brian Enriquez. This trade sparked controversy, as many critics deemed it lopsided from the outset. Unfortunately, as time has passed, the situation has only become more complicated.

Brian Enriquez’s Struggles

Brian Enriquez struggled to make an impact in the league. Over two seasons, he logged a mere 20 games, scoring just 10 points overall. His shooting stats are glaring: he made only three of his 24 attempts. These numbers are hard to defend. On the opposite side, Gray's journey has been equally tumultuous. He suffered an ACL injury during the preseason and missed his entire rookie year. As a result, he has played just 49 games and managed to average 6.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. While these numbers aren't terrible, they fall short of what one would expect from a second overall pick.

Javi Gomez de Liano’s Rise

While Gray faced challenges, Javi Gomez de Liano thrived—at least before heading to the KBL. He emerged as a star for Terrafirma, consistently flirting with double-doubles in his second season. In contrast, Gray has played only five games this season and has struggled to find his rhythm. The potential is still there, but there’s a growing concern that he may not fulfill expectations, especially within Ginebra’s championship-focused system.

Ginebra’s Depth Chart: A Double-Edged Sword

Ginebra's roster is truly impressive, filled with talent from top to bottom. Justin Brownlee shines during import conferences, while Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar maintain vital leadership roles. Even as they age, they continue to perform energetically on the court. The Kings are preparing RJ Abarrientos and Jamie Malonzo to step into star roles in the future. Moreover, the presence of experienced players like Troy Rosario and Maverick Ahanmisi, both former franchise players, shows just how deep the lineup is.

Even Stephen Holt, a former NBA G-League guard, finds himself playing a role similar to Gabe Norwood's. With all this talent around him, Gray, currently 29 and dealing with injury concerns, may find it hard to get the minutes he needs to thrive.

The Competition for Minutes

If Holt gets the opportunity to showcase his scoring abilities consistently, it could create additional challenges for Gray, as they play similar positions. Fortunately, Holt has been relegated to a role that focuses on facilitating the offense rather than merely stacking points. Coach Tim Cone often finds time for players like Ralph Cu and Jayson David, who earn minutes through their defense and hustle—areas where Gray's performance has been questioned. Cu's potential as a three-and-D player and David's energetic play have pushed out players like Aljon Mariano and Von Pessumal. This demonstrates that even role players need to fight tooth and nail for their chances.

Moreover, if Isaac Go returns to full health, the already thin frontcourt of Ginebra could see him leapfrog Gray in terms of importance on the team.

Fan Loyalty vs. Job Security

While Gray is undeniably a fan favorite—much like Ronald Tubid, Sunday Salvacion, Aris Dimaunahan, Rob Labagala, Kevin Ferrer, and Sol Mercado once were—fandom does not assure job security. If Ginebra could successfully trade for Christian Standhardinger, it's reasonable to ask what would prevent them from making a similar move with Gray.

There’s a real concern that he could join the list of Fil-Ams with immense potential that never quite reached it. Think of players like Chris Ellis, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, and Chris Lutz. While some had bright spots in their careers, injuries or shifts in roles derailed their trajectories. Gabe Norwood and Kelly Williams were once stars but became mere system players due to trades or coaching changes. Not to mention, it's not like Ellis and Lutz found sustained success outside the SMC umbrella.

The Future of Fil-Ams in the PBA

At present, the Fil-Am Ginebra should be focusing on is Jamie Malonzo. He, the former DLSU star, is a versatile player who mirrors Gray's game style but is less prone to injuries. This adaptability could prove crucial for Ginebra’s long-term strategy.

Conclusion: Hope for the Future

As of now, I hope to be wrong about Gray's future. Maybe if he had stayed with Terrafirma for an additional year, he could have carved out his role in the PBA before integrating into a system-based team like Ginebra. However, the longer he remains with Ginebra, the more it feels as if his potential will always face limitations.

In the highly competitive world of the PBA, players must consistently prove their worth. The path ahead will require determination and perseverance—qualities Gray must embrace if he wishes to leave a lasting impact on the league.

Additionally, the surreal journey of potential and promise ought to be a warning: talent is only one piece of the puzzle. Opportunity, development, and the right environment play critical roles in success in professional sports.