Joseph Eriobu hopes impressive 3×3 stint leads to PBA comeback

The feeling of still having the guts to play in Asia’s oldest basketball professional league motivates Joseph Eriobu to finally make comeback in the PBA and hopes his 3×3 stint will serve as the bridge to get there.

“Para sa akin alam ko sa sarili ko na kaya ko pang makabalik sa PBA,” he said. “I think I still have enough to offer.”

The 29-year old Fil-Nigerian landed a spot in Purefoods TJ Titans after being dropped by Rain or Shine’s 3×3 team to give the lone fil-foreign slot to Frankie Johnson.

Eriobu is thankful for the opportunity opened by Magnolia’s 3×3 team to him. “After ilang days lang (after Rain or Shine), blessing dahil tumawag sa akin si Boss Cap (Alvin Patrimonio).”

Eriobu debuted for Mahindra Enforcers after being picked fourth in the second round of 2016 PBA Rookie Draft and then played for Phoenix and Blackwater afterwards.

After expiration of contract with Blackwater in 2019, Eriobu moved to Hong Kong, his birthplace, to play in the ASEAN Basketball League.

He admitted he got considered again by Blackwater for a return this coming PBA Governors’ Cup but limits in the lineup for Fil-foreign cagers blocked his dream of immediately returning to the pro league.

For the meantime, Eriobu wants to return the favor given to him by the Magnolia franchise and help its 3×3 team’s campaign in the inaugural season of the tournament.

“Ang focus ko ngayon kung ano yung nakahain sa harap ko which is itong PBA 3×3…Na sana lahat kami makapagpakita as individuals and as a team para makaangat naman din kaming lahat, na lahat naman kami makabalik and yung isa si Jed naman makapasok.”