UAAP: Once a 5-foot-5 guard, bruising Palacielo keeps expanding arsenal for NU

National University‘s PJ Palacielo in action against Adamson University in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — PJ Palacielo flaunted a different facet of his game with a career-best eight assists to steer National University back to the win column, but he said it’s actually a skill he was once familiar with before becoming one of the UAAP’s best bruising bigs.

“Nung Grade 5 to Grade 7 ako, galing ako sa [height] na 5’5, tapos naging 6’1, so point guard talaga ako sa amin,” the 6-foot-6, Tanay native told ABS-CBN News after the Bulldogs’ 85-66 win over Adamson University in UAAP Season 89 on Wednesday.

“Sa mga ligang labas, at mga laro against sa matatanda, nag po-point guard talaga ako,” added the 23-year-old. “So kahit papaano, yung basa sa game, nakuha ko noon.”

Palacielo acknowledged that it was his growth spurt back then that helped him enter the UAAP with NU-Nazareth, which is why he also embraced his transition to the forward position.

“‘Pag punta ko sa NU, kahit nung nag tryout ako sa NU kila Coach Tom [Chua], ‘di naman ako totally big man,” he shared. “Kaya ko mag big man, pero andoon pa rin yung dribbling ko.”

And when Bulldogs head coach Jeff Napa recruited him to the seniors ranks, Palacielo took it upon himself to use his height and heft as his bread and butter.

“Eventually, nawala na, kasi nag focus na ako sa pagiging big man,” said Palacielo. “Siyempre, ito na yung strength ko ngayon. So kailangan ko lang alamin saan ako makakakuha ng score.”

Since then, Palacielo has cemented himself as one of not only National U’s, but also the league’s top big men. But the senior star also acknowledged that having an expanded arsenal will help him succeed as he prepares for the professional ranks.

“Para mas mapansin ako sa pros, kailangan ko i-put in, na may points ako, may assists ko, at may rebounds ako. Mas magiging okay ako ‘pag tapos ng collegiate career ko,” emphasized Palacielo, who added that he has also been working on his outside shot.

“Kung ano man yung madadagdag ko sa laro ko, katulad ngayon, three points. ‘Di pa naman consistent, pero alam ko sa sarili ko na kaya ko nang gawin yun,” he said.

In addition, with his final UAAP season underway, Palacielo added that having a more all-around game from his position will also benefit National U’s quest this year.

“Sinasabi ko lang sa teammates ko, kilala naman nilang ‘di ako selfish na player. ‘Pag may pagkakataong hindi ko na dapat ipilit, sinabi ko lang na gawin lang nila yung movement to make themselves available,” he said.

“Alam naman ng ibang teams na ako yung pinupuntahan to score. So kailangan kong pahirapan yung depensa, basahin nang maayos yung floor, and mag react sa mga nangyayari sa loob,” he added.