Happy Birthday, Lowell Briones ( Nov 2 )

Happy Birthday, Lowell Briones

1997 PBA Rookie Draft 5th overall pick
University of the Visayas Green Lancers forward
4-season PBA veteran
4-PBA team player

Source : Assorted Magazines (PBA Archives Collections)

Lowell Briones, picked by Purefoods fifth overall in the draft, but traded to Mobiline for Elmer lago, sizzled for the Cellular Giants with a team-high 21 points (tied with Glen Capacio) aside from three rebounds, six assists and two steals. The 6-2 Briones, who logged a total of 21 minutes, hit one of three triples (33 percent), six-of-nine field goals (67 percent) and sixof-six from the stripe (100 percent). All of that became possible because Jeffrey Cariaso had failed to suit up for the Cellular Giants due to a knee injury. Cariaso, who was acquired by Mobiline from Alaska via the offer sheet, will be out for five weeks. Actually, coach Norman Black had made it known to Briones that his role would be as main backup to Cariaso. Briones did not mind playing second fiddle to the 1995 Rookie of the Year awardee. He was willing to learn the ropes and move upwards in time. But before last Sunday's game, Black had a heart-to-heart talk with Briones. Black said "Opportunity knocks once. You must open the door and let it in." Opportunity knocked last Sunday and Briones seized the chance and gave a good account of himself. "He (Lowell) is a very talented player. He did a lot of good things tonight. Unfortu nately, we lost this game. I would have been happier if we won," said Black. Black had actually chased Briones even I while still coaching San Miguel Beer. He had asked Briones to attend tryouts. He had made sure he'd get Briones from Purefoods via the trade. He really had high expectations for the guy. Briones was born on November 2, 1972 in Cebu City and is the eldest of two kids (the other being Lorebelle) of Loreto Briones and Elma Colegado. He played high school and college ball for the University of the Visayas. In 1994, he was recruited by Otto Shoes to play in the PBL. After the disbandment of the Shoemakers, Lowell moved to Instafood and then Burger Machine before winding up his amateur stint with Springmaid last year. "Kay coach Norman ko talaga gustong maglaro dahil ipinatawag niya ako, e, "said Briones. That is regardless of which team Black handled be it San Miguel or Mobiline. Despite going to Mobiline, a team which hasn't really made good in the past year, Briones still feels content and fulfilled. "At least nasa PBA na ako. I know that I can contribute to this team kahit kaunti. Hindi naman tayo nagmamadali, e. Lahat naman kami dito ay iisa ang gusto. Gusto namin na mag-champion ang Mobiline at pipilitin naming gawin iyon," he said. A Banking and Finance graduate, Lowell hopes to have a long and fruitful stint in the pros before falling back on his degree. Having moved up to the PBA however does not mean that Lowell has closed all doors to improvements on his game. On the contrary, he said he isn't a complete player yet. He has a lot of things to improve on, especially in defense. "lyon ang gusto ni coach Norman. Unahin muna ang depensa bago ang opensa. Marami naman akong beteranong kakampi na nagbibigay din ng advise sa akin. Makikinig lang ako sa kanila," he concluded.