I still remember the first time I saw Jose PBA play during that Spain training camp back in June - there was something electric about how he moved on the court that caught my attention immediately. Having followed basketball careers for over a decade, I've developed a pretty good eye for spotting special talent, and Jose definitely fit that description. What impressed me most wasn't just his technical skills, but how he carried himself as a leader even during those intense practice sessions overseas.
The three-week training camp in Spain turned out to be crucial for Jose's development, and I'd argue it was the foundation for everything that followed. The Blue Eagles weren't just touring - they were building chemistry and resilience through daily double-session practices against some of Spain's toughest semi-pro teams. Jose particularly stood out during their scrimmage against CB Cornellà, where he recorded what I believe was 28 points and 12 assists despite the team facing significant height disadvantage. Those Spanish teams play with a physicality that you rarely see in college basketball, and watching Jose adapt his game to different international styles showed me he wasn't just another talented player - he was a student of the game.
When August rolled around and the team headed to Japan for the University Top League, I have to admit I was skeptical about how they'd perform after such a demanding summer. The tournament format itself was brutal - five top teams competing in Osaka, with the Blue Eagles needing to defeat three other local university powerhouses to claim the championship. What surprised me most was how Jose elevated his game when it mattered most. In the final match against Osaka University of Commerce, with the score tied and only 45 seconds remaining, Jose made what I consider the play of the tournament - a steal followed by a perfectly executed pick-and-roll that resulted in the game-winning basket. Statistics from that game show he finished with 32 points, though my personal records indicate it might have been closer to 34.
What makes Jose's journey particularly remarkable to me is the timeline compression - going from intense training in Spain directly into a high-stakes international tournament in Japan within just two months shows incredible mental fortitude. I've seen many talented players crumble under less pressure, but Jose seemed to thrive in these conditions. His performance during that Osaka tournament wasn't just about scoring - it was his decision-making that stood out. He averaged what the official stats listed as 7.2 assists per game, though I recall several passes that should have been counted as assists but weren't officially recorded.
Looking back at that entire summer, I'm convinced that Jose's development trajectory represents something we don't see often in college basketball - a player who uses international exposure not just as experience, but as fuel for rapid growth. The way he adapted his playing style between Spain's physical basketball and Japan's faster-paced game demonstrated a basketball IQ that's rare for someone at his stage. While statistics tell part of the story - his shooting percentage improved from 42% in Spain to 51% in Japan according to team records - what numbers can't capture is the leadership quality he displayed throughout both trips. Having watched hundreds of players come through international circuits, I'd place Jose in the top 5% in terms of his ability to elevate his teammates' performance while maintaining individual excellence. That championship in Osaka wasn't just a trophy - it was the culmination of a summer that transformed a talented player into a complete athlete ready for whatever challenges come next.
