Relegated to inactive list, PBA draftee Heruela returns to D-League

Brian Heruela in action during his collegiate years with the University of Cebu in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. The bulky caager was drafted by Blackwater Elite in the PBA but was placed in the inactive list, prompting him to suit up for Jumbo Plastic in PBA D-League. (CDN PHOTO/ LITO TECSON)

After what he deemed to be a missed opportunity with PBA expansion squad Blackwater Elite, former University of Cebu standout Quinton Brian Heruela has found a new home with the Jumbo Plastic Linoleum Giants and now finds himself back in the league that helped him bolster his stock – the PBA D-League.

Though the bulky yet speedy 5-foot-10 guard believes that he has already proven himself in two conferences where he played stellar basketball for the Big Chill Superchargers, Heruela remains appreciative of the opportunity to play actual games and boost his stock further in the hopes of landing a team that will actually grant him the chance to showcase his talents.

In an exclusive interview with Cebu Daily News Friday afternoon, right after his practice with Jumbo Plastic, where he is expected to team up with another Cebuano and fellow Webmaster, Jan Julius Colina, Heruela said that he was initially given feelers by Blackwater’s brass that he would be included in the team’s final roster when the season started.

However, Blackwater eventually relegated him to the inactive list in favor of players like Chris Timberlake, Paul Artadi and Juami Tiongson.
Heruela admitted that the decision stung at first but he has since moved on.

“Sayang kaayo ang chance. Naay uban teams nga ganahan unta na kuhaon ko (Talk ‘N Text and Meralco) but dili man sad ko tagaan ug release sa Blackwater unless naa daw baylo,” said the former Cesafi Mythical Five member, who teamed up with reigning  PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo to give the Webmasters back to back titles in 2010 and 2011.

“Pero maayo na lang gikuha ko sa Jumbo Plastic,” he said.

“I’d much rather play in the D-League and prove myself all over again rather than practice and feel bad over getting passed over for players who I know I’m much better than,” boldly stated Heruela.