SLAM Rising Star: Javee Mocon

Name: Javee D. Mocon

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 189 lbs

Age: 18

High School: San Beda College - Rizal

Committed to: San Beda College

Awards Won: NCAA Season 88 (2012) Finals MVP, Mythical 5, FilOil Juniors MVP and Mythical 5 (2012, 2013), PSSBA Mythical 5 (2012, 2013)

Pregame Ritual: Prayer, eating Hersheys Chocolates

Song On Repeat: Anything from R. Kelly

In-game Kicks: Nike Zoom Kobe 8

Post-game Kicks: Vans

Needs Work On: Ball handling, outside shooting, perimeter defense

Projection: strong power forward with the willingness to play rough and tough like former Red Lion Jake Pascual but with a slashing game off the triple threat stance.

Having played mostly the 4 and sometimes the 5 in high school, decorated San Beda Red Cub Javee (pronounced Jay-Vee) Mocon moves like a tank, barrelling through defenders when he gets the ball within 10 feet of the basket, has great footwork in the post, and battles hard for rebounds.

But in a recent conversation with Sane Beda Red Lions head coach Boyet Fernandez, his newest frontline recruit will see a lot of minutes at the 3-spot, especially with the graduation of former captain Rome Dela Rosa. I mention this to Javee at the start of our interview and he smiles. 

“Ako po ready ako if they ask me to play at the wings because even when I was younger, I already knew I would have to expand my skillset if I am blessed to play in the seniors. The past few years I’ve been practicing my ball handling on my own and I hope it pays off.” With reigning Finals MVP Arthur Dela Cruz still holding down the starting power forward spot, Javee knows he’s going to have to be stronger at the post to back up Dela Cruz when he sits down, and at the same time be a better fastbreak finisher and outside shooter to run the wings when Baser Amer starts the break for the Red Lions. 

“I’ve always been taught that more than just mastering your position, sa basketball you have to be able to do a lot of things, and usually these things are the things you need to win.” 18 years young and already wise beyond basketball years.

Javee will be playing to his strengths for the Red Lions: he’s a legit 6’4” forward with low post footwork, he is a mean slasher off the triple-threat stance, and he has a respectable 15 foot jumper especially from the elbows. His rebounding and inside defense have been superb in the juniors, and that’s what he expects to contribute right away to the defending 4-peat NCAA champs. “Pinapanood ko sina Rome, Kyle Pascual and the other Red Lions before and these big guys can chase guards also. I want to be that type of defender.” The kid’s a winner, thanks his many years in the legendary high school program in San Beda, and his willingness to do the other things at the start will earn him more minutes. Now if this bull-strong 6’4” forward can add more speed and outside shooting for the Red Lions, he’s going to stand out in a very loaded Red Lions frontline.

source/video: SLAM Philippines