MANILA — A few weeks ago, Jonnel Policarpio was competing with De La Salle University in the FilOil EcoOil 17th Preseason Cup as they continued their build-up for their title defense in UAAP Season 87.

READ: UP completes comeback vs La Salle to retain FilOil championship

However, the Green Archers will be defending their men's basketball championship sans the 6-foot-5 winger. This, as Policarpio revealed that in the aftermath of their runner-up finish in the FilOil tournament, he was already thinking about life after his stay in Taft Avenue.

"Simula nung FilOil [pinagisipan ko na], after ng championship [game] against UP," said the Arayat, Pampanga native during the Draft Combine earlier this week. 

He improved his stock during the combine, where he even won the MVP plum of the two-day event. For Policarpio, what fueled his decision was his desire to help his family.

READ: Nonoy, Policarpio impress in Day 1 of PBA Draft Combine

READ: Jonnel Policarpio excels as PBA concludes Draft Combine

"Una sa lahat, para sa 'to family ko. Gusto kong mabigyan naman sila," he shared, while also touching on what he can bring to the table of the squad that will be picking him.

"Siguro ang matutulong ko sa kung saan ako mapupunta, yung commitment ko, 100%, and bibigay ko yung best ko every game."

But above all, it is the lessons from Green Archers head coach Topex Robinson that he will be banking on in the pros. 

"Para sa akin, sobrang blessing na naging coach ko si Coach Topex kasi on and off the court, tinutulungan niya ako, marami akong natutunan sa kaniya sa buhay ko, hindi lang sa basketball," said the UAAP champion. 

"Sabi ni Coach Topex, sabi niya sa akin: 'Hopefully, yung mga natutunan mo sa akin madala mo sa big league.'"

The 22-year-old was among Taft's towers in Season 86 and averaged 6.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in what turned out to be his last year in Vito Cruz, but he knows that there is still a lot for him to work on if he wants to excel in the PBA. 

"Para sa akin siguro, malaking experience ito para sa akin, mapunta dito sa pro, marami akong matututunan lalo na sa big league. Siyempre, mas physical and mind games," he explained, while also sharing how ready he is to adjust his game in the PBA.

"Ready naman ako kahit anong ipa-laro sa akin. Kahit saan ako mapuntang team. Guard man or forward," added Policarpio, who also expressed his desire to be a top-five pick in the draft as well as play for the national team in the future.

"Lahat naman ng nagpapa draft pinapangarap maging top 5 sa draft sa upcoming PBA Draft," Policarpio said.

"Lahat naman tayo, lahat naman ng mga players, kahit ikaw siguro, pangarap nating lahat makalaro sa Gilas Pilipinas, i-represent natin yung bansa. Hopefully, soon, sana makalaro ako sa Gilas kung sakali swertehin," he added. — with a report from Champ de Lunas, ABS-CBN News