Evan Nelle ecstatic to link up with former collegiate rivals Fran Yu, Bonnie Tan

NorthPort Batang Pier 2024 PBA Rookie Draft selection Evan Nelle. Photo by Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA — Evan Nelle will finally have the chance to showcase his skills in the PBA.

The former San Beda University and De La Salle University floor general was drafted by the NorthPort Batang Pier as the 14th overall pick in last week’s 2024 Rookie Draft as the Bonnie Tan-coached squad looked to add more playmakers to their team.

Nelle, who was recently signed into a two-year deal by NorthPort, was originally projected to go in the first round of the annual proceedings. But despite being drafted in at No.14, the UAAP and NCAA champion didn’t mind being picked in Round 2. 

“Honestly, I don’t mind if it's the first, second, or third round. Basta my team na nagtiwala sa akin, that’s the only thing that I look at. I don’t really mind. Every team has their priorities,” he told reporters. 

“Of course, the competitor in me wants to showcase my talent, and beat everybody, but I don’t mind,” he furthered.

Instead, the 5-foot-11, 26-year-old expressed his gratitude to his former collegiate schools in San Beda and La Salle, saying that the two proud institutions were pivotal in him being drafted to the PBA.

Evan Nelle’s San Beda and La Salle pins during the 2024 PBA Rookie Draft. Photo from Rom Anzures, ABS-CBN News.

“I chose this because I want to give back to San Beda and La Salle,” pointing out the pins on his coat during draft night.

Nelle, who also earned Mythical Team selections during this stint with the two schools, initially started his career with the San Beda program and eventually transferred to Taft Avenue in early 2020 to continue his career. 

“Without them, I won’t be anywhere. They gave me the chance to pursue my dreams. I’m very thankful for them and the whole community.”

Familiar faces in his PBA entry

Incidentally, Nelle will now be linking up with his former collegiate Finals foes, three-time NCAA champions Bonnie Tan and Fran Yu of Colegio de San Juan de Letran as he enters the PBA. 

“Very ironic. My last game in the NCAA, he made me cry,” said Evan, talking about the Red Lions’ Season 95 Final defeat against the Knights wherein after an 18-0 record in the eliminations, Letran defeated them in the championship round in three games.

“Now, he’s making me cry again ‘cause he drafted me. It’s a big honor. I thank Coach Bonnie and the coaching staff for the trust, and I hope I can repay you guys,” he continued, while also talking about his relationship with Yu.

“I’m a learner. I’d like to learn from him. Siyempre, bata pa lang, magkalaban na kami eh tapos now, we’re teammates, so I’m excited. Magaling talaga si Fran eh,” said Nelle.

“Excited din akong maging kakampi siya. Napaka kulit kasi nun. I’ve known him since we were young, so sana matanggap niya ako. Not just him, but everybody else.”

As for the reported incident wherein Fran allegedly spat on him during their Season 95 Finals clash, here’s what he had to say: “Secret na yun. Sa amin na yun.”

What he is focusing on instead, emphasized Nelle, is how he can repay the trust that the Batang Pier has given him.

“I really hope I can learn from Coach Bonnie. I hope may mabigay ako sa kanya, matulungan ko sila, and manalo kami,” he offered.

And despite being the big shot maker that he was with San Beda and La Salle, Evan maintained that he had to prove himself yet again with the Batang Pier.

“I’m a rookie. I know NorthPort has Arvin Tolentino and Joshua Munzon, so of course, I have to climb the ranks before I do that,” when asked about being Tan’s closer.

“Pero ‘di mo masabi, if they give it to me and trust me enough, I hope I can make it. I hope I don’t choke,” he ended.