Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s Jayson David isn’t a star, at least not in its strictest sense. His modest numbers—6.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 0.9 assists—probably aren’t turning heads either. But he’s been a feel-good story for the PBA’s most popular ballclub in this PBA Philippine Cup.
Drafted 20th overall by Ginebra in the 2022 PBA Season 47 Draft, David mostly stayed buried on the bench in his first three seasons. But even then, he’d show flashes of brilliance here and there whenever his number was called: an athletic play here, a good defensive stop there, and hustle everywhere. Any yet, he could never win consistent minutes, not in loaded, veteran-laden Ginebra lineups.
Things have changed, though. David is finally getting meaningful minutes in Season 50, and he’s repaying the added playing time and extra opportunities by playing some of his best basketball yet. He has shown improved playmaking and a better-looking jumper that now complements his stout defense and all-out hustle. What’s more, he’s shown he isn’t afraid of the moment, netting double-digits in two of Ginebra’s three playoff games—13 against the Converge FiberXers on Christmas and 10 versus the San Miguel Beermen in Game 1 of the semis—as of this writing.
So, no, David isn’t a star. Not yet. But he’s playing more and more now, and he’s showing he’s got what it takes to be one. And with the backing of the league’s most popular squad, he just might turn out to be one of the PBA’s next bright stars.
