Adrian Nocum represents the Filipino hooper's dream in its simplest form. A kid from Tondo, Manila who grew up loving the game, worked his way through different levels of Philippine basketball and eventually found himself in the PBA, Nocum is now taking another major step in his career as he finally gets to represent the country.
The 27-year-old Rain or Shine Elasto Painters guard is set to make his debut for Gilas Pilipinas at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, as the team is tasked to defend the title won in 2023.
And one thing is sure, he won't take this opportunity for granted.
"Syempre, nagpapasalamat ako na napasama ako dito and excited din," Nocum said at a pre-Games media opportunity.
"Ibibigay ko lang yung best ko every game kung ano 'yung matutulong ko sa team.
However, what makes his story more interesting is that he is only just beginning to figure out how good he can become.
Nocum's first opportunity to get real exposure came when he suited up for the Mapua Cardinals from NCAA Season 95 to 98. He then made the jump to the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), and began to make a name for himself with the San Juan Knights. In 2023, he emerged as one of the league's brightest young players, winning Rookie of the Year while also earning an All-Star selection.
The MBPL became Nocum's stepping stone to get noticed in the PBA, as Rain or Shine selected him No. 24 overall in the 2023 PBA Draft, giving the 6-foot guard his first opportunity to prove that what he had built could translate to the country's biggest basketball stage. It was only fitting that he landed on a Yeng Guiao-led squad that utilized the full roster early in his career, which eventually helped Nocum to earn a spot on the PBA All-Rookie Team.
Over time, Nocum proved that his raw skill set was anything but ordinary.
The athletic guard who initially made his mark with his ability to attack the basket, and his knack for making plays in transition, gradually became more comfortable creating offense for himself. Getting downhill had always been one of his biggest strengths, but as his confidence grew, so did the responsibility Rain or Shine placed on his shoulders.
With Gian Mamuyac recently shipped to the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, Nocum has been asked to take on an even bigger role for Rain or Shine -- one that goes beyond simply being a driving guard.
He is now shouldering more of the playmaking burden, and the added responsibility has only accelerated his growth as a lead guard. Through six games of the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup before the long break, Nocum is averaging 17.7 points and 7.2 assists per game -- good for third in the conference in assists -- while posting a 56.1% true shooting percentage.
That experience could prove valuable as he makes the jump to the international game with Gilas. The physicality and pressure will be different, but Nocum believes his recent experience as a primary ball-handler can help him adjust to the demands of the national team.
"Syempre, iba yung laro dito sa international," Nocum said.
"Nakita namin yung video, madiin talaga sila mag-pressure at dumepensa.
"Siguro malaking bagay na naka-experience na ko ng pagiging point guard and [baka] mag-point din ako dito."
And if there is one thing that could make that transition smoother, it is the way Tim Cone wants this version of Gilas to play.
Cone is looking to push the pace and let his players play more freely in transition, rather than use his traditional triangle offense, so Nocum's ability to get to the paint with ease, attack gaps and create opportunities on the move, could give him a natural role in the team's system.
Nocum does not necessarily need to dominate the ball to make an impact. His athleticism, burst and willingness to push the tempo can allow him to thrive in a team that wants to turn defense into offense and generate opportunities before opposing defenses can get set.
The Philippines have suffered back-to-back blowouts against South Korea in the Hana Bank Invitational friendlies since winning their FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers games against Jordan and Iran, highlighting the struggles of a newly formed squad.
Nocum had an average of 9.5 points on 38.1% shooting from the field in the games against South Korea in Suwon City, but he feels there is little point in looking too far ahead or worrying about where exactly he fits in the hierarchy of Gilas.
"Sa akin, hindi ko naman masyadong iniisip kasi alam ko naman na may mas maraming pang beterano, mas experience sa akin," he said at the media opportunity before Gilas left for Korea.
Instead, he is embracing the opportunity on a journey that has taken him from a young guard simply looking for a chance to prove himself into one of the brighter young backcourt talents in the PBA.
"Excited lang din ako kung ano 'yung maipapakita namin, excited akong mag-compete," Nocum said.
"Kumbaga, ayun nga, banat lang. And siyempre enjoy lang din.
That perhaps is the simplest way to describe Nocum's journey, which has led him to representing his flag and country. No shortcuts, not looking too far ahead -- just continuing to put in the work, learn from every experience, and do whatever is necessary to make himself better.
For Nocum, there is no need to overthink what comes next.
"Banat lang," as he puts it.
Gilas Pilipinas at the Asian Games
Gilas Pilipinas is drawn in Group C alongside Bahrain, Kazakhstan and China.
Fixtures
Sept. 11: Philippines vs. Bahrain
Sept. 12: Philippines vs. Kazakhstan
Sept. 14: Philippines vs. China
Tournament progression
Quarterfinals: Sept. 16
Semifinals: Sept. 18
Final: Sept. 20