Ricardo "JR" Cawaling Jr. (born August 15, 1987) is a Filipino professional basketball coach and former player who is the head coach for the Mindoro Tamaraws of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). He was drafted 30th overall by the San Mig Coffee Mixers in the 2013 PBA draft.
![]() Cawaling with the FEU Tamaraws in 2010 | |
Mindoro Tamaraws | |
---|---|
Position | Head coach |
League | Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League |
Personal information | |
Born | Cagayan de Oro, Philippines | August 15, 1987
Nationality | Filipino |
Listed height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
Listed weight | 190 lb (86 kg) |
Career information | |
College | FEU |
PBA draft | 2013: 3rd round, 30th overall pick |
Selected by the San Mig Coffee Mixers | |
Playing career | 2013–present |
Career history | |
As player: | |
2013 | San Miguel Beermen (ABL) |
2013–2014 | San Mig Coffee Mixers / San Mig Super Coffee Mixers |
2014 | Blackwater Elite |
2015 | Kia Carnival / Mahindra Enforcer |
2016–2017 | Alab Pilipinas |
2018 | Caloocan Supremos |
2019 | Nueva Ecija MiGuard |
2019–2020 | Imus Khaleb Shawarma / Imus Bandera Luxxe Slim |
2021 | MisOr Brew Authoritea / MisOr Kuyamis |
2022 | Manila Stars |
2023 | Zamboanga Valientes |
As coach: | |
2023–2024 | MisOr Mustangs |
2024–present | Mindoro Disiplinados |
Career highlights and awards | |
| |
He is known as a three-point shooter. He was aliased "Aye Aye Captain" during his ABL years and "The Sweet Shooter" in his PBA career.
College career
editCawaling played for the FEU Tamaraws beginning in Season 70, when he was Rookie of the Year, beating Mike Gamboa and Kirk Long for the award.[1] In his sophomore season, they were beaten by the De La Salle Green Archers during the Final Four and FEU missed out on a Finals trip.[2]
Cawaling returned for Season 72 off a stint with Gilas Pilipinas.[3] He had 14 points on six of seven shooting from the field off the bench in a win over the NU Bulldogs.[4] He scored 14 again in a 12-point win over the UP Fighting Maroons.[5] They lost in the Final Four to the UE Red Warriors, despite him scoring 19 points.[6]
During Season 73, Cawaling was almost suspended after he picked up both unsportsmanlike and technical fouls against the Green Archers, but UAAP Commissioner Ato Badolato ruled that these did not merit suspension, based on UAAP guidelines.[7] That season, they finished with the best record in the league, beat La Salle in the Final Four before losing to the Blue Eagles in two games in the Finals.[8]
Season 74 was Cawaling's final season with the Tamaraws.[9] He injured his knee and was unavailable for most of FEU's campaign.[10] Still, FEU reached the Finals once again.[11]
Professional career
editSan Miguel Beermen (2013)
editCawaling applied for the 2012 PBA Draft but three days before the draft, he pulled out and joined the San Miguel Beermen for the 2013 ABL season.[12] His best game that season was when he scored 16 points with three three-pointers that ended the Indonesia Warriors' seven-game win streak and extended the Beermens' win streak to three.[13] The Beermen then went on to win the championship that season.[14] He averaged 4.4 points and 39% from three with the Beermen.[15]
San Mig Franchise (2013–14)
editCawaling was drafted 30th overall by the San Mig Coffee Mixers in the 2013 PBA draft.[16] He was the last member of Gilas 1.0 to make it to the PBA.[17] In a loss to the Petron Blaze Boosters, he scored 10 of his 15 points in the 4th quarter as he tried to keep the fight going for San Mig.[18] He was among the local players of San Mig that went on to win a PBA Grand Slam during the 2013–14 season.[19] After that season, he was placed on the unprotected list and was available for the expansion draft.[20]
Blackwater Elite (2014)
editCawaling was picked fifth overall in the 2014 PBA Expansion Draft by the Blackwater Elite. He didn't last a full season with the Elite, as his contract was bought out.[21]
Kia Carnival / Mahindra Enforcer (2015)
editCawaling then joined the Kia Carnival as a free agent before the 2015 Commissioner's Cup.[21] Then, he had 14 points in an upset win over the Alaska Aces.
Alab Pilipinas (2016–17)
editCawaling then had stints in amateur leagues.[22][23] He then joined other ex-PBA players such as Jeric Fortuna and Robby Celiz among others in playing for Alab Pilipinas.[24] A day after his older brother died, he led Alab's bench with 11 points and four rebounds as they beat the defending ABL champions Westports Malaysia Dragons.[25] Alab dedicated the win to his brother. In a rematch with the Dragons, he had 14 points as Alab got the win once again.[26]
Caloocan Supremos (2018)
editCawaling then reunited with his former FEU teammate Paul Sanga as they both played for the Caloocan Supremos during the 2nd season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).[27] He led his team with 13 points in a loss to the Navotas Clutch.[28] Halfway through the season, he was released into free agency.[29]
Nueva Ecija MiGuard (2019)
editIn Cawaling's first game with the Nueva Ecija MiGuard, he had 11 points, four rebounds, two assists, and the game-winning putback score.[30] He then had 18 points in a loss to the Manila Stars.[31] In a loss to the Valenzuela Classic, he had 20 points despite shooting only three out of 15 shots.[32] He scored 22 in a rematch against Navotas but lost the game.[33]
Imus Khaleb Shawarma / Bandera Luxxe Slim (2019–20)
editCawaling ended 2019 on the roster of Imus Khaleb Shawarma.[34] He then scored 11 against the Muntinlupa Angelis Resort and 13 in a loss to the Marikina Shoemasters.[35]
MisOr Brew Authoritea / MisOr Kuyamis
editIn 2021, Cawaling joined the MisOr Brew Authoritea in the Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup.[36] He then strained his hamstring, and joined nine other players on the injured list.[37] As a result, MisOr pulled out from the tournament.
Manila Stars (2022)
editCawaling played in only one game for the Stars in the MPBL.[38]
Zamboanga Valientes (2023–present)
editCawaling then joined the Valientes for the 2023 ABL season.[39]
Professional career statistics
editLegend | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
FG% | Field-goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field-goal percentage | FT% | Free-throw percentage |
RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Kühn | Career high |
PBA
editYear | Team | GP | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2013–14 | San Mig | 18 | 8.1 | .372 | .320 | .400 | .9 | .3 | - | .1 | 2.3 |
2014–15 | Blackwater | 18 | 13.0 | .351 | .353 | .400 | 1.3 | .8 | .1 | - | 4.3 |
Kia | |||||||||||
Career | 36 | 10.5 | .358 | .342 | .400 | 1.1 | .6 | .1 | .0 | 3.9 |
3x3 career
editIn 2019, Cawaling teamed up with former Coffee Mixers teammate Jerwin Gaco when they played for the Vigan MiGuard Wolves in the second leg of the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 Patriot's Cup.[41]
In 2021, Cawaling joined the Zamboanga Valientes in the PBA 3x3.[42] The Valientes didn't make it to Leg 6 of the inaugural tournament, as he was the only one on the team available as the rest suffered multiple injuries.[43] They then pulled out of the second conference.[44]
National team career
editIn 2008, Cawaling tried out for the Philippine national team along with other college cagers.[45] His first international competition was the 2008 Pingguo Invitational Tournament, which his team won. From there, he became a member of the national team program, dubbed "Smart Gilas Pilipinas". He represented the country in the 2009 FIBA Asia Champions Cup.[46] He also got to play in the 2009–10 PBA Philippine Cup as Gilas was a guest team that conference.[47] On October 12, 2010, it was announced that he had quit the program to focus on his commitments to FEU.[48]
References
edit- ^ "UST's Jervy Cruz is UAAP Season 70 basketball MVP". GMA News Online. October 7, 2007. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ Solanoy, Lesmes (September 14, 2008). "Mangahas stars as Green Archers goes to the Finals". takeaimsports.com. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ "FEU, babantayan sa UAAP". Philstar.com. June 10, 2009. Retrieved 2023-01-04.
- ^ "UAAP basketball tournament: FEU, UST magkasosyo sa ikalawang puwesto". Philstar.com. July 26, 2009. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ Villar, Joey (August 2, 2009). "Eagles rip Bulldogs; Tams halt Maroons". Philstar.com. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ "Rampaging Warriors prove doubters wrong, clinch finals berth". GMA News Online. September 25, 2009. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ "FEU's Cawaling escapes possible suspension". GMA News Online. September 17, 2010. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ "FEU Tamaraws". Philstar.com. July 5, 2011. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ Tupas, Cedelf P. (July 8, 2011). "RR Garcia wants title this time for the FEU Tamaraws". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ Leyba, Olmin (September 15, 2011). "Final Four Cast: Wounded Tams lean on big heart". Philstar.com. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ Leyba, Olmin (September 20, 2014). "Hurting Tams upbeat, relish reversal of roles". Philstar.com. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ "Cawaling ditches PBA bid in favor of ABL stint with SMC's Beermen". Spin.ph. August 17, 2012. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ Terrado, Reuben (March 8, 2013). "Cawaling helps Beermen end Warriors' win streak". Spin.ph. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ Terrado, Reuben (June 12, 2013). "San Miguel Beermen win maiden ABL championship with sweep of Warriors". Spin.ph. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ "Rappler's PBA Mock Draft 2013". RAPPLER. October 30, 2013. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ "COMPLETE 2013 PBA DRAFT RESULTS". PBA.ph. Philippine Basketball Association. 3 November 2013. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
- ^ Verora, Levi (January 13, 2014). "A tale of two Tamaraws - The Smart Gilas boys Pt. 3". RAPPLER. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ De Leon, Job B. (November 7, 2013). "PBA: Petron gets revenge on San Mig Coffee in Governors' Cup Finals rematch". GMA News Online. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ "Blakely reminds everyone of their grand slam tale". www.pba.ph. July 12, 2020. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ Lozada, Mei-Lin (July 12, 2014). "Ronnie Matias, three other unprotected players welcome to return to San Mig, says Pardo". Spin.ph. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ a b "Free-agent pick-up JR Cawaling makes the most of his second chance with KIA". Spin.ph. March 3, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ "Kama posts 2nd straight win in PCBL". Philstar.com. November 17, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ Terrado, Reuben (June 1, 2016). "Former pro JR Cawaling tapped to lead Mindanao Aguilas in D-League Foundation Cup". Spin.ph. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ Terrado, Reuben (November 14, 2016). "Ex-PBA players Fortuna, Knuttel, Acuna, Cawaling, Hubalde get new lease on life in ABL". Spin.ph. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ Li, Matthew (January 16, 2017). "Alab dedicates latest win to Cawaling's late brother". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ Li, Matthew (February 17, 2017). "Alab continues mastery over Dragons as bench tallies season-high". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ "Here's a comprehensive look at the players to watch in Season 2 of MPBL". Spin.ph. June 7, 2018. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ Jacinto, Christian (June 27, 2018). "Navotas rides Hernandez, Denison heroics to nip Caloocan, stay unbeaten". Spin.ph. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ Joble, Rey (October 14, 2018). "MPBL trade, free agent". BusinessWorld Online. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ Li, Matthew (June 16, 2019). "Cawaling makes sure Nueva Ecija-MiGuard wins in MPBL debut; Viernes protects Batangas-Tanduay homecourt". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ Li, Matthew (June 25, 2019). "Tallo, Bacolod outduel Baracael, Mindoro; Jollo Go shines in Manila rout of Nueva Ecija". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ "Valenzuela, Bacolod avoid meltdowns in OT, Baloria keeps Makati's slate perfect". Tiebreaker Times. July 6, 2019. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ "Navotas Clutch return home with a bang, Davao Occidental, Gen San continue winning ways". Tiebreaker Times. July 30, 2019. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ "Unsure of MPBL return, Helterbrand takes step back for Imus". RAPPLER. December 18, 2019. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
- ^ "Muntinlupa keeps slim MPBL playoff hopes alive, staves off Imus". Tiebreaker Times. January 7, 2020. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
- ^ Saldajeno, Ivan Stewart (July 7, 2021). "Basilan zaps ZDS in VisMin Cup Mindanao leg opener". pna.gov.ph. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
- ^ Valencia, Justin (July 28, 2021). "With 10 injuries, MisOr concedes ahead of VisMin Mindanao playoffs". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
- ^ "JR CAWALING- EX PBA". mpbl.web.geniussports.com. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ Magallon, Reynald I. (December 31, 2022). "Kwekuteye, Carino banner Zamboanga Valientes in ABL Invt'l". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ "Ricardo Cawaling Player Profile, Terrafirma DYIP - RealGM". basketball.realgm.com. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ Leongson, Randolph B. "Prince Eze to play for Pateros, Ola Adeogun suits up for Zamboanga in 3x3 Patriot's Cup". Spin.ph. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ "PBA 3x3 tournament being readied to tip off". BusinessWorld Online. November 4, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
- ^ Bacnis, Justine (December 20, 2021). "Zamboanga Valientes forfeit PBA 3x3 leg 6 due to lack of players". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
- ^ Bacnis, Justine (February 14, 2022). "Zamboanga Valientes take leave of absence for PBA 3x3 second conference". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
- ^ Zarate, Noel (August 9, 2020). "The Gilas program's formative years". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ "Philippines - Fiba Asia Champions Cup: Gilas Pilipinas opens bid vs Korea". FIBA.basketball. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ Cuna, Charlie; Mercado, Jay (February 16, 2021). "National teams in the PBA (Part 2): The Lipa, Pumaren and Toroman eras". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ "Cawaling quits Smart Gilas program". INQUIRER.net. October 12, 2010. Retrieved January 4, 2023.