PHOTO: SGA

ONE of the crucial pieces of Strong Group Athletics-Philippines’ conquest of the 43rd Jones Cup is set to join the PBA draft next year.

In an exclusive chat with SPIN.ph, Derrick ‘ DJ’ Fenner bared that he is now in the process of getting the necessary citizenship papers in order so he can apply as a rookie in Asia’s first play-for-pay league.

“My mom is a Filipina, [but] she was born in Canada which is the only stumbling block that we had in getting my papers,” said the 6-foot-6, 30-year old guard. “So she just needs to be recognized first, then it will be easy for me.”

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Fenner mostly played overseas before being discovered by SGA coach Charles Tiu back in 2019. Among the countries where Fenner played were Greece, Hungary, Bosnia, Serbia, Portugal, Poland, and the Netherlands.

Fenner said his maternal grandfather, Honorato Cruz, was the one who raised him in the Filipino culture and tradition.

“He was my best friend and he inspired me to play basketball,” he said, adding that he named his son after his lolo.

The 6-foot-6 guard bared that his grandfather is from Alabang while his grandmother is from Makati, so he tries to raise his own kids the Filipino way.

“I try to teach my kids expressions in Filipino and keep the Tagalog in the family,” said the 30-year old, who is married to an American.

Fenner bared that he is very comfortable playing the 2-spot but has no problems playing wing or even as a point guard when the need arises.

Asked what his favorite team is in the PBA, he said he roots for Rain or Shine and Ginebra especially after his Strong Group Athletics teammates Caelan Tiongson and RJ Abarrientos were drafted by the two teams.

PHOTO BY: SGA

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“I heard Ginebra is really famous as a team and RJ is lucky to have joined them. But I heard, Caelan and RJ were both considered in the team,” he said.

And since he will be joining Strong Group Athletics when it returns to the Philippines after a successful sweep of its Jones Cup matches, Fenner said he is seizing the opportunity to get his documents in order.

“I wasn’t able to move to the Philippines when I was a little younger as I was busy raising my kids and now that I am finished having kids, and now time to figure out the next steps and bring my options out,” said Fenner.

“But being in the Philippines gives me all the opportunities to get my papers needed for next year’s PBA draft. Hopefully,” he said.

‘Surprise package’

Fenner didn’t play much in Strong Group Athletics’ first seven wins before unleashed in the finale against host Chinese-Taipei A, tallying 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists in the thrilling 83-79 overtime win.

If and when Fenner joins next year’s PBA draft, Tiu believes that his versatile wingman at SGA would be a very hot commodity.

“I think he can be in the Top 3, depending on who are joining next year’s draft. But DJ can give instant impact to whoever team that will pick him. He is 6-6, he is very agile and can shoot the 3,” said the recently crowned Jones Cup champion coach.

“Honestly, DJ can play the 3 spot and give us a big frontcourt,” he said.

Tiu bared that he has long been courting Fenner to play for him, including in Strong Group’s campaign in the Dubai Invitiational last February.

“I’ve been talking to him since 2019. It worked out now that he was available. He’s a great guy. He will be one of the top picks next year and we are helping him get his papers in order.”