Justin Chua Explained

Justin Chua
Number:9
League:PBA
Team:Blackwater Bossing
Position:Center / power forward
Height Ft:6
Height In:6
Weight Lbs:245
Nationality:Filipino
Birth Date:13 July 1989
Birth Place:Manila, Philippines
High School:Chiang Kai Shek College (Manila)
College:Ateneo (2008–2012)
Draft Year Pba:2013
Draft Round Pba:1
Draft Pick Pba:10
Draft Team Pba:San Mig Super Coffee Mixers
Career Start:2013
Team1:GlobalPort Batang Pier
Years1:2013–2014
Years2:2014–2015
Team2:San Miguel Beermen
Years3:2015
Team3:Barako Bull Energy
Years4:2015–2017
Team4:Meralco Bolts
Years5:2017
Team5:TNT KaTropa
Years6:2017–2022
Team6:Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters
Years7:2022
Team7:NLEX Road Warriors
Years8:2023
Team8:TNT Tropang Giga
Years9:2024–present
Team9:Blackwater Bossing
Highlights:

Justin Shaun Rodriguez Chua (born July 13, 1989) is a Filipino professional basketball player for the Blackwater Bossing of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). He plays the center and power forward positions. He was the former star player of Chiang Kai Shek College during his high school days. He played for the Ateneo de Manila University before being selected tenth overall in the 2013 PBA draft by San Mig Super Coffee Mixers.[1]

Early life and high school career

Chua was born in Manila but grew up in Bacolod City.[2] [3] He first played basketball in Trinity Christian School in Bacolod. He then moved back to Manila when he played for the Chiang Kai Shek Dragons in the Tiong Lian Basketball Association (now defunct).[4] [5] At the time, he played more inside and took less jump shots. He had 15 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 rebounds in one game. His team won a championship over the Xavier School Stallions.

College career

Chua's college career started off slow, as he averaged only 0.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in his rookie season, and 2.1 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.2 assists in his second season. He was able to experience Ateneo's back-to-back championships during that time as a backup to Rabeh Al-Hussaini.

In 2010, Chua got his first college start against a smaller UST Growling Tigers team.[6] He scored the first six points of the game for the Eagles, then had eight points and two blocks in the last six minutes of the game, finishing with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks in the win. He became known as a reliable big man lefty who could shoot jumpers.[7] Ateneo won its third straight championship that year over the FEU Tamaraws.[8]

In Season 75, Ateneo began its "Drive For 5" campaign.[9] In Ateneo's win against FEU, FEU forward Arvie Bringas was caught spitting towards Chua.[10] Bringas was thrown out of the game and FEU suspended him for their next two games. Chua stepped up his play when Ateneo lost its center JP Erram to a knee injury. Ateneo won in the Finals again, in two games.[11] They became the first UAAP team to ever complete a five-peat.

Professional career

PBA D-League

Chua played for Blackwater Sports in the PBA D-League. He had 17 points in each of the two games of the Finals to help the Elite sweep the four-time defending champions NLEX Road Warriors in the 2013 Foundation Cup.[12]

GlobalPort Batang Pier

Chua was selected tenth overall in the 2013 PBA draft by San Mig Super Coffee Mixers. He was among six Ateneo players taken in that draft, along with Greg Slaughter, Ryan Buenafe, Nico Salva, Erram, and Chris Sumalinog.[13] Just two days after the draft, he was traded to the GlobalPort Batang Pier along with Leo Najorda to acquire the rights of Globalport's No. 7 pick overall, Isaac Holstein.[14] In GlobalPort's match vs San Mig, he had a costly turnover that lost them the game.[15]

San Miguel Beermen

After they ended their disappointing campaign in the Commissioner's Cup, GlobalPort traded him to the San Miguel Beermen for Yousef Taha.[16] He joined a frontcourt that included June Mar Fajardo and Doug Kramer. He had just 2 points as he also had three fouls in his debut for the Beermen.[17] He was able to win the 2014-15 Philippine Cup in his time there.

Barako Bull Energy

In 2015, Chua moved to the Barako Bull Energy in a trade that also involved big men Dorian Peña and Jay-R Reyes and SMB's 2017 1st round pick.[18] [19] In the 2015 Governors' Cup, he had 12 points in a win over the Bolts.[20]

Meralco Bolts

After his rookie scale contract expired, he agreed to a new contract with the Meralco Bolts.[21] There, he was reunited with his former college coach Norman Black.[22] He had an ACL injury, which impacted his opportunities to play.[23] In the 2017 Commissioner's Cup, he scored all six of his points in the fourth quarter to turn a close game against NLEX into a blowout win. He then had a career-high 14 points while defending import Cory Jefferson in a win over the Alaska Aces.

First stint with TNT KaTropa

On September 11, 2017, Chua was traded to the TNT KaTropa in exchange of a 2019 second round pick.[24] He only played four games for them.[25]

Phoenix Fuel Masters

2017–2018

Chua was traded to the TNT KaTropa during the 2017 PBA Draft along with Sidney Onwubere for Jonjon Gabriel and Phoenix's 2019 second round pick.[26] In 2018, he participated in the Obstacle Challenge during All-Star Week.[27]

2019–2021

In the 2019 Philippine Cup, he had a new career-high of 24 points while also grabbing six rebounds against the Bolts.[28] Phoenix could have lost the game in overtime as he missed a game-winning jumper, but his teammate Calvin Abueva was there to rebound the miss and score. The following game, he was punched in the fist by TNT player Michael Miranda.[29] Miranda was then fined P30,000 and suspended for one game. Once again, he also participated in the Obstacle Challenge of that year's All-Star Weekend.[30] That conference, Phoenix made its first-ever semifinals.[31] In the semifinals, they lost to the Beermen in five games out of a best-of-seven series, with him having 18 points and 11 rebounds in the Game 5 loss.[32] In the Commissioner's Cup, he scored a game-winning layup against the Aces.[33]

During the pandemic, Chua prepared for the 2020 season by working on his shooting and by doing plyometrics.[34] Before the season started, interim coach Topex Robinson was made permanent head coach.[35] In the 2020 Philippine Cup, he had a breakout campaign. He started his season with 17 points in a win against Meralco.[36] In a close win over NLEX, he hit two clutch free throws that sealed the win.[37] He had a career-high 17 rebounds against the Beermen.[38] [39] Then, he had 11 rebounds and 5 blocks against the Blackwater Elite.[40] He finished the elimination round with a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds against the Rain or Shine Elastopainters.[41] With Coach Robinson's belief, his scoring, three-point shooting, rebounding, and shot-blocking all saw improvement, making him a candidate for the Most Improved Player.[42] They edged the Magnolia Hotshots in the first round, but its finals aspirations fell short as the Fuel Masters lost to the TNT Katropa in the knockout game of the semifinals. Prince Caperal won Most Improved Player over him.[43] But he won the Top Bubble D-Fender award, as he led the league with 1.6 blocks.[44]

In the 2021 Philippine Cup, he had a near double-double of 17 points and nine rebounds.[45] In the Governors' Cup on Christmas Day, he had 19 points in a win against NLEX.[46]

NLEX Road Warriors

During the 2021 Governors' Cup, the NLEX Road Warriors traded Kris Porter and two draft picks for Chua.[47] When they traded for him, Coach Yeng Guiao compared him to a younger J.R. Quiñahan.[48] He had 15 points on three triples in his winning debut over Ginebra.

Second stint with TNT Tropang Giga

On January 18, 2023, Chua was traded back to the TNT Tropang Giga in a three-team trade involving TNT, NLEX, and Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.[49]

Blackwater Bossing

On February 26, 2024, Chua was traded to the Blackwater Bossing in a three-team trade involving Blackwater, TNT, and NLEX Road Warriors.[50]

PBA career statistics

As of the end of 2023–24 season[51]

Season-by-season averages

|-| align=left rowspan=2| | align=left | GlobalPort| rowspan=2|29 || rowspan=2|10.7 || rowspan=2|.383 || rowspan=2|.250 || rowspan=2|.641 || rowspan=2|2.3 || rowspan=2|.4 || rowspan=2|.2 || rowspan=2|.3 || rowspan=2|3.7|-| align=left | San Miguel|-| align=left rowspan=2| | align=left | San Miguel| rowspan=2|27 || rowspan=2|5.9 || rowspan=2|.250 || rowspan=2|.000 || rowspan=2|.789 || rowspan=2|1.3 || rowspan=2|.2 || rowspan=2|.3 || rowspan=2|.2 || rowspan=2|1.6|-| align=left | Barako Bull|-| align=left | | align=left | Meralco| 2 || 1.5 || .500 || || || || || || || 1.0|-| align=left rowspan=2| | align=left | Meralco| rowspan=2|28 || rowspan=2|10.9 || rowspan=2|.330 || rowspan=2|.167 || rowspan=2|.808 || rowspan=2|1.9 || rowspan=2|.3 || rowspan=2|.1 || rowspan=2|.1 || rowspan=2|3.4|-| align=left | TNT|-| align=left | | align=left | Phoenix| 34 || 14.7 || .456 || — || .646 || 3.7 || .5 || .6 || .4 || 6.1|-| align=left | | align=left | Phoenix Pulse| 39 || 21.4 || .420 || .231 || .767 || 4.4 || .6 || .4 || .7 || 8.9|-| align=left | | align=left | Phoenix Super LPG| 17 || 27.6 || .367 || .345 || .822 || 6.6 || 1.5 || .6 || 1.6 || 11.6|-| align=left rowspan=2| | align=left | Phoenix Super LPG| rowspan=2|26 || rowspan=2|18.7 || rowspan=2|.376 || rowspan=2|.281 || rowspan=2|.885 || rowspan=2|4.0 || rowspan=2|.5 || rowspan=2|.4 || rowspan=2|.4 || rowspan=2|6.8|-| align=left | NLEX|-| align=left rowspan=2| | align=left | NLEX| rowspan=2|44 || rowspan=2|17.7 || rowspan=2|.432 || rowspan=2|.261 || rowspan=2|.766 || rowspan=2|4.2 || rowspan=2|.8 || rowspan=2|.4 || rowspan=2|.5 || rowspan=2|7.9|-| align=left | TNT|-| align=left | | align=left | Blackwater| 6 || 17.4 || .429 || .000 || .769 || 5.0 || .5 || || .2 || 7.7|-class=sortbottom| align=center colspan=2 | Career| 252 || 15.7 || .400 || .283 || .758 || 3.5 || .6 || .4 || .5 || 6.2

National team career

He was a part of the Gilas Pilipinas window for the February window of the 2021 Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers as a replacement for Japeth Aguilar.[52]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: November 3, 2013 . COMPLETE 2013 PBA DRAFT RESULTS . 2022-04-11 . INQUIRER.net . en.
  2. Web site: CHUA, Justin PBA on INQUIRER.net . 2022-04-11 . pba.inquirer.net.
  3. Web site: June 26, 2015 . INTERVIEW: PBA star Justin Chua talks about money . 2022-04-11 . GMA News Online . en.
  4. Web site: Jurado . Jules . October 19, 2010 . First Half Breakthrough Players . 2022-04-11 . The GUIDON . en.
  5. Web site: Olivares . Rick . Jan 26, 2021 . Justin Chua's second wind in his PBA career . 2022-04-11 . Philstar.com.
  6. Web site: Jurado . Jules . July 18, 2010 . Chua's double-double tames Tigers . 2022-04-11 . The GUIDON . en.
  7. Web site: Terrado . Reuben . Oct 19, 2012 . Graduating with honors . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.
  8. Web site: Leongson . Randolph B. . Nov 19, 2019 . Ateneo on cusp of first three-peat since 2010. Find out how tough it was then . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.
  9. Web site: Dimaiwat . Miguel A. . Dy . Nielbert A. . October 12, 2020 . Remembering the Drive for Five . 2022-04-11 . The GUIDON . en.
  10. Web site: Aug 31, 2012 . FEU imposes }} game ban on UAAP basketball player Arvie Bringas, who spat on an Ateneo player ]. 2022-04-11 . SPOT.PH . en.
  11. Web site: Ramos . Gerry . Oct 12, 2012 . Experience, or Tigers' lack of it, made difference, rues Teng . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.
  12. Web site: Terrado . Reuben . June 11, 2013 . Longtime back-up Chua leaves celebrated Ateneo teammates in the shade . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.
  13. Web site: Ramos . Gerry . Nov 5, 2013 . Draft success of Slaughter and Co. boosts Ateneo's status as new breeding ground of PBA stars . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.
  14. http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/san-mig-acquires-holstein-from-globalport-in-exchange-for-rookie-chua-najorda San Mig gets Holstein from Globalport in exchange for rookie Chua, Najorda
  15. Web site: December 20, 2013 . Sol Mercado quick to console GlobalPort teammate Chua after costly 'rookie mistake' . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.
  16. Web site: April 29, 2014 . New boy Justin Chua brings added dimension to San Miguel Beer's frontline, says Isaac . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.
  17. Web site: Terrado . Reuben . May 22, 2014 . Todd Purves sees bright future for young Justin Chua in veteran-laden San Miguel team . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.
  18. Web site: Feb 2, 2015 . Ginebra to acquire Dorian Pena, JR Reyes to SMB, Justin Chua to Barako in three-team trade . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.
  19. Web site: Transactions PBA on INQUIRER.net . 2022-04-11 . pba.inquirer.net.
  20. Web site: Yes, yes Yeo: Barako Bull streaks to fourth victory . 2022-04-11 . Arab News . en.
  21. Web site: Beltran . Nelson . Villar . Joey . August 19, 2015 . Arwind, Cabagnot ink P15.1M deal . 2022-04-11 . Philstar.com.
  22. Web site: Sacamos . Karlo . Apr 8, 2017 . Justin Chua repays Norman Black's trust with career-game, decent defense on Cory Jefferson . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.
  23. Web site: Naredo . Camille B. . Mar 20, 2017 . PBA: Meralco's Chua hopes he can keep repaying Norman Black's trust . April 11, 2022 . ABS-CBN News.
  24. Web site: Ramos . Gerry . Sep 11, 2017 . Ranidel de Ocampo ends up in Meralco after TNT trades stalwart in three-team deal . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.
  25. https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Justin-Chua/Summary/62639#International
  26. Web site: Ramos . Gerry . November 9, 2017 . TNT acquiring Sidney Onwubere from Phoenix for Jonjon Gabriel in swap of first-round picks . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.
  27. Web site: Sacamos . Karlo . April 12, 2018 . Maliksi defends PBA 3-point shootout title as big men take over Obstacle Challenge . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.
  28. Web site: Ramos . Gerry . Jan 17, 2019 . Chua heaves sigh of relief as Abueva game-winner preserves career-high output . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.
  29. Web site: Terrado . Reuben . Jan 21, 2019 . Michael Miranda suspended one game, fined P30K for closed-fist hit on Chua . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.
  30. Web site: Ballesteros . Jan . May 25, 2018 . Big men take centerstage in Obstacle Challenge . 2022-04-11 . ESPN.com . en.
  31. Web site: Ramos . Gerry . April 7, 2019 . Phoenix makes PBA semifinals for first time after rout of Alaska . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.
  32. Web site: Dioquino . Delfin . April 25, 2019 . San Miguel gets last laugh vs Phoenix to reach finals . 2022-04-11 . RAPPLER . en-US.
  33. Web site: Terrado . Jonas . June 16, 2019 . PBA: Phoenix nips Alaska . 2022-04-11 . Tempo - The Nation's Fastest Growing Newspaper . en-US.
  34. Web site: Terrado . Reuben . Nov 24, 2020 . What Justin Chua did in the offseason to become Most Improved player candidate . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.
  35. Web site: Terrado . Reuben . Jan 2, 2021 . PBA yearender: Return of the Beast, Wright stuff mark rise of Phoenix . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.
  36. Web site: Oct 12, 2020 . PBA: Wright Powers Phoenix Past Meralco Journal Online . 2022-04-11 . journal.com.ph . en-US.
  37. Web site: Saldajeno . Ivan Stewart . Oct 27, 2020 . Abueva powers Phoenix over NLEX on return to action . 2022-04-11 . www.pna.gov.ph . en.
  38. Web site: Isaga . JR . November 5, 2020 . Jazul rains down 9 triples as Phoenix clinches quarterfinal berth . 2022-04-11 . RAPPLER . en-US.
  39. Web site: Co . Adrian Stewart . December 19, 2020 . Justin Chua at home with Phoenix . 2022-04-11 . www.panaynews.net.
  40. Web site: Terrado . Reuben . Nov 9, 2020 . After bouncing around five teams, Justin Chua finally finds a home at Phoenix . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.
  41. Web site: Dioquino . Delfin . Nov 11, 2020 . Phoenix clinches playoff bonus, frustrates Rain or Shine . 2022-04-11 . RAPPLER . en-US.
  42. Web site: Terrado . Reuben . Nov 17, 2020 . These two will dispute 'Most Improved' award if the PBA hands out one . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.
  43. Web site: Terrado . Reuben . Jan 17, 2021 . Caperal becomes latest Ginebra player to win PBA Most Improved award . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.
  44. Web site: Bacnis . Justine . March 8, 2021 . Justin Chua on winning Top D-Fender award: 'May nawalan man pero may dumating naman' . 2022-04-11 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  45. Web site: Terrado . Reuben . September 11, 2021 . Justin Chua shows he can still score despite embracing defensive role . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.
  46. Web site: New boy Justin Chua brings added dimension to San Miguel Beer's frontline, says Isaac .
  47. Web site: Ramos . Gerry . Feb 24, 2022 . Justin Chua-Kris Porter trade gets PBA approval as NLEX adds two draft picks . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.
  48. Web site: Bacnis . Justine . March 7, 2022 . Yeng Guiao glad to have another JR Quiñahan in Justin Chua . 2022-04-11 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  49. News: Gerry . Ramos . Jake Pascual, Frankie Lim reunite at NLEX as PBA approves three-team trade . Spin.ph . January 18, 2023. January 23, 2023.
  50. News: February 26, 2024 . TNT acquires Brandon GanuelaS-Rosser . pba.ph . February 26, 2024.
  51. Web site: Justin Chua Player Profile, Blackwater Bossing - RealGM . basketball.realgm.com.
  52. Web site: Leongson . Randolph B. . Feb 10, 2020 . Justin Chua a surprise addition to Gilas pool as Japeth replacement . 2022-04-11 . Spin.ph . en.