He was also a NCC player under coach Ron Jacobs, which participated in the PBA during the 1984 season.

[1] He was taken first overall by the Alaska Milkmen, then the newest team in the PBA, in 1986 rookie draft.

After his stint with the Milkmen, he spent two seasons with Shell, and was traded to Añejo for the rights of Romeo Dela Rosa in 1989.

Under the tutelage of playing-coach Robert Jaworski, he would enjoy superstar status and eventually become one of the best center/power forwards in the league.

He was also part of the all-pro squad that represented the Philippines in the 1990 Asian Games and won the silver medal.