Nelbert Omolon

Nelbert "Bitoy" Omolon (born June 30, 1980 in Talakag, Bukidnon) is a Filipino professional basketball player who currently plays for the San Miguel Beermen in the Philippine Basketball Association. He was drafted 8th overall in the class of 2004 that included Rich Alvarez, Marc Pingris, James Yap, Ranidel de Ocampo, Gary David, Sonny Thoss and Wesley Gonzales. He is a versatile player who can score inside and outside, and can play multiple positions as well.

Early Years

The youngest of three boys, Omolon was born and raised in Talakag, Bukidnon, 86 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro City. He did not learn how to play when he was a kid. He never even liked the game until he grew from 5'7" as a high school freshman to 6'2" as junior.

College Basketball

Omolon played for the PCU Dolphins.

Professional career

Philippine Basketball League

After playing in PCU, he took his sneakers to the Philippine Basketball League where he suited up for Osaka-La Salle and ICTSI under coach Franz Pumaren and Welcoat under coach Leo Austria.

Philippine Basketball Association

Omolon joined the PBA after being drafted 8th overall by the Sta. Lucia Realtors in the 2004 PBA draft.

Omolon scored a personal high 40 points on 11-of-16 shooting in the two-point area and hitting 4-of-5 beyond the arc with nine boards as Sta. Lucia earned its first ever outright semifinals slot on January 13, 2008 with a 123-106 rout over the Air21 Express.

On January 2012, Omolon was traded for the first time in his career to Air21 from the Meralco Bolts along with Mark Isip in exchange for Dennis Daa, Mark Canlas and a draft pick that originally belonged to the Bolts. ^[1]

On September 12, 2014, Nelbert Omolon was signed up by the San Miguel Beermen as the 13th man in the Beermen's roster.

Player Profile

A player who ever reliable on both ends of the floor due to his unrelenting defense and efficient offense, Omolon has continued to impress his coaches in the pro league to this day. He is a player who is always tasked to guard the opposing team's best player and even imports. He can be the team MVP of the game and not score a point. Although possessing a limited array of offensive moves, Nelbert has showed he can do it as well on offense. With an improved outside shot these days, he is looked to provide a complimentary role to his more offensive-minded teammates in Meralco.

References