The potential is there, but still a long way to go.

Gilas Pilipinas program director Tab Baldwin said this about Ateneo Blue Eaglets ace LeBron Lopez as the 18-year-old cracked the national team pool as one of its youngest players.

Lopez and Gilas Pilipinas are training at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna to gear up for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in June.

“LeBron has a lot to learn. He has a lot to learn about the concepts of the game and understanding the nuances of execution,” Baldwin told One Sports show The Game about Lopez.

“But just a great kid and really, really willing to learn and always attentive when the coaches are talking to him and always competitive when it is time to play,” Baldwin added.

Lopez made noise in UAAP high school basketball as he starred for the Blue Eaglets in Season 82 en route to a Final Four finish.

The 6-foot-5 high flyer finished with 16.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks to earn a Mythical Five selection.

“[Lopez] is an outstanding athlete. He certainly fits the criteria of length that we’re looking for – long arms, athletic guy, very, very active, a lot of energy,” Baldwin said.

But more than the physical abilities and the skills, Baldwin lauded Lopez for his attitude and approach to the game.

“There is a humility to the kid, understanding that he is the youngest. He does not try to big shot anybody because he has a big name and he has a big following,” Baldwin said.

“He has a very bright future and I think he is in a great situation here in the bubble.” – Rappler.com