Jamie Malonzo knows he has what it takes to be a future PBA superstar, and if he has one player to emulate, it is PBA legend Danny Seigle.

Malonzo sees Seigle as a mentor as he gears up for the upcoming PBA Draft, where the athletic Filipino-American is pegged as a potential top 5 pick following a stellar one-and-done season at La Salle.

“We’re very close,” Malonzo said about Seigle, whom he has known since he played for Portland State in the US NCAA before the 44-year-old became his coach for the Green Archers.

“He has just been watching over me this whole time in the Philippines. He has never lied to me.”

Seigle has definitely set the bar high.

In 18 years in the PBA, Seigle won 8 titles, clinching the Finals Most Valuable Player award in 4 of those championships.

Seigle also captured the Best Player of the Conference award twice, earned a selection to the Mythical First Team thrice, and bagged the Rookie of the Year (1999) and Comeback Player of the Year (2006) honors.

“He has had a great career and it is something to look up to,” Malonzo said. “I’ll try to follow his footsteps, if not do better.”

For his part, Malonzo showed he has the makings of a star.

In his lone season at La Salle, the 24-year-old posted 15.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 steals as he made the UAAP Mythical Team.

A certified high flyer, Malonzo also displayed his outside shooting after leading the UAAP in three-point percentage in Season 82 with a 43% clip.

“You’ve never proven yourself until you’re actually on that level. But definitely, I think I’ve proven myself as a contender, to be someone that could be maybe a future superstar in the PBA or maybe a value player in the PBA,” Malonzo said.

“I’ve definitely shown that I have the capability and potential to be one of those players,” he added.

The 6-foot-6 forward from Seattle said he offers versatility that is made possible by his size and skillset.

“I’m able to do a lot of different things, whether it is rebounding, defense, scoring – just a lot of different things that I’m able to bring to the table.”

“I think I shoot the ball fairly well,” Malonzo added. “On top of that, I’m one of the most athletic guys in the draft.” – Rappler.com