Nelbert Omolon

Nelbert Omolon

File:BitoyOmolonAir21CPaoloPapa2012.jpg
Air21 Express
Position	Small Forward
Personal information
Born	(1980-06-30) June 30, 1980 Talakag, Bukidnon, Philippines
Nationality	Philippines
Listed height	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Listed weight	185 lb (84 kg)
Career information
College	Philippine Christian University
NBA draft	[[2004, NBA draft|2004,]]: undrafted
Playing career	2004–present
Career highlights and awards
2005 PBA Blitz Game MVP 2006 PBA Blitz Game MVP 2006-07 PBA All-Defensive Team 2007-08 PBA Mythical Second Team

Nelbert "Bitoy" Omolon (born June 30, 1980 in Talakag, Bukidnon) is a Filipino professional basketball player who currently plays for the Air21 Express 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 grew up in Talakag, Bukidnon, about a 30-minute drive from the Cagayan de Oro airport. 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.

Xavier University High School Varsity Days

Omolon joined a powerhouse Xavier University High School– Ateneo de Cagayan basketball squad, a program rich in high school basketball success in Cagayan de Oro City. There his talents were honed as he played his first ever organized basketball under the tutelage of highly-regarded Cagayan de Oro basketball coach, Emmanuel "Manny" Diaz. His teammates included Niku Benson "Black Gamba" Valles, UE stalwart Jay-Arr Estrada and former NBC (now Liga Pilipinas) player Andrew Neri. That was when Omolon realized he might have a future in basketball.

Xavier University High School Varsity '97 Roster

Omolon belonged to the XUHS '97 basketball varsity team which had this roster.

Xavier University High School - Ateneo de Cagayan 1997 Basketball Varsity Roster
Players
Number	Name	Positions	Number	Name	Positions
0	Kane Paul Acedera	G/F	0	Cliff Andy "Pangag" Tesocan	PG
0	Rufo Nino "Nhocnhoc" Lasala	G/F	0	Christian Noble	PG
0	Jim Vincent Lim	G/F	0	Earl Lapus	PG
0	Edzen Ryan Buiser	G/F	0	John Montalvan	PG
0	Dave Anthony Ibao	G/F	0	Maribert Lagdameo	PG
0	Virg Nino Cabahug	G/F	0	Francois "Koigalz" Galo	PG
0	Andrew Neri	G/F	0	Niku Benson Valles	PG
0	Jay-arr Estrada	G/F	0	Nelbert Omolon	PG

Professional Career

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.

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.

A player who ever reliable on both ends of the floor due to his unrelenting defense and efficient offense, Bitoy 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.

Omolon already has one ring with the Sta. Lucia Realtors. He helped the team to clamp on effective defense against James Yap which put the latter scoreless during the six-minute span of the fourth quarter.

After 8 years, he got traded for the first time to Air21 along with Mark Isip in exchange for Dennis Daa, Mark Canlas and a draft pick.

External links

• Player Profile
• PBA-Online! Profile