Thomas Robinson will finally get an opportunity to play in the Philippine Basketball Association as he leads NLEX in the Commissioner's Cup.

Robinson, the fifth overall pick in the 2012 National Basketball Association Rookie Draft, said he is thrilled to play in the PBA after his stint with San Miguel Beer last year was aborted by a back injury.

The 6-foot-10 forward vows to come up with a strong PBA debut when the Road Warriors battle Phoenix Super LPG on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

"The moment I joined the opening ceremonies, it gave me anxiety. It makes me more excited to play in the PBA," Robinson told Daily Tribune in an interview.

Robinson, who played for the Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers in a five-year NBA career, was stunned by the massive popularity of basketball in the Philippines.

"I know that the fan base here is incredible," Robinson said.

"I've always known it as I am a fan myself and I watched them compete in the FIBA World Cup."

Now that he has a golden chance of playing in front of basketball-crazy Filipinos, the 32-year-old former Kansas star vowed to make a strong first impression against some familiar faces.