Adrian Nocum is turning out to be the biggest steal of the draft following his impressive performance for Rain or Shine in the Commissioner's Cup of the Philippine Basketball Association.

No less than Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao stressed that he was surprised with the way Nocum played in his first three games in the professional ranks.

"For somebody who's been selected 24th overall, I think Adrian may turn out to be the biggest steal in the draft," Guiao told Daily Tribune in an interview.

Guiao, who has high standards when it comes to rookies, said Nocum's no-fear attitude and ability to take charge in crucial situation make him special.

In his first three games, Nocum averaged 11 points per game while bringing a lot of intangibles to the Elasto Painters.

"We know what he's capable of doing as we've watched some of his games with San Juan," Guiao said. "But we were also had an opportunity of taking an up close and personal look at how he plays as he practiced with us even before Draft Day."

"We just have to wait for him before signing him up."

After getting drafted, Nocum had to make the Elasto Painters wait as he still had a live contract with San Juan in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.