For everything Cade Flores has gone through thus far, the best part of his career has always been the next chapter. 

Back in college, Flores was languishing with the FEU Tamaraws’ Team B and he needed a change of scenery. Moving to the NCAA’s Arellano Chiefs did more than just that, as he quickly strutted his stuff on the way to winning Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year along with being a member of the NCAA Season 98 Mythical Five. 

Flores faced a crossroads despite a stellar first year with the Chiefs; will he play out his last two years with Arellano or was it time to make the jump to the pros? The decision certainly wasn’t an easy one because he had found a home with the Chiefs, but at 24, he couldn’t pass up the chance to get his professional career started. 

In the 2023 PBA Draft, Flores was selected 11th overall by the NorthPort Batang Pier. The Batang Pier was loaded with forwards, but there nonetheless remained opportunities for the Filipino-Australian. 

Through two conferences in his rookie year, Flores averaged 9.3 points (on 63.2 percent shooting from the field), 7.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.3 steals. The numbers themselves speak volumes to his ability to contribute with whatever chances he gets, but more importantly, it’s evident that he has put the work in during the season and during those times he was grinding through his struggles. It’s unfortunate Flores wasn’t selected for the 2024 Rookies, Sophomores, and Juniors All-Star Game. 

With the way things are going this season, it may be unlikely he’ll get snubbed again. 

Flores led NorthPort as they went without William Navarro and import Venky Jois, finishing with 23 points and 10 rebounds in a 105-94 loss to the Magnolia Hotshots. The Batang Pier fell to 2-3 in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup, but Flores was clearly the silver lining. 

He was aggressive whenever he got the ball and his efforts were rewarded on offense. Flores’ combination of size and strength helps him become a mismatch either against smaller defenders or taller ones he can easily blow by. 

All things considered, Flores will thrive in an environment that allows him to do so. He’s not shot hungry like some young players nor is he one that needs to be set up with the perfect pass in order to have a chance at converting on offense. That’s the type of player every coach wants on their team and it won’t be surprising if Flores becomes a player down the road. 

After all, it seems like just like how his journey has unfolded in recent years, the best is yet to come for Cade Flores’ career.