AS EXPECTED, PRINGLE LEADS PBA BATCH 2014
Stanley Pringle led the stellar cast of draft hopefuls picked at the 2014 Gatorade PBA Rookie Draft on Sunday at the Robinson’s Midtown Atrium in Ermita, Manila.
The 6-foot-1 guard was selected by GlobalPort as its first round pick, as 40 other players were tabbed by the 12 teams for the 40th season of the PBA set to start on October 19.
“It’s truly a blessing. I’m truly, honestly grateful that I’m picked number one. It’s a great feeling,” Pringle said.
Kevin Alas was selected second overall by Rain or Shine, as San Miguel Beer picked Ronald Pascual at third after acquiring the selection from Barako Bull.
The Energy gave away their first rounder in exchange for Chico Lanete, Jojo Duncil, the Beermen’s 10th pick in the second round, which turned out to be Gab Banal, and a 2016 first rounder.
Matt Ganuelas Rosser was the fourth overall pick for NLEX while Chris Banchero, expected many mock drafts to be a Top 3 pick, fell to Alaska at number five.
Barangay Ginebra then selected Rodney Brondial at sixth overall while GlobalPort acquired San Mig Coffee’s seventh overall pick and nabbed Anthony Semerad.
Jake Pascual went to Barako Bull at eighth, which was followed by Jericho Cruz going to Rain or Shine at nine. David Semerad, Anthony’s twin brother, also found himself selected in the first round as Barako Bull took him at 10.
As expected, head coach Manny Pacquiao went to his mother ball club KIA at No. 11 while Juami Tiongson completed the first round as Blackwater acquired his services at No. 12.
Rome dela Rosa went to Alaska at the start of the second round, leading 12 players selected.
KIA and Blackwater then alternated picks starting in the third round, which saw Mark Romero and Francis Bercede complete the 41 players selected from the 87 in the draft pool.
KIA Motors came away with 13 players, led by Pacquiao and his nephew Rene (25th overall), followed by Blackwater with eight, Barako Bull with five, and GlobalPort with four.
San Mig Coffee and Meralco did not net any rookies in this draft as both teams traded away their picks. (RL)
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