TOP 3 PICKS ARE READY FOR WAR
As many have predicted, the top three picks in the 2013 PBA Rookie Draft Sunday were the three heralded big men who bannered this year’s deep Draft pool.
Greg Slaughter, Ian Sangalang, and Raymond Almazan, consistently on the top three spots of various mock drafts, were the ones selected by the first three teams who took stage, proving that big men are really hot commodities for the teams that they wouldn’t pass a chance to nab these centers.
The seven-foot Slaughter, who formerly played for the University of Visayas and Ateneo, said that being selected first overall by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel was such a humbling experience.
“I couldn’t ask for anything better right now. Ginebra has the best rapport and I feel like we have a very good chance to win right now,” he said.
Slaughter becomes the third Atenean in five years to be picked first after Japeth Aguilar (2009) and Nonoy Baclao (2010), and becomes the fifth Blue Eagle to lead a Draft class after Baclao, Aguilar, Rich Alvarez (2004), and Alejandro Araneta (1991).
“I love it. I’m really looking forward to play with my fellow Ateneans in the team, as well as the rest of the team,” he said.
Slaughter will be joining his former teammate Emman Monfort, who was recently traded to Ginebra in exchange for Rob Labagala, as well as ex-Blue Eagles LA Tenorio and Aguilar.
“I’m concentrating on how I can help on this team to win championships. I’m looking forward to winning,” Slaughter proclaimed.
The 25-year-old center will bulk up Ginebra’s frontline, which currently has Aguilar, Billy Mamaril, and Jay-R Reyes.
Although picked second, Sangalang doesn’t mind not being picked first overall as he is honored to be picked this high by San Mig Coffee, saying that it was his childhood dream to play in the PBA.
“Hindi ko in-expect na mapupunta ako sa number two. Dati kasi naghihiling ako na makapunta sa pro-league, pero di ko in-expect ito,” said the NCAA Season 88 Most Valuable Player from San Sebastian.
“Ngayon na nakarating na ko dito, sobra akong nagpapasalamat sa Panginoon na binigay niya ‘tong pagkakataon sa akin. Hindi ko sasayangin ‘to,” said Sangalang, who will join Marc Pingris, Rafi Reavis, Yancy de Ocampo, and fellow rookie Justin Chua, in the Coffee Mixers’ big men squad.
Sangalang becomes the second San Sebastian Stag to be picked second overall, after Rookie of the Year Calvin Abueva was selected by Alaska at number two in last year’s Draft.
The lanky Almazan went third to Rain or Shine, but, as critics say, need to bulk up to match the built of his frontcourt-mates in Beau Belga and JR Quinahan, affectionately called the Extra Rice, Inc., Jervy Cruz, and Larry Rodriguez in coach Yeng Guiao’s slew of big men.
In spite of this, the towering Letranite is proud of his accomplishment of being drafted, saying, “Overwhelming lang kasi magkahalo yung kaba at excitement. Nag-pay out yung mga pinaghirapan ko this year at yung sa mga nakaraang taon.”
“Siguro kailangan ko na lang mag-add sa footwork ko,” said the Bataan native. “Hindi ko naman binibigyan ng limitation ang sarili ko. Basta kung ano ang mai-improve ko sa sarili ko, gagawin ko.”
Almazan also said that he already felt the way the Elasto Painters play after working out with the team for a number of times. “Sobrang welcoming nga nila sa akin eh. Tinira na ako agad ni Beau (Belga)!,” he said.
The bulk of big men coming from this deep Draft are poised to wage war with the Asi Taulavas, Junemar Fajardos and Sonny Thoss’ of the league. Only time will tell if these three centers can be as good as advertised. (RLeongson)
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