BEERMEN LOOKING FOR PLAYER WITH THE RIGHT FIT
Despite not having any first round picks, San Miguel Beer team consultant Todd Purves was on hand to watch the aspiring rookies strut their wares at the 2014 Gatorade PBA Draft Combine.
Purves, who previously worked as a scout for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA, said that he is just there checking out the talents that they could nab if and when the Beermen get a chance to select on Draft day.
“I would say there would always be a possibility that we’d make a move on Draft day, whether it’s for a pick or trade a pick for a player, but this is about being thorough and prepared so the organization can make those moves if we want to,” he said.
Purves bared that the team’s approach to the Draft is to just utilize the best player in the pool, as he said, “When it comes to drafting talent, I believe you should take the most talented player available, period. You don’t draft in need of position, you draft the best talent available, the all-around skill fit. And when you collect enough talent, you can move and fit the pieces altogether.”
The American coach also noted that the first thing on their checklist is the players’ traits.
“You have to be mentally tough, unselfish, and will bring good work ethic and attitude regardless,” he said.
Purves also said that he and head coach Leo Austria have already discussed the players they are zeroing in at, but refused to divulge their names.
“We’ve got a couple of names which will remain in-house. We have the same mind, Leo and I have talked and were looking for the best player who can help the team overall, someone we thinks can fit to our philosophy. That’s what we’re looking for,” he said. (RL)
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