85 ROOKIE HOPEFULS BEAT DEADLINE
A total of 85 applicants beat the 5 p.m. Friday deadline for those wishing to enter the 2013 PBA Rookie Draft.
Experts have described the coming PBA Rookie Draft, set for November 3 at the Robinson’s Place in Ermita, as one which could most certainly address a lot of teams’ weak spots.
Loaded with quality big men long been lacking in the league, Batch 2013 will be bannered by 7-foot Gregory Slaughter, agile 6-7 Ian Sangalang and fierce slot defenders Raymond Almazan, 6-7, and Justin Chua, 6-6.
“No Draft in the history of the league where you have not just one, not two but around 6 big men who can really dominate,” said longtime amateur basketball patron Dioceldo Sy, owner of PBA D-League Foundation Cup champion team Blackwater Sports Elite.
Other applicants standing 6-5 and above are John Usita (6-8), Isaac Holstein (6-9), Dave Najorda (6-5) and Jeckster Apinan (6-5).
Teams that are in need of big men are Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, San Mig Coffee Mixers and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, who own the top three picks, and GlobalPort Batang Pier.
Aside from the top-caliber centers, the coming Draft is set to bring in prolific scorers in former UST gunner Jeric Teng, FEU superstars RR Garcia and Terrence Romeo, ABL star Jeric Fortuna, D-League shooter Rob Celiza and Jen Knuttel.
Barako Bull, GlobalPort, Alaska and San Mig Coffee are just some of the teams that can get reliable backcourt players in this pool.
“Pinag-aaralan na nga namin. Kasi we are looking to upgrade our backcourt,” said Barako Bull Energy coach Bong Ramos.
Blackwater Sports coach Leo Isaac believes that the pool should be the PBA version of the 2007 NBA Draft.
“Kumpletos recados yang pool nay an. May big man, may magagaling na maliit tapos may talent ang wing,” said Isaac, whose top player and scorer Celiz will be taking part.
“This is going to be one those that will be remembered for a long time. Maraming sisikat sa grupo na ito,” added the former Ginebra star.
Not all of the 84 applicants, however, are expected to make it to the final list, which will be released on October 30 with all the documentary requirements still being scrutinized by the PBA. (SBadua)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
