PBA Draft Focus: Top 5 Wingman Prospects
In a few days, we will have the 2015 PBA Draft, where some of the most talented and most exciting young hoopsters will have a shot at making the big time and cracking the PBA. It’ll be interesting to see who gets picked and at which spot. Which teams will look better with their rookies, and which ones will make us shake our heads?
In this series of posts, I will look at some of the most interesting prospects for each general basketball position — the big man, the wingman, and the point guard.
I previously looked at some of the best big men available in this draft, with, not surprisingly, Moala Tautuaa and Troy Rosario coming out on top, and the top point guards available.
This time around, I will look at the top five wingman prospects in this year’s batch of rookies. I took some liberties with some players who could be hybrid SF/PFs or PG/SGs, though, so some picks might raise your eyebrows a little bit.
1) Earl Scottie THOMPSON – 6’1, Perpetual Help, 22 years old
– Scottie’s MVP performance last season was an eye-opener, and though his production in the NCAA this season hasn’t been as stellar, he is still my choice as the best shooting guard this draft has to offer. This kid is special, that much is for certain, and I’m sure we’ll see more great things from him before the curtain falls on his amateur career. With his energy and his well-around game, he can be like the guard version of Alaska’s Calvin Abueva.
READ: PBA Draft Focus: NCAA MVP wants to try his luck in the PBA
2) Chris NEWSOME – 6’2, Ateneo de Manila, 25 years old
– Newsome is the best available wingman who doesn’t play point guard in this rookie class. For sure, he is a sweet choice as a versatile small forward, and should be smart enough to play well in practically any system. Anyway, Newsome’s energy and athleticism on both ends should make him a superb find, especially since he is capable of being a foil to guys like Calvin Abueva and Matt Rosser. Absolutely cannot wait for him to go sky for those crazy jams.
READ: PBA Draft Focus: Newsome to bring versatility to any team who drafts him
3) Maverick AHANMISI – 6’3, University of Minnesota, 24 years old
– For some observers, Ahanmisi’s physique and skill-set are reminiscent of Ryan Reyes or Stanley Pringle, which would certainly make him a gem of a steal. Ahanmisi’s strength, speed, and shooting will potentially make him a very effective player, while at the same time will inject some young blood into any shooting guard rotation. If he’s as good as advertised, he could eventually blossom into one of the most frightening and physical wing players in the league. Watch out, watch out.
READ: PBA Draft Focus: After success in D-League, Maverick Ahanmisi ready for PBA
4) Josan NIMES – 6’3, Mapua, 24 years old
– The Mapua swingman is currently averaging more than 18 points per game in the NCAA, which is good enough for third overall behind Brigh Akhuetie and Art dela Cruz. He is also among the top 5 in assists with 5.4 per contest. If he can approximate that kind of production in the pros, he can definitely benefit any club out there. Also, at 6’3, he has great size to be a PBA wingman.
READ: PBA Draft Focus: Nimes likes Alaska’s style, but ready to join any team
5) Glenn KHOBUNTIN – 6’4 – National University -Recoletos, 23 years old
– This former Letran Squire and NU Bulldog possesses tenacity and swag that are similar to that of the Beast’s, though he’ll need to develop a more consistent perimeter game for him to be a solid rotation player. He’ll probably have to adjust to being more of a swingman than a power forward, which may dilute his productivity, but he should still be an intriguing prospect late in the first round or early in the second round.
READ: PBA Draft Focus: Khobuntin to bring invaluable lessons from national team to PBA
Other wingman prospects:
Joshua CUBILLO- 6’4, Cal State Fullerton, 27 years old
Leo DE VERA- 6’4, San Sebastian, 26 years old
Denice VILLAMOR- 6’4, NU, 25 years old
Jonathan GREY- 6’3, College of Saint Benilde, 23 years old
Aljon MARIANO- 6’3, UST, 23 years old
Jaypee MENDOZA- 6’3, San Beda, 24 years old
Kevin RACAL- 6’3, Letran, 24 years old
Jansen RIOS- 6’3, Adamson, 23 years old
Don TROLLANO- 6’3, Adamson, 23 years old
Keith AGOVIDA- 6’2, Arellano, 25 years old
Bong GALANZA- 6’2, UE, 22 years old
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