DEEP, so many guards and lacking in quality big men.
That’s how coaches described the field for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rookie Draft on August 23 at the Robinsons Place in Ermita, Manila.
Sixty-four aspirants, led by Filipino-Tongan Moala Tautuaa, who is projected to be this year’s No. 1 overall pick by Talk ‘N Text, applied for the draft.
Besides the 6-foot-7 Tautuaa, the other players who are tipped to be selected in the first round are National University’s Troy Rosario; San Beda’s Garvo Lanete, Baser Amer and Art de la Cruz; De La Salle’s Norbert Torres and Almond Vosotros; Perpetual Help’s Scottie Thompson; and University of the East’s Roi Sumang.
“There’s a chance for around four guys to be superstars in the league, while about 16 guys can contribute right away for the teams that will draft them, given the size of the league right now with 12 teams,” said rookie Head Coach Jason Webb of Star, which picks at No. 8.
For new Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Head Coach Tim Cone, this batch has impressive guards but not frontliners.
“I say it’s a little better than average. Very strong for point guards but after the first few picks, weak for big men,” said Cone, whose Kings are at No. 5 and could tap a young guard to inject youth to their aging backcourt.
For NLEX and Meralco, two teams with two first-round picks, the draft could give them help a lot.
“It’s a quality pool of aspirants. In my opinion, even in the second round, there are quality players available,” Road Warriors Coach Boyet Fernandez.
“But it depends also with the need of each team,” he added. NLEX is at No. 6 (from Ginebra) and No. 10 (from San Miguel Beer).
Bolts Head Coach Norman Black said the draft is “two rounds deep.” Meralco will select No. 4 (from GlobalPort) and No. 7 (original pick).
After the Tropang Texters, Mahindra (formerly Kia) will select second and there are reports that the Enforcers will pick Rosario but will eventually trade the former Bulldogs forward to Talk ‘N Text.
Rain or Shine also has two first-round selections—No. 3 (from NLEX) and No. 12. Blackwater will pick at No. 9 (from Talk ‘N Text), while Alaska gets its turn at No. 11.
The list will be trimmed down right after the 64 hopefuls attend the mandatory Rookie Camp on August 19 and 20 at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City.