Barangay Ginebra San Miguel center Greg Slaughter and San Mig Super Coffee forward Ian Sangalang had been unanimously voted as part of the All-Rookie Team to be honored during the PBA Press Corps (PBAPC) Annual Awards Night on Aug. 21 at the Richmonde Hotel in Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City.
Joining them in the selection of top neophytes are Raymond Almazan of Rain or Shine, no-nonsense San Mig Super Coffee newcomer Justin Melton and the exciting Terrence Romeo of Globalport.
The 7-foot Slaughter, the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s Rookie Draft, played a pivotal role as the starting center of the Kings in his first season.
He was a force down low and bagged the Rookie of the Year plum after averaging nearly 15 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.4 shot blocks.
Sangalang, meanwhile, played a key role for the Mixers in their successful run for a rare Grand Slam.
Hardworking and tough, the beanpole out of San Sebastian did his job off the Mixers’ bench and eventually overtook veteran Yancy de Ocampo in the rotation.
Selected No. 2 overall, Sangalang finished his rookie year with averages of 7.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.
Almazan was the third overall pick in the Draft and provided the needed ceiling lacking for Rain or Shine. The 6-foot-8 center averaged 5.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.02 shot blocks per game.
The 5-foot-11 Romeo, the fifth overall pick, averaged 12.43 points for the Batang Pier, while the 5-foot-11 Melton proved to be a spark plug off the bench for San Mig Super Coffee especially in all three conference Finals.