Pringle, Alas top two picks; Pacquiao to Kia

FIL-AM standout Stanley Pringle is flanked by Globalport owner Mikee Romero (left) and team governor Erick Arejola after the Batang Pier made him the first overall Draft pick. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

Stanley Pringle took first overall in the PBA Rookie Draft, as expected, yesterday and was tabbed by a Globalport side that is looking to turn its fortunes around when the league opens its 40th Season on Oct. 19.

A 27-year-old who has seen pro action overseas, Pringle comes to a squad that won just a combined seven games last season—just two under a new coach in the last two conferences.

The Batang Pier have also gone to the playoffs just once in their first two years in the league and were booted out in the quarterfinals in that only time.

With Pringle—the main force for the Indonesia Warriors when they won an Asean Basketball League title two years ago— around, Globalport now  has a deep backcourt rotation that can rival the best in the league.

Rain or Shine, adjusting to the Paul Lee issue, selected Kevin Alas second overall even as the biggest surprise in the first round came when boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, who was a no-show, was selected 11th overall by expansion squad KIA Motors.

“It’s an insurance choice for us because of the uncertainty of Paul (Lee),” Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said of his choice of the 6-foot Alas. “We will still make an effort to sign Paul. He and Kevin can play together.”

Pacquiao’s selection was well-applauded by the cramped crowd at the Atrium of Robinsons Ermita, but it came as a surprise since KIA wasted a chance to snag a legitimate first-round talent around which it can build its team.

The eight-division world boxing champion will also coach KIA.

Shooter Ronald Pascual, a member of the Gilas Cadet pool like Alas, was the third choice by San Miguel Beer, which acquired the right from Barako Bull for veterans Chico Lanete and Jojo Duncil and two future Draft rights.

Matt Ganuelas, a reedy 6-foot-5 guard in the mold of a Gabe Norwood, was the fourth overall choice by NLEX, the most successful team in D-League history which entered the PBA by buying the Air21 franchise recently.

Chris Banchero, a Filipino-American point guard like Pringle, was picked fifth by Alaska, before Barangay Ginebra chose Rodney Brondial. San Beda twins Anthony and David Semerad were picked seventh and 10th by Globalport and Barako Bull, respectively.

Jake Pascual, also of San Beda landed with the Energy at No. 8, with Rain or Shine exercising its second first-round selection, the ninth overall, on bruiser Jericho Cruz.

Juami Tiongson of Ateneo rounded out the first round selection after being picked by Blackwater Sports 12th overall.

Rome Dela Rosa landed with Alaska as the first choice in the second round, with the Elasto Painters taking Kevin Espinosa.

Philip Paredes (Barako Bull), Kris Alas (Alaska), Prince Caperal (Globalport), Harold Arboleda (Talk ‘N Text), Michael Gamboa (Rain or Shine), Gabriel Banal (Barako Bull), Frank Golla (Blackwater) and Kyle Pascual (KIA) rounded out the second round.

Blackwater and KIA were given the chance to fill up their rosters and were the only ones who picked from the pool after round two.