Photo from FIBA.com
A special draft for the players included in the Gilas program will be held to pave the way for their entry into the PBA.
In a joint presser Wednesday during halftime of the PBA Finals Game 6, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio and members of the PBA board led by Commissioner Chito Narvasa announced the agreement between two basketball bodies.
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“The PBA has shown its commitment to the SBP and its support for the Gilas program,” said Panlilio. “There is full commitment from the two institutions.”
The 12 PBA teams will have a chance to pick one player from the Gilas pool but no teams will be able to trade or drop their draftee for two years after being selected.
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The Gilas pool includes Mark Belo, Carl Cruz, Ed Daquioag, Russell Escoto, Kevin Ferrer, Jio Jalalon, Von Pessumal, Roger Pogoy, Mike Tolomia, Arnold Van Opstal, Matthew Wright, and Alfonso Gotladera.
The Rookie Draft is scheduled on Oct. 30 with the special draft set earlier on the same day.
According to PBA chairman Robert Non, cadets may be pulled out from their mother club two months before the competition.