PBA teams looking at ‘best available talent’ in Rookie draft

PBA Rookie Draft Aspirants. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Uncertainty looms in the regular selection of the 2016 PBA Rookie Draft.

With 12 names already shed from the pool thanks to the Gilas cadets, even coaches admit that the rookie selection is expected to be an open market, ripe for unheralded players to pounce on the chance.

And the general consensus the scouts are taking? Pick the best available talent.

“Right now, we’re looking at the best possible talent that will fit with our team,” said GlobalPort team consultant Franz Pumaren with the Batang Pier poised to pick third and seventh in the second round.

Meralco assistant coach Xavi Nunag shared: “Lahat tinitingnan namin because we think yung best talent available na lang ang makukuha namin. Yet we don’t know who’s going to be there.”

The Bolts will select seventh in the first round.

Even Ginebra coach Tim Cone was surprised to see a field full of potential diamonds.

“I’m pleasantly surprised how strong the group is,” the two-time Grand Slam-winning coach said. “We’re coming here with eyes wide open and keep an open mind on who’s available and we’ll see.”

The Gin Kings own the third and 10th pick in the first round.

But for some, without much notable players left on the table, it’s just a matter of addressing the team’s needs.

“Personally, I think we need a point guard straight up. We have Maverick Ahanmisi and he’s the closest we have sa point,” bared Rain or Shine assistant Jolly Escobar. “Di mo rin kasi masasabi sa draft if a quality big shows up.”

The Elasto Painters will have the ninth pick in the first round, together with three selections in the second.

Without any picks in the first two rounds, TNT assistant coach Bong Ravena also shared the same sentiment.

“We’ll just have to wait for the free agents. So far, tinitingnan ko lang ang prospects so hopefully, may makuha kami na magaling,” he said.