Former UE center Chris Javier. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Though big men in the 2016 PBA Rookie Draft class are as sparse as ever, that doesn’t mean that teams still can’t snag quality bangers from this pool.
One of the prospected top selections in the field is University of the East’s Chris Javier.
Though undersized at 6-foot-5, the Binan, Laguna native wants scouts to see the way he helps his team in ways other than offensive output.
“I play as a team player naman. I try to set up my teammates and give them opportunity to score,” he said. “Sa akin naman, kahit di ako scorer, ang focus ko is rebounding and second chance points.”
The same can be said of St. Clare’s Raymond Jamito, who wants to emulate his idol Marc Pingris’ grit whenever he takes the court.
2016 PBA Rookie Draft Combine. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
“Wag lang susuko. Laban lang ng laban. Tapang lang at dedication yun ang kailangan kong ipakita,” he said.
Another one who impressed a lot of coaches was Joseph Eriobu.
Aside from the good performance he had in his last year with Mapua, the 6-foot-4 forward made an impact in the 2016 Gatorade PBA Draft Combine and even got crucial rebounds and baskets in the mini tournament in Day 2.
Joseph Eirobu goes through a drill at the 2016 PBA Rookie Draft Combine. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
“Sa tingin ko, naipakita ko naman yung kakayanan ko, lalo na sa last play sa Finals,” he said. “Wala nang oras, nakuha ko yung bola, foul counted pa, tapos naipasok ko pa yung clutch free throw. Nag-overtime tapos dahil dun at sa collective team effort namin, nag-champion kami.”
Other possible selection for teams in need of frontcourt help are NU’s Tristan Perez, UE’s Jairold Flores, St. Clare’s John Ambulodto, and St. Benilde’s Jericho de Guzman.