Alvin Pasaol. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Double-double machine Alvin Pasaol and sweet-shooting forward Arvin Tolentino banner the fresh new faces taking the first step in getting to the pro league as they join the 2017 PBA D-League Rookie Draft.
Pasaol and Tolentino headline the list of 201 aspirants, who have declared themselves available in the annual rookie selection slated on December 12 at PBA Cafe in Metrowalk.
Pasaol, 22, made waves this past UAAP season as one of the most lethal scorers in the collegiate ranks. The University of the East star highlighted his senior year with a 49-point explosion.
Meanwhile, Tolentino showed he’s still the same player who won the UAAP Rookie of the Year three seasons ago as he became a key contributor for Far Eastern University.
Apart from the two, there are other talents waiting to be picked in the deep draft pool.
Big men are well represented with Jeo Ambohot of Letran, Abu Tratter of La Salle, Richard Escoto of FEU, and Christian Buñag of Mapua all joining the draft.
There are also a slew of forwards available with Javi Gomez de Liaño and Rob Ricafort of UP, Sean Manganti of Adamson, Jayson David and JM Calma of San Sebastian, and Rence Alcoriza and Michael Cañete of Arellano.
Teams looking for solid playmakers will also have the luxury of picking their man as RK Ilagan and Renzo Navarro of San Sebastian, Robbie Manalang of Adamson, Hubert Cani, Wendell Comboy, and Joe Trinidad of FEU, Levi dela Cruz of Arellano, Jordan Sta. Ana of UST, Philip Manalang of UE, and Keith Pido of Perpetual also joining.
The 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup tips off on January 18, 2018.