UP standout Paul Desiderio applies for 2018 PBA Rookie Draft

MANILA, Philippines—Paul Desiderio’s path to the PBA has officially started.

Just days after wrapping up his collegiate career, the former University of the Philippines captain filed his application for the 2018 Draft on Friday at the PBA Office in Eastwood.

Desiderio was the 45th applicant of the 2018 PBA Draft set for Dec. 16 at Robinson’s Manila.

The man who coined the mantra “atin to!” captained the Maroons to their first UAAP finals appearance in 32 years where they lost to 10-time champion Ateneo in a sweep.

Although he lost in the UAAP, Desiderio was triumphant in the PBA D-League in the summer after helping Go for Gold to the Foundation Cup title.

Desiderio, who was part of the Batang Gilas team that competed in the 2014 U-17 World Cup, averaged 13.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.3 steals in his final year with the Fighting Maroons.

The PBA earlier extended the deadline for local players from December 3 to December 10.