Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Columbian stuck to its original plan as it picked CJ Perez first overall in the Rookie Draft, making good with its intention to end years of futility in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
The 25-year-old Perez will join a Dyip squad that chalked up only six victories the past season.
After steering Lyceum to two runner-up finishes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Perez promised to bring not only scoring to the team, but also boundless energy.
“I’ll bring effort, too,” he said. “I’m ready to give it my all to them … But I also know that I can’t do it all by myself. The winning ways won’t come without the effort.”
Blackwater went for Ray Parks Jr., who missed the proceedings due to his commitment with San Miguel Alab Pilipinas, which was playing CLS Knights Indonesia in Surabaya at press time, in the Asean Basketball League (ABL).
The Elite now aims to follow through with their goal of becoming playoff contenders following a franchise-best showing in the ongoing Governors’ Cup where they lost to finalist Magnolia in the quarterfinals.
Robert Bolick was selected third overall by NorthPort, giving its star Stanley Pringle a partner to operate with in the backcourt.
“Coach [Pido Jarencio] jokingly told me if I wouldn’t die for the team, he’ll do it himself,” Bolick said in Filipino. “I’m thrilled. I know the two of us would gel together well … I’m excited to show my winning mentality.”
With the three teams going for their expected choices, the shocker in the first round came when coach Yeng Guiao himself said “Amin na ’to (It’s ours),” before announcing Paul Desiderio as NLEX’s choice, which came from a predraft trade with Phoenix.
“I was shocked because I never expected to be selected ahead of Javee (Mocon) and Trevis (Jackson),” Desiderio said. “My goal now is not to disappoint coach Yeng.”
The surprises did not stop there as Meralco selected Trevis Jackson out of Sacramento State. The Filipino-American guard represented the Philippines in a 3×3 showcase in China in August along with stints in the PBA D-League.
Mocon, another star from San Beda, landed on Rain or Shine with the sixth pick that was originally held by TNT KaTropa. He was followed at seventh by Abu Tratter, a versatile forward out of La Salle and a former national player.
Columbian, using a pick from San Miguel Beermen, went for Letran guard JP Calvo at 11th, before Phoenix ended the first-round with Jorey Napoles from Technological Institute of the Philippines.
Prior to the event, technical director Eric Castro said the league will put on hold on all trades until the selection process was over.
Lesser-known Cyrus Tabi of Rizal Technological U went to Columbian as sixth pick in the second round. Adamson duo Robbie Manalang and Harold Ng were both tabbed by Rain or Shine.
Phoenix, through picks acquired from trades, also went for FEU guards Ron Dennison and Jojo Trinidad.