MANILA, Philippines—Norman Black was probably the country’s happiest coach Sunday.
Not only did his Ateneo Blue Eagles prevail over the Adamson Falcons in their UAAP clash, four of his former players were also selected in the PBA Draft at the Market! Market! in Taguig City.
Siverino “Nonoy” Baclao and Rabeh Al-Hussaini emerged the top two picks by the Air21 Express, making the two former Ateneo standouts the first teammates to be taken 1-2 since the draft started in 1985.
“I owe a lot to Ateneo and West Negros University for giving me the opportunity to grow as a player,” said Baclao. “Being in the PBA is a dream come true.”
“I’m happy for the both of them, especially for Noy because he comes from really humble beginnings,” Black told Inquirer Sports after the UAAP match.
Another important player of Ateneo’s 2008-2009 title run, point guard Jai Reyes, was also selected 18th by the Powerade Tigers.
Ford Arao, who helped the Eagles reach the Final Four in 2007, was tabbed by new PBA franchise Meralco as the 14th pick.
With Air21 picking Rey Guevarra as the No. 3 choice, it marked the first time since 2004 that the top three were all homegrown players.
Four former UE Warriors were selected—Elmer Espiritu, who was picked fourth by Alaska; Pari Llagas (B-Meg Derby Ace), Rob Labagala (Ginebra) and Val Acuna (B-Meg Derby Ace), while Letran had two in Guevarra and RJ Jazul (Rain or Shine). With reports from Celest Flores
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