Upcoming PBA Draft to feature record number of applicants

MANILA, Philippines — The PBA has hit a record number of entries for its rookie draft scheduled on March 14.

As per the PBA website, this year’s draft now has a total of 94 applicants, eclipsing the previous mark of 91 in 2014.

The number is still expected to increase with last-minute applications.

The high number of applicants could be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic which forced leagues like the UAAP to shut down.

The UAAP was forced to cancel its 83rd Season while the schedule of its 84th Season remains uncertain with the virus still looming large in the country.

Headlining a talent-laden class are Fil-foreigners Taylor Statham, Joshua Munzon, Jason Brickman and Jamie Malonzo as well as college standouts Calvin Oftana, Alvin Pasaol and Aljun Melecio among others.

Oftana, the reigning NCAA MVP out of San Beda, and La Salle’s Melecio beat Wednesday’s draft entry.

Roosevelt Adams, taken by the Columbian Dyip, was the most recent top overall pick in December 2019 where the league also held a special draft for national team pool players.

Meralco’s Aaron Black, the 18th overall selection, was named Outstanding Rookie in the PBA Special Awards held last Jan. 17, a month after the Philippine Cup bubble won by Barangay Ginebra.

The Dyip will select first in the draft for the third straight year. They took explosive guard CJ Perez back in 2018.