FILE – Isaac Go was selected first during the special draft in 2019. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said the league will do away with the special draft in the upcoming 2023 PBA Rookie Draft next month.
Marcial also said the draft will be held on September 17 at Market! Market! in Taguig.
“No changes. As of now, I know that there will be no Gilas draft but it still depends on what me and coach Chot (Reyes) will talk about but as of now, no Gilas draft.” said Marcial during the PSA Forum at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Jordan Heading topped the special draft for national team pool players in 2021.
Marcial added the PBA will have a Draft Combine on September 12 and 13 at Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City.
More than a month away from the proceedings, Marcial expects the number of aspirants, including Fil-foreign players, to increase as the draft nears.
“As of now, we don’t have any Fil-foreign who applied but we know how it is. They’ll be applying maybe in the last three days [before the draft].”