RJ Abarrientos during an open training with the Jones Cup bound Strong Group Athletics team. -SGA PHOTO
Blackwater, which recently traded Rey Nambatac to TNT, is looking to use the PBA Rookie Draft as an avenue to get someone to replace the southpaw guard.
“We are definitely looking into improving our team in the point guard position,” coach Jeff Cariaso told the Inquirer on Friday after the league officially released a list of 70 players initially qualified for the proceedings set July 14 at Glorietta in Makati City.
The Bossing will select after the Converge FiberXers, who own the top overall pick by virtue of having the lowest combined finish during the 2023-24 season that had just two conferences.
Converge had said that the process of selecting the player it feels as the one who could turn the franchise around would be a difficult one after a number of talented prospects were able to beat Thursday’s deadline.
Among the last-minute applicants was Ateneo product Kai Ballungay, joining a cast of notable draftees like Justine Baltazar, Sedrick Barefield, Dave Ildefonso, RJ Abarrientos and Caelan Tiongson.
Last Tuesday saw the Bossing deal Nambatac to the TNT Tropang Giga in exchange for Kib Montalbo, Jewel Ponferada and a future draft pick, ending a short stint for the ex-Rain or Shine mainstay who played for them only in the Philippine Cup.
Nambatac was acquired from the Elasto Painters last February.
The team’s needs
If Blackwater’s needs are asked, the prospect of having Abarrientos or Barefield—if Converge passes on either or both—is enticing. But there’s also the other thought of picking the best available talent.
“We are happy to see there are options to select from, so we’ll continue to do our homework on these guys while we look forward to the PBA combine,” said Cariaso.
The combine is set July 10 and 11 at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, a two-day event required of all draftees, barring any valid excuses.
The list is significantly lower from a field of 128 that entered the draft last year, with 79 of them getting selected.
Terrafirma selects third followed by Phoenix, NorthPort, NLEX, Rain or Shine (back-to-back picks), Magnolia, Barangay Ginebra, Meralco and San Miguel Beer.
Most of the draftees are coming from the UAAP and NCAA while 19 Fil-foreigners also placed their names in the pool.
Under league rules, players considered Fil-foreigners only need to submit a Philippine passport to be considered eligible.