HIGHLIGHTS: 2024 PBA Season 49 Draft
2024 PBA Season 49 Draft
Glorietta 4 Activity Center
The PBA held its Season 49 Rookie Draft at Glorietta 4 Activity Center in Makati City. The Converge FiberXers own the number one overall selection after finishing at the bottom of the standings last season.
Former La Salle standout Justine Baltazar, as expected, was selected first overall. Among the other notable players in the class are Fil-American Sedrick Barefield, who went to Blackwater at No. 2, forward Kai Ballungay and guards RJ Abarrientos and Jerom Lastimosa. Ballungay, a versatile forward out of Ateneo, went to Phoenix at No. 4 while Abarrientos was Barangay Ginebra’s surprise pick at No. 3.
PBA: Evan Nelle gets to play for Bonnie Tan this time
NorthPort coach Bonnie Tan and second round pick Evan Nelle during the 2024 PBA Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Of all the coaches Evan Nelle would play for to begin his PBA career, he ended up with Bonnie Tan at NorthPort.
The two have a history together with Tan, who was still calling the shots for Letran, steered the Knights to an NCAA championship in 2019 at the expense of San Beda, which had Nelle as its starting point guard.
PBA: Phoenix adds to versatility by picking Kai Ballungay
Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin and fourth overall pick Kai Ballungay during the 2024 PBA Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—The PBA Draft continues to be a charm for Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin.
After getting more than what he had hoped for last season with the selections of Ricci Rivero, Ken Tuffin and Raffy Verano, Jarin got another dynamic forward in the form of Kai Ballungay.
PBA: CJ Cansino sees being a good fit with Meralco
Meralco Bolts’ CJ Cansino during the 2024 PBA Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—CJ Cansino was taken by Meralco in the first round of the 2024 PBA Draft and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Being drafted 11th overall is nice enough, but being picked by a team that perfectly fits your style of play must be a different feeling.
PBA: Ayo, Converge fulfill their needs by drafting Justine Baltazar
Justine Baltazar during the 2024 PBA Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—For Converge coach Aldin Ayo, taking Justine Baltazar first overall in the 2024 PBA Draft was a no-brainer.
Ayo said the 6-foot-9 Baltazar has everything he’s looking for to turn the FiberXers’ fortunes around after a forgettable season.
Sixth round recap
Robbie Darang is the last player picked in the 2024 PBA Draft
The 2024 PBA Draft officially ends in the sixth round. @INQUIRERSports
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
Fifth round recap
Fourth round recap
Fourth round just concluded. Here’s who the teams picked in the fourth. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/BPISjkwWBd
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
Third round recap
At the end of the third round. #2024PBADraft @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/94xwZ0EKgR
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
2024 PBA Season 49 Draft (Second round)
Converge coach Aldin Ayo and top pick Justine Baltazar
Converge coach Aldin Ayo and 2024 first overall pick Justine Baltazar. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/ZMvwpjrS6r
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
Second round recap
At the end of the second round!
The aspirants selected in the 2024 PBA Draft. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/tTC2ZLcn8O
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
11th pick of the second round goes to Meralco and the Bolts select Kurt Reyson. @INQUIRERSports
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
Pick ten of the second round goes to Ginebra and they choose Mapua standout Paolo Hernandez. @INQUIRERSports
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
Pick nine of the second round goes to Converge and they pick Ben Phillips. @INQUIRERSports
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
Round two, pick eight is with Rain or Shine and they pick College of St. Benilde standout Miggy Corteza. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Y4cdq0dUlq
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
Round two, pick seven goes to Converge and they choose Pao Javillonar. @INQUIRERSports
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
Round two, pick six is with NLEX and they choose Brandon Ramirez. @INQUIRERSports
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
Ex-Adamson guard Didat Hanapi goes to Ginebra in the second round
Round two, pick five, and Ginebra selects Didat Hanapi. @INQUIRERSports
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
Round two’s fourth pick is with Rain or Shine and they select Mike Malonzo. @INQUIRERSports
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
CJ Catapusan is the second round third pick after being selected by Terrafirma. @INQUIRERSports
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
Evan Nelle is off the board after going to NorthPort in the second round
Round two, pick two goes to Northport.
And the Batang Pier selects Evan Nelle. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/DaU3HVI57b
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
To start the second round of this year’s draft, Rain or Shine selects Francis Escandor. @INQUIRERSports
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
PBA Draft: Baltazar, Barefield and a few first round surprises
Jonnel Policarpio is picked sixth by NLEX in the 2024 PBA Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Converge predictably chose Justine Baltazar as the first overall pick of the 2024 PBA Draft but there were also some surprises on Sunday.
Baltazar has been the consensus top pick since announcing his intent to join the draft a few months ago while Fil-American guard Sedrick Barefield was also expected to go to Blackwater at No. 2. Barangay Ginebra, however, decided to shake things up and added another guard to their stacked backcourt rotation by taking RJ Abarrientos as the third overall pick.
2024 PBA Season 49 Draft (First round)
PBA Draft first round recap
To end the first round, San Miguel selects Avan Nava. @INQUIRERSports
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
Reigning Philippine Cup champion Meralco drafts CJ Cansino
SOUNDS LIKE THE CROWD LOVED THAT STUNNING PICK ⚡️
Meralco selects CJ Cansino as the 11th overall pick. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Q3i5OjzArK
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
NONOY IS STILL DONNING GREEN
With the tenth overall pick, Terrafirma selects La Salle product Mark Nonoy. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/mGQX6cVHAA
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
Former Adamson star Jerom Lastimosa goes to Magnolia
KING FALCON, YOU ARE A HOTSHOT
Magnolia selects Jerom Lastimosa with the ninth overall pick. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/TGQFqrkEbp
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
After Tiongson, Rain or Shine selects Felix Lemetti with the eighth overall pick. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/1a22vevLmJ
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
With the seventh pick, Rain or Shine selects Caelan Tiongson. @INQUIRERSports
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
Jonnel Policarpio, the PBA Rookie Draft Combine MVP, is drafted by NLEX
NLEX CALLED. THEY WANT JONNEL.
NLEX Road Warriors select Jonnel Policarpio as the sixth overall pick of the draft. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/CbMqPFrGn0
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
Another Ildefonso officially in the PBA with Dave going to NorthPort
NORTHPORT GOT THEIR ANGEL (baby) 👀
Dave Ildefonso is the fifth overall pick of the draft and lands with Northport Batang Pier. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/D7obMWqcOg
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
Kai Ballungay to Phoenix at No. 4
PHOENIX TO THE S-KAI! 🦅
Phoenix selects Ateneo standout Kai Ballungay with the fourth overall pick. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Vt5HnveSvc
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
PHOENIX TO THE S-KAI! 🦅
Phoenix selects Ateneo standout Kai Ballungay with the fourth overall pick. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Vt5HnveSvc
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
PBA Draft: Ginebra makes surprise move by taking RJ Abarrientos at No. 3
Barangay Ginebra picks guard RJ Abarrientos in the 2024 PBA Draft. Abarrientos, who played for FEU in the UAAP and had stints in the KBL and B.League, is currently playing for Strong Group in the William Jones Cup in Taipei.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Barangay Ginebra continued to inject youth into its lineup, selecting RJ Abarrientos third overall in the PBA Rookie Draft Sunday at Glorietta in Makati City.
The Gin Kings, which swapped its No. 10 pick with the Terrafirma franchise in a deal that included Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle on the eve of the annual selection, will be reeling in a 24-year-old Abarrientos who has played for Gilas Pilipinas and plied his wares in Korea and Japan.
Barangay Ginebra takes RJ Abarrientos at No. 3 in the PBA Draft
THERE’S A NEW ABARRIENTOS IN TOWN
The biggest surprise of the Draft, so far. Ginebra selects RJ Abarrientos as the third pick!
RJ isn’t here as he is currently with Strong Group in Taiwan but representing him is none other than “The Flying A.” pic.twitter.com/3xXDCBsw3Z
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
PBA Draft: Sedrick Barefield goes to Blackwater at No. 2
MANILA, Philippines–Sedrick Barefield, a crafty 6-foot-2 point guard battle-hardened by multiple overseas stints, was drafted second overall by the Blackwater franchise in the PBA Season 49 Rookie Draft held at Glorietta’s atrium in Makati City on Sunday.
The Filipino-American hotshot, born in the United States to a Filipino mother, is no longer a stranger to the local style of play having suited up for the Strong Group Athletics in Dubai and the Bay Area Dragons and Taipei Fubon Braves that played PBA clubs in the past.
BAREFIELD IS A BOSSING!
Sedrick Barefield goes second overall to the Blackwater Bossing. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/8PorbhrXcl
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
Justine Baltazar picked first overall by Converge in PBA Draft
Justine Baltazar is the first overall pick by the Converge FiberXers in the 2024 PBA Season 49 Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Former Gilas Pilipinas cadet Justine Baltazar, to nobody’s surprise, was taken first overall by the Converge FiberXers on Sunday in the PBA Season 49 Rookie Draft.
At Converge, Baltazar reunites with his former coach Aldin Ayo, his mentor at La Salle in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
Justine Baltazar is the first overall pick in the 2024 PBA Draft
WITH THE FIRST PICK…
The Converge FiberXers select Justine Baltazar as this year’s overall first pick. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/rHYY2kasbR
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
2024 PBA Season 49 Draft order
THE BOYS 👀
LOOK: Some of the aspirants of the 2024 PBA Draft Class wait eagerly before the start of the Draft. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/9MAdfz0cbM
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
HAPPENING NOW:
Live at Glorietta Activity Center, aspirants await the start of the 2024 PBA Draft. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/D8flUa9oyT
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
Converge keeps everyone guessing on selection day eve
Justine Baltazar during the PBA Rookie Draft combine.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
There’s no doubt in Converge’s mind that the process of deciding which player to select first in Sunday’s PBA Rookie Draft is a difficult one.
“It’s difficult because you’ll have a lot of second-guessing,” coach Aldin Ayo said as the FiberXers will finally get to reveal who’s worthy to be tagged as the man who could be the cornerstone for the franchise’s goal of turning things around.
Ginebra lets go of ‘studs’ to address aging roster
Ginebra trades away veterans Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle to Terrafirma in exchange for Stephen Holt, Isaac Go and a draft pick. –PBA IMAGES
It was a massive deal considering the names involved, but beneath the surface of the trade that sent Barangay Ginebra veterans Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle to Terrafirma is a pick swap that could affect how Sunday’s PBA Rookie Draft will proceed.
Ginebra addressed its aging roster with the deal, which brings to the Kings top Rookie of the Year candidate Stephen Holt and promising big man Isaac Go.
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
