Two prospective picks in the 2012 PBA rookie draft beg off

MANILA, Philippines — Two of the prospective draft picks in the 2012 PBA Rookie Draft have withdrawn their applications just as the final list of applicants has been finalized.

San Sebastian’s Ronald Pascual and Far Eastern University’s JR Cawaling, who both have huge chances of getting picked in this year’s relatively deep draft, have begged off.

Pascual, the adept forward whose draft stock has risen significantly even after his ACL injury last year, was one of the favorites to get picked — even as high as the top five.

Pascual, who’s serving his last year with the Golden Stags, even attended the 2012 PBA Rookie Camp biometrics and agility test Wednesday at Club 650 in Libis.

Cawaling, former FEU’s top gunner who could get picked in the second round, reportedly got an offer from a team in the Asean Basektball League.

From 71 aspirants, the pool of aspirants hoping to get chosen this Sunday in the annual drafting at Robinson’s Midtown in Manila has been trimmed down.

When asked if there were other top prospects who decided to withdraw, PBA media bureau chief Willie Marcial said, “just the two of them (Pascual and Cawaling).”