Two prized guards join PBA draft

MANILA — Two prized point guards who led their teams to varsity championships signed up yesterday for the PBA Rookie Draft scheduled on Aug. 28 at Robinsons Place in Manila.

Ateneo’s Eric Salamat and San Sebastian’s John Murphy “Pamboy” Raymundo submitted their application a month after the two backcourt aces teamed up for the NLEX Road Warriors, who won the inaugural championship of the PBA D-League.

Salamat played a vital role in the Blue Eagles’ three straight title run, starting in 2008, in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament.

In his final year in Ateneo, the 5-foot-10 Salamat averaged a team-best 11.3 points and ranked second overall in steals (1.9 spg) and third in assists (4.1 apg).

Raymundo helped power the Stags to the 2009 NCAA crown and ranked second in the league in assists (5 apg) aside from norming 10.8 points and 3.5 rebounds in his last year.

Salamat and Raymundo are among the early pro hopefuls along with Smart Gilas national team mainstays Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz.

The application deadline for local players is Aug. 18.

Foreign cagers with Filipino roots are covered by the same deadline, but only those who played for the national team and other players older than the PBA D-League limit of 26 years are eligible.

All applicants will be evaluated by the Commissioner’s Office, which will release the final list of candidates who can join the Rookie Camp from Aug. 23 to 26.