Baclao joins PBA draft

ONE OF the cornerstones of Ateneo’s back-to-back UAAP championship run has joined the 2010 PBA Rookie Draft.

Siverino “Nonoy” Baclao, a 6-foot-5 find from Bacolod, filed his application to the pro league yesterday to hike the number of rookie aspirants to 37.

“Ever since I was young, I’ve always wanted to play in the PBA, so applying for the draft is a big step,” said the 23-year-old Baclao.

The annual Rookie Draft is set on Aug. 29 at the Market! Market! in Taguig City, two days after the rookie camp on Aug. 21 to 27.

Known for his shot-blocking skills, Baclao bagged the UAAP Finals MVP in Ateneo’s 2008 title run and also copped last season’s National Collegiate Player of the Year award after powering the Blue Eagles to the Philippine Collegiate Champion League crown.

Other former collegiate standouts who signed up include Finals MVP Jimbo Aquino of reigning NCAA titlist San Sebastian, season MVP John Wilson of Jose Rizal University, Letran’s RJ Jazul, University of Santo Tomas’ Khasim Mirza and Chester Taylor and University of the East’s Pari Llagas.