Graham left out of AMA roster; coach says top pick still needs to ‘submit papers’

Photo by Randolph B. Leongson/ INQUIRER.net

Where in the world is Owen Graham?

That’s the question everyone had when the top overall pick in the 2017 PBA D-League Rookie Draft was conspicuously left out of AMA Online Education’s roster for the upcoming 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup.

It turns out, the 6-foot-4 forward may not even play for the Titans after all as he is still reportedly lacking the necessary papers to play in the developmental league.

READ: AMA coach sees a bit of Arwind Santos, Jeron Teng in top tick Owen

“He still needs to submit papers,” bared AMA coach Mark Herrera, who refused to divulge what  documents the Fil-Canadian still needs.

AMA pulled off a shocker back in draft day when it picked the little-known Graham as the top selection over famed applicants like Alvin Pasaol and Abu Tratter.

Herrera went to as far as comparing his prized recruit to San Miguel forward Arwind Santos, saying, “He’s hardworking on defense plus he can score.”

Graham has already suited up for AMA in collegiate leagues like the NCRAA this past season.

READ: AMA pulls off draft surprise, tabs little known Graham

Despite the unwelcome development, Herrera is just keeping his fingers crossed that AMA’s legal department will find a way to resolve the issue and allow Graham, a product of Humber College North Campus in Toronto, to see action in the first conference of the eighth season.

The Titans will now bank on the leadership of Andre Paras, holdovers Mario Bonleon and Genmar Bragais, as well as newcomers JK Casiño, Philip Manalang, and Michael Cañete in their campaign this conference.

AMA faces off against Wangs Basketball-Letran in its season-opener next Tuesday at Pasig City Sports Center.