Ateneo-Pioneer taps 2 US-based cagers

Ateneo-Pioneer expectedly tapped the two best picks — Fil-Americans Mike Noble and Billy Mamaril — from yesterday’s PBL Rookie Draft then said it is ready for the PBL Challenge Cup which fires off Nov. 3 at the Makati Coliseum.

Both Noble and Mamaril were born of Filipino parents but grew up in the United States. Mamaril is the son of former PBA player Romulo Mamaril.

Ateneo was satisfied with its first round picks that team manager Renato Caluag decided not to use their second round option.

La Salle, represented by team manager Manny Salgado and assistant coach Jojo Villapando, picked UE Warrior James Yap then later enlisted 6-foot-4 Kim Macanig of Philippine Christian University-Cagayan de Oro and PCU’s three-point shooter Loreto Soriano II on the next two rounds before passing on the fourth.

Montana coach Turo Valenzona settled for Clark Moore while Hapee Toothpaste got three — Rodel Mallari of Boysen, Jose Rizal’s Nathaniel Gregorio and FEU Tamaraw Dwight Chavez.

Blu Detergent, represented by team manager Silliman Sy and coach Tony dela Cerna, got 6’3" UP Maroon Abraham Santos and little-known Joel Solis from La Salle-Dasmariñas while Ana, represented by Jun Molina, only named UE slotman Jhayson Alminario in the draft.

Shark Energy Drink got four from the list — 6’5" Fil-Am Clarence Cole, Letran’s Ismael Junio, 6’3" Ronaldo Ruiz and Jose Rizal’s Victorino Lazaro while Welcoat drafted Adamson’s 6’5" stalwart Edilberto Mangulabnan, 6’5" FEU forward Jose de Guzman and UE offguard Arnold Booker.