Washington, Cardona lead draft entries

A total of 55 players beat the deadline for application for the coming PBA Rookie Draft although only Anthony Washington and Mark Cardona loom as the prospects to be made No. 1 pick overall by FedEx on draft day in August.

Washington and Cardona lead the roster which is obviously not wanting in quantity but shallow in quality.

Aside from the two, other potential first-round picks are PBL MVP awardee Jondan Salvador, BAP-RP team frontliners Nino Canaleta and Neil Raneses, US NCAA product Alex Cabanot and NCAA star Leo Najorda.

Other applicants worthy to look upon are Cesar Catli, Mike Holper, Mark Macapagal, Denok Miranda, Al Vergara, Paolo Bugia, Larry Fonacier, Jerwin Gaco, Ronjay Enrile, Froilan Baguion, Chico Lanete, Raymond Dula, Paolo Hubalde, Don Villamin, Emerson Oreta, Alwyn Espiritu, Arjun Cordero, Ysmael Juinio, Al Magpayo and Mel Latoreno.

Traditionally held in January, the draft is set in the middle of the year this time in connection with the changing of the league calendar.

Curiously, the pool doesn’t feature a single Fil-foreign player for the first time since 1995.

Deadline for application for Fil-foreign players expired last May 31.

FedEx acquired the top pick on a lottery versus Sta. Lucia Realty. Thus, the giant land-developing corporation picks second followed by Coca-Cola, Purefoods, Red Bull (traded to FedEx), Alaska, Shell (also traded to FedEx), Ginebra San Miguel, San Miguel Beer and Talk n Text.

FedEx coach Bong Ramos has said he’s only torn between Washington and Cardona.

Washington could fill in FedEx’s need at the paint while Cardona could boost the team’s run-and-gun game in partnership with former La Salle teammate Renren Ritualo. — Nelson Beltran