Ironically, with all the activity going on before the draft, Barangay Ginebra will be reduced to the role of audience member, after making huge trades that beefed up its frontline the past couple of weeks. Barring any last minute trades for picks, Ginebra will not be selecting any amateurs.
"Miron na lang kami (We’ll just be spectators)," chuckled a contented Allan Caidic, Ginebra’s team manager.
The Gin Kings will play against newcomer Welcoat Dragons on opening day.
Meanwhile, the vacationing Philippine Cup champion Purefoods Chunkee Giants have seen the big picture and are hoping to find a center to shore up their frontline.
"We still need a big man," confirmed Purefoods head coach Ryan Gregorio. "I just don’t know if anybody will still be available by the time we draft. We’ll probably have to get someone through trades." The Chunkee Giants will be drafting ninth, right before Welcoat.
Welcoat, for its part, has almost filled up its roster, but will likely still try to deal for a veteran center to help them challenge taller teams. Of the three big men they carried from their PBL line-up, JayR Reyes, Junjun Cabatu and Jay Sagad, it is only the former NCAA Most Valuable Player Sagad who plays the traditional slot. Reyes likes to run the floor, while Cabatu shoots from the outside. And none of them have any pro experience.
Meanwhile, Kelly Williams has been playing well in the on-going PBA Rookie Camp at the PhilSports Arena. Williams has shown great versatility in his short stint in the PBL, proving he can rebound with bigger players, score, and block shots. If his perimeter game improves even more, he’ll practically be able to play one to four in the PBA. Some other draftees may not be impressive in the rookie games simply because they’re still playing college ball and may be avoiding getting injured.
Some coaches are wondering if Letran point guard Boyet Bautista will make a big impact on the pro game. The former high school superstar has become a scorer once again in his last season with the defending NCAA champion Knights.
"Boyet’s game has really matured," says Bautista’s agent Danny Espiritu. "You could say he’s small, but he’s got a good outside shot, and is very quick. He’ll be a good pick."
Some other PBA draftees are staying in shape by playing in the 10th Danny Espiritu Cup, which is ending its first week of intense competition. Several NBC players are seeing action in the five-week tournament, wherein former senator John Osmeña’s team John O, is currently undefeated.
Incidentally, the legislator from Cebu told this writer that he is planning to organize a tournament for the players who are frozen out of the PBA, and ineligible to play anywhere else.
"We’re looking at putting up another league for players who can’t play in college anymore, haven’t been picked for the PBA, and are trapped by the age ceiling in the PBL," Osmeña revealed. "There are a lot of young men out there who are just looking for an opportunity."
Remember that several players got a second chance in the PBA because they were able to make an impression in other leagues like the PBL, MBA and NBC.