The ones who got away

There were 26 rookie hopefuls not picked in the PBA draft at Market! Market! in the Bonifacio Global City last Sunday.

Only 19 were chosen as Red Bull opted to pass on its third second round pick and fourth overall. Those left out in the cold included 6-6 Lawrence Bonus of St. Francis of Assissi, 6-4 Christian Espiritu of the University of Santo Tomas, 6-4 Eder Saldua of the University of Mindanao, 6-2 Patrick Cabahug of Adamson, 6-3 Mark Yee of San Sebastian College-Cavite and 6-1 Kevin Dalafu of Vanguard University–all of whom could still find a roster spot in tryouts before the league opens its 34th season on Oct. 4.

The 26 players are now unrestricted free agents. It’s not hopeless for an undrafted rookie to land a job in the pros. Alvin Pua, for instance, was not drafted when he applied in 2004 and made his PBA debut with Sta. Lucia Realty only in the recent Fiesta Conference four years later.

“My contract with Sta. Lucia expired last Sunday,” said Pua. “I still want to play in the PBA. I know I can contribute. But with more rookies coming in, I also know it’s becoming more and more difficult to play.”

Expansion will give the PBA more roster spots and more employment opportunities for players but it won’t probably happen in the next few years. There are reportedly interested parties itching to join the league –with the inspiration coming from the 23,000 fans who packed the Big Dome for Game 7 of the Fiesta Conference finals last month.

The huge crowd that turned out to witness Sunday’s draft was an indication of a renewed widespread interest in the league. No doubt, the 19 rookies who were picked will add luster to the PBA’s ranks. More importantly, they’ll provide a higher level of competitive balance that is the key to any league’s success.

Talk ‘N’ Text was the draft’s valedictorian with four picks, three in the first round. Coach Chot Reyes tapped Jared Dillinger, Jason Castro and Rob Reyes in the opening round then named Pong Escobal in the second.

Reyes said he couldn’t be happier with the harvest. “Jared can play multiple positions, from one all the way to four,” he gushed. “He gives us a lot of versatility. Then there’s Jason who’s a quality player and a tested winner. We gave up Jay (Washington) for San Miguel’s third overall pick which we used for Jason so we brought in Rob to take Jay’s spot.”

Reyes said Escobal’s entry will shake up the Phone Pals backcourt, probably leaving out Donbel Belano. Resident quarterback Jimmy Alapag said he’s excited to work with Escobal and teach him everything he knows as his understudy.

By the way, Dillinger’s agent is shipping magnate Arben Santos who also takes care of a slew of Ateneo stars in the PBA, free of charge. Santos said Dillinger was discovered by Toronto Raptors director of player personnel Jim Kelly, a former PBA coaching consultant. Kelly endorsed Dillinger to US-based player recruiter Bobby Rius who in turn asked Santos to bring the University of Hawaii hotshot to Manila.

No Ateneo player was in the draft list of 45 as Ford Arao postponed his entry to next year when Chris Tiu becomes available.

“What kind of a compensation package could you offer Chris?” wondered Santos. “He could even form his own team if he wants to.” Tiu, of course, would be a more-than-likely first overall pick and a major attraction in the PBA.

Red Bull and Sta. Lucia Realty took three rookies each in the draft. The Barakos picked 6-6 Larry Rodriguez of the Philippine Maritime Institute in the first round then 6-3 Jeff Chan of FEU and 6-6 Mark Cuevas of L. A. Community College in the second.

“We wanted a big man and Larry was the best available when it was our turn to draft,” said Guiao. “All our picks will be trying out. How they do will influence our negotiations with our veterans whose contracts have expired, like Paolo Bugia and Mark Andaya.”

Guiao said former Alaska and Coca-Cola forward Bernzon Franco is also trying out for Red Bull.

Sta. Lucia got 6-4 Kelvin Gregorio, a Chris Jackson play-alike, in the first round then 6-4 Chito Jaime and 6-6 Christian Cabatu in the second. Coach Boyet Fernandez looked to stock up on big men, what with Marlou Aquino now 35 and Dennis Espino, 34. The Realtors were last in rebounding and No. 9 in second chance points in the Philippine Cup so Fernandez hopes to focus on boardwork next season.

Air21 coach Bo Perasol said he grabbed the best available talents, regardless of position, when the Express’ turn to draft came. He chose 6-4 Mark Borboran of UE in the first round and 6-1 Pocholo Villanueva of La Salle in the second. The picks made Air21 a little crowded in some spots and Perasol said he anticipates management to unclog the bottlenecks.

“It’s a good situation to be in,” said Perasol. “We’re young, deep and talented.” Air21 hopes to capitalize on the momentum of its finals finish in the Fiesta Conference.

Alaska, Purefoods and Rain or Shine also got two rookies each. The Aces took 6-1 Solomon Mercado and 6-1 NCAA MVP Kelvin de la Pena while the Tender Juicy Giants claimed 6-6 Beau Belga and 6-2 sharpshooter Jonathan Fernandez. The Elastopainters tapped 6-5 Gabe Norwood and 5-7 T. Y. Tang. Bringing up the rear with one pick was San Miguel Beer, naming 5-11 guard Bonbon Custodio of UE.

Coca-Cola and Barangay Ginebra didn’t participate in the draft, having given up their slots in previous trades.