Casio looms as top draft pick

MANILA, Philippines - With no dominant big man in the roster, Powerade could opt for the best small man in the guard-laden list when it picks first in the PBA Rookie Draft Sunday at the Robinsons Place Manila.

The Tigers own the top overall pick in the upcoming draft and coach Bo Perasol has acknowledged Smart Gilas ace guard JV Casio as the top bet for the slot.

“Well, there’s no question we really need to fill our guard spot so Casio is definitely a strong contender,” said Perasol. “He is one the best talents out there.”

The others include former UE standout Paul Lee, another Gilas mainstay Mark Barroca, shooting guard Eric Salamat of three-time UAAP men’s basketball champion Ateneo, and James Martinez also a former UE ace.

Casio, a former La Salle stalwart, has been on the radar of several teams largely because of his brilliant handling of Smart Gilas Pilipinas’ backcourt in various international competitions.

Even Ato Agustin, coach of newly crowned PBA Governors Cup champion Petron, has expressed interest in the 5-foot-10 Casio or the 6-foot Lee.

“I’m for JV (Casio) or (Paul) Lee, but that if they would still be available,” said Agustin.

The Boosters are picking at No. 8, so there’s no way for them to get a shot at either of the two heady and hot shooting point guards.

Junel Baculi, the comebacking mentor of Barako Bull (formerly Air21), also ranks Casio and Lee high on his list, but would rather keep his option open. The Energy Boosters will be selecting at No. 3.

“With no dominant big man available, you can see who are the possible top five picks,” said Baculi, also mentioning Smart Gilas stalwarts Marcio Lassiter, Chris Lutz and Mac Baracael are the other top prospects.

Julius Pascualado, a native of Cebu but grew up in the US, has also made quite an impression during the three-day rookie camp.

Also in the roster are Dylan Ababou and Jason Ballesteros, FEU’s Reil Cervantes, and Santo Tomas’ Allein Maliksi, the first MVP of the PBA D-League.

Ballesteros, at 6-foot-6, is just one of the few legitimate centers available in the Draft.

“He can be a good prospect,” said Bong Ramos, an assistant of Baculi, of the former San Sebastian stalwart. “He may not score that much points, but the guy can rebound, block shots, and intimidate inside.”

Meanwhile, John Marc Agustin scored 22 points as Alaska-Yellow defeated Powerade-Blue, 87-70, at the close of the rookie camp at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.