Big men eyed in PBA D-League draft

MANILA, Philippines - The PBA D-League holds its 2015 Rookie Draft today with a record 189 aspirants with Racal/Keramix tipped to make La Salle’s Jason Perkins as the top pick by at the Metro Walk in Pasig City.

Racal/Keramix coach Caloy Garcia has long stressed the team’s need for a big man and the 6-4 Fil-Am could fit into the team’s rotation and provide it the needed muscle and hustle. 

“We need a big man,” said Garcia, convinced that Perkins perfectly fits the role.

The second pick belongs to AMA Computer on-line education and coach Mark Herrera has expressed interest in Alfonso Gotladera a 6-6 center from Ateneo.

“We are on the lookout for a big man who could take the place of (Dexter) Maiquez and provide J.R. Taganas some help inside. Right now, our first option is Gotladera,” said Herrera.

“But nothing is final yet. We’re also reviewing the credentials of some Fil-foreign players,” Herrera added.

Avery Scherer, who led the Asean Basketball League in assists and steals last season, is the most notable among 22 Fil-foreign players who are aiming to get into the PBA through its developmental league. Players who intends to join the PBA Draft must have played at least two conferences in the D-League to be eligible.

“My goal in life has always been to make the NBA and playing professionally in the Philippines is just one step closer,” the 29-year old Scherer said in a recent interview. The 6-2 guard out of Shoreline Community College joined the 2010 NBA draft but went undrafted.

Tanduay Light will make the No. 3 pick followed by Foundation Cup champion Café France and Wangs Basketball.

UP-QRS/Jam Liner, Mindanao Aguilas, National University and Phoenix Petrolium will determine the order of selection from sixth to ninth place via lottery.

“This is a huge pool. Certainly, this is an encouraging development for the league and basketball in general,” said PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa, wished the aspirants good luck.

“Who knows, maybe this batch could lead to new discoveries for future Gilas pools,” Narvasa added.