'Stirring the hornet’s nest': Kia unsure on fate of top pick

MANILA, Philippines — “There’s a better term for this,” said Kia’s new team manager Joe Lipa. “Stirring the hornet’s nest.”

Accompanied by team governor Bobby Rosales, Lipa on Friday finally addressed the rumors surrounding his team’s first overall pick in Sunday’s Rookie Draft, which would inevitably end up as Fil-German Christian Standhardinger.

“I don’t know yet if we’re trading our draft pick or not. But we are already on the same page with the PBA,” noted the longtime basketball coach.

“Don't get me wrong, Christian Standhardinger is a great player. The boy has a big potential. It's just so happened that our philosophy is to play an unconventional type of basketball,” he added.

The two team executives’ comments shed light on the reported draft-day trade proposal that will involve their first overall pick and a number of San Miguel Beer cagers.

“Whatever the commissioner’s decision is, we will respect,” Rosales chimed in.

“One man cannot spell the difference in winning a championship. But three or four guys can definitely make us competitive,” he continued.

Among the names San Miguel has put on the table of negotiation, Rosales shared, are Jay-R Reyes, Yancy de Ocampo, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Kieth Agovida, Rashawn McCarthy and Ronald Tubid. Three players will be paired with the 2019 first round draft pick along with cash consideration.

“We would like to be competitive that's why we thought of this idea — of playing unconventional basketball,” Lipa noted. “As much as possible, we would like to concentrate on long shooting.”

After all, the former UAAP commissioner said, this has been done before. And we need not look far for proof.

“This play is not new in the basketball scene. The Golden State Warriors play small ball. Their latest addition is Kevin Durant, he is a big man but plays a lot on the perimeter,” he said.

“It just so happened that we will let [the top pick] go to get two or three role players that can contribute to the team,” Lipa explained.

“As much as possible, we would like to play beyond the books. Example, we would like to shift to our philosophy which is there will be no positions,” he continued.

“Shooting from the outside means that height is not a requirement,” Lipa closed.

Now, the ball is on Commissioner Chito Narvasa’s court.

Asked about the timetable on when they’re expecting an approval, the two officials said they have none.

The PBA Draft will be this Sunday at the Robinson’s Place in Ermita, Manila.