PBA Rookie 101: How to make it to the Philippines' premier pro basketball league

MANILA, Philippines — The 2017 PBA Rookie Draft this Sunday at Robinson’s Manila will feature two of the most recognizable faces in amateur hoops: Kiefer Ravena and Jeron Teng.

The two young prospects have transcended the sport, that they have become so easily discernible to both the hardcore hoops fan, and well -- the avid follower of cute faces on television. 

And as we all know, the sport runs deep in this country’s DNA. It’s likely the first sport your child, father, heck, even that guy who peddles nuts at the next curb picked up.

So if ever you consider going pro like Ravena, Teng and the man of the hour Christian Standhardinger (who likely goes number one overall and gets shipped to San Miguel!), here’s a handy guide.

ELIGIBILITY

I’m a basketball fan with basketball dreams. How can I play for Asia’s first pay-for-play league?

If you are a natural-born Filipino who stands at least five feet and and six inches (5’6”), you can apply for the Philippine Basketball Association Draft. 

The application phase usually opens during the tail-end of the season (late in the third conference, the Governors’ Cup).

But before furnishing that application form, the league says you have to be 21 years old by draft day who has completed four years of college or be four years removed from high school graduation if already 22 or older. 

Also, you have to have played in at least seven games in one of the two conferences of PBA’s Developmental League to become eligible. 

If you are like Standhardinger, who was invited to, played for and won alongside the national team, you need not worry about anything else. 

Like Standhardinger, I’m a Filipino with foreign descent, can I still apply?

Yes. While the application for natural-born citizens and Filipino-foreigners have varying deadlines, they follow almost the same set of requirements: minimum age and height requirement, and a D-League stint.

The PBA conducts a deliberation and allows a month-long window to contest each Fil-foreigner’s citizenship. 

Or again, if you’re really like the Filipino-German big man, and has lent your services to the national team, you’re automatically eligible for the draft.

What about approaching PBA teams? Say, trying out for them?

While you can probably crack a spot in the team via the try-out path, the best spot you can secure is as a practice player. The league has forbidden direct hiring since 2001. 

The league allowed direct hiring for two years (1999 through 2000). Among the notable names who have flourished through this approach are Tony dela Cruz, Jay-jay Helterbrand, Asi Taulava, Mick Pennisi and even Dondon Hontiveros.

Do I need an agent?

Yes and no. While it isn’t a necessity, employing an agent lets you tap into a network that runs vastly deep. This person becomes the negotiator of your salary or even the very hand that bails you out of a rut. But that works only if you can go past…

THE DRAFT COMBINE

After the paperwork comes the actual work. If you make it past the league’s initial deliberation, you get to showcase your wares in the Draft Combine. 

There, you get your body measured, your skills evaluated and your game scrutinized by representatives of each of the 12 PBA teams. Anthropometric exams and drills highlight the first day; while a mini-tournament pitting all the applicants against each other underscore the second.

Can I skip the two-day showcase?

If you are injured, yes. That was the case for former Gilas cadet Arnold van Opstal, who tendered a medical certification to the league’s brass in last year’s Combine.

Or, again, if you’re Standhardinger, and you’re in a peculiar situation that you want the league to consider, you might just get a free pass. Just make sure you let the league know in advance.

Also, if you’re an eight-division boxing champion, who will coach but also wants to play for your own team, you could simply send your biometrics at a later date.

DRAFT DAY

Having gone through the two phases, you can now literally sit and wait. 

On Draft Day, which has been held at Robinson’s Place in Ermita, Manila, for the past seven years, you get to join other aspirants who would wait for their names be called by Commissioner Chito Narvasa and hope they’d wear their favorite team’s cap and jacket.

The draft selection’s order is based on the winning percentage of a team each season. The Philippine Cup — the most remarkable among the three conferences — account for 40 percent. The other two, Commissioners’ and Govnerors’ Cup, make up for 30 percent each. 

What if… I don’t get called up the rostrum?

You are relegated to the “undrafted” class. But that doesn’t mean it’s all over. It’s still a foot in the league. 

This is where agents prove to be crucial. They endorse you to members of teams’ coaching staff, friends of players. Who knows, maybe even team owners.

I’m selected! Now what?

Teams usually have an offer sheet ready. The PBA has set a salary cap of P150,000 a month for the first year, followed by P225,000 a month during the sophomore year. For the third year, a maximum of P350,000 each month can be offered. 

According to journalists who have been covering the PBA for decades, the aforementioned matrix usually are given to the class’ top four picks.

Welcome to the grind!