G League vet keen on playing PBA ball

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-American stalwart Taylor Statham has declared his jump to the pros, making the 2021 PBA Rookie Draft extra richer with still over a week before the Jan. 27 deadline.

“Declared for the 2021 PBA Rookie Draft. It’s in God’s hands now,” said Statham, who boasts a solid resume with stints in the NBA G League, FIBA 3x3 circuit and a couple of international leagues.

The California State San Bernardino product had stops in China, Canada, Indonesia and Thailand after his fine play with the LA D-fenders in the NBA G League.

He then went home to play in the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3, where he teamed up with the country’s No. 1 3x3 player and potential No. 1 PBA draft pick Joshua Munzon in different international 3x3 tours.

The 6-foot-6 Statham is joining fellow 3x3 aces Munzon, Alvin Pasaol, Santi Santillan, Troy Rike and Franky Johnson in the loaded draft proceedings set March 14 under a virtual set-up.

Blue-chip Fil-foreign prospects Jason Brickman, Jeremiah Gray and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser from San Miguel-Alab Pilipinas are also in the list of rookie hopefuls pending submission of necessary documents.

Like other Fil-foreign applicants, Statham has to secure the required Department of Justice affirmation and Bureau of Immigration recognition to be eligible in the draft exercise.

More overseas talents along with collegiate and amateur standouts are expected to throw their hats into the draft sweepstakes this week.