Munzon is batch leader

Sixty-five players make 2021 draft class

MANILA, Philippines — Fil-Am Joshua Munzon is ready to embrace the challenge after being picked No. 1 overall by Terrafirma in yesterday’s PBA Season 46 Rookie Draft.

“I’m super honored, super excited to be in this position. I’m ready to come in and get to work,” said the 6-foot-4 guard who led a record group of aspirants selected by the 12 ballclubs in the virtual exercise that kicked off the league’s new season.

Munzon, a fancied scorer and slasher with extensive experience in the Asean Basketball League, PBA D League and Chooks to Go 3x3, has big shoes to fill at the Dyip camp – those of former Dyip gunner CJ Perez.

“I just want to come in and contribute, be a good teammate and be somebody who works hard to continue to get better,” said the 26-year-old Munzon, also the country’s top-ranked 3x3 player.

Munzon’s top selection was rather expected, as did the next three picks.

Athletic Jamie Malonzo was NorthPort’s choice at No. 2 overall, tipped to join Batang Pier stalwarts Sean Anthony, Robert Bolick and newly-acquired Greg Slaughter in the coming competition.

NCAA MVP Calvin Oftana, a versatile forward, went to No. 3 with NLEX, while former G League player Mikey Williams was drafted No. 4 by the TNT Tropang Giga.

Rounding out the first-round draftees were Santi Santillan (Rain or Shine), Ben Adamos (Alaska), Larry Muyang (Phoenix), James Laput (Terrafirma, acquired from San Miguel in the Perez trade package), Alvin Pasaol (Meralco), Jerrick Ahanmisi (Magnolia), Troy Rike (NorthPort, acquired from TNT), and Ken Holmqvist (Ginebra).

Picked in Round 2 were Brian Enriquez (Ginebra), Rey Mark Acuno and Josh Torralba (Blackwater), Taylor Browne (Alaska), Franky Johnson (ROS), Nick Demusis and Aljun Melecio (Phoenix), Dave Murrell (NLEX), Alec Stockton (Alaska), Anton Asistio (ROS), Andre Caracut (ROS) and Mark Olayon (NorthPort).

Terrafirma coach John Cardel also made use of the Dyip’s rights to the No. 1 pick in the special Gilas Pilipinas round to tab shooting guard Jordan Heading.

The Batang Pier, the Road Warriors and the Tropang Giga took the rights to Heading’s fellow Gilas cadets William Navarro, Tzaddy Rangel and Jaydee Tungcab, respectively.

From a field of 86, a total of 65 were picked in the drafting that reached the eighth round. The total number of draftees surpassed the previous all-time high of 54 in the 2015 proceedings.

With the bumper crop of quality rookies coming in and the standalone 3x3 tournament in the pipeline, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said Season 46 promises to be a blast.

“I’m excited for the season. I’ve seen how these rookies play and how good their credentials are. I’m sure they will give the veterans a good fight,” said Marcial, who targets an April 11 start for the new season.

The pro league is hoping to get government approval to hold two conferences in 2021, including a double round robin import-flavored tourney.