Rookies spark expansion talk

There are 32 rookies listed in 12 PBA rosters this season with more to come when the MPBL and NCAA wars are over. The influx of freshmen comes in the wake of 124 applicants in the rookie draft this year. The draft extended to 11 rounds with 79 chosen or 64 percent of hopefuls. About 40 are expected to play in the league only because of limited spots in lineups.

The arrival of newcomers has displaced several veterans, some still serviceable, some testing the waters overseas, some playing in 3x3, some moving to other leagues to extend their careers and some ready to hang up their sneakers. Among those who saw action last season but are no longer in rosters are Arwind Santos, Robert Bolick, Mike Tolomia, Alex Cabagnot, Kurt Lojera, Jollo Go, Art de la Cruz, Encho Serrano and Reynel Hugnatan.

Rookies who’re about to make the jump to the PBA include Archie Concepcion, Mark Sangalang, Jhan Nermal, Kyt Jimenez, James Kwekuteye and Adrian Nocum from MPBL and Cliff Jopia and Enoch Valdez from NCAA. The harvest would’ve been richer if only UAAP allowed graduating players to apply for the draft on condition they finish their varsity obligations like in NCAA.

The only PBA team without rookies is Magnolia although coach Chito Victolero beefed up the squad to bring in Abu Tratter and David Murrell during the offseason. Converge enlisted six rookies, the most of any team as coach Aldin Ayo has begun a serious rebuilding program. The new FiberXers are Deschon Winston, Bryan Santos, Pat Maagdenberg, Kamron Vigan, Inand Fornilos and BJ Andrade (in injured/reserve list). Next in the ladder with five newcomers is NorthPort, recruiting Fran Yu, Brent Paraiso, Cade Flores, John Amores and Zavier Lucero (in injured/reserve list). Phoenix and Terrafirma took in four each. The Super LPG Fuel Masters signed up Ricci Rivero, Raffy Verano, Ken Tuffin and Matthew Daves while Terrafirma welcomed Stephen Holt, Tommy Olivario, Taylor Miller and Kemark Carino.

Rain or Shine and Meralco brought in three rookies each. The Elasto Painters recruited Keith Datu, Sherwin Concepcion and Luis Villegas (in injured/reserve list) while the Bolts are introducing Brandon Bates, Jolo Mendoza and Shean Jackson (in injured/reserve list).

With a fresh batch of rookies invading the PBA, all the more, talk of expansion is in the air. PBA chairman Ricky Vargas recently said that it’s a plan of the future. Will it be the near or far future? There are serious investors knocking on the door and the time seems ripe for expansion. Imagine when the overseas players return to local shores and join the PBA. Not enough teams will be able to accommodate the talent. Expansion may come sooner than later.