Draft pool teems with ace guards

At the close of the PBA Rookie Camp 2005 Sunday, the consensus among coaches is that the draft pool is lacking in legitimate center but replete with wingmen and has a solid cast of point guards whose skills could well add excitement in PBA games.

The coaches said the pool may not be deep but certainly features players who could immediately make an impact in the league.

Among the players who attracted the attention of the coaches in the two-day camp were Welcoat 6-foot-6 behemoth Anthony Washington, NCAA Division II guard product Alex Cabagnot, La Salle’s Mark Cardona, FEU’s Denok Miranda and Cesar Catli, Adamson’s Jondan Salvador, San Sebastian’s Leomar Najorda, St. Benilde’s Ronald Capati, UE’s Nino Canaleta, UST’s Alwyn Espiritu, University of Visayas’ Neil Raneses and San Beda’s Aljun Cordero.

These players could well be among those who would be picked in the Annual Rookie Draft set Sunday at the Sta. Lucia East Mall in Cainta.

The league has reduced the draft to two rounds, thus, limiting to 18 the number of players to be picked in the exercise. There are a total of 53 aspirants in this year’s draft. Those who will not be picked will automatically become free agents.

"Sobra-sobra sa wingmen at may dalawa hanggang tatlong solid na pointguards kaya lang walang gitna," said Barangay Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen in his assessment of the cast. "Kung mayroon man centers, prospective projects lang for the future," Tanquingcen added.

Sta. Lucia coach Alfrancis Chua and Purefoods mentor Ryan Gregorio had the same views.

"Natatawa nga ako dahil yung malalaki, like Anthony Washington and Mike Holper, sa labas ang laro. Yung maliliit, sila ang pumoposte. So if you need two (shooting guards) or three (small forwards), solve ang problema mo dito," said Chua.

"Puro panapat kila Danny Seigle ang nasa pool," said Gregorio.

Practically all the coaches observed during the drills that Washington, who is likely to emerge the top pick, is not a post-player.