Draft day decisions

The PBA Rookie Draft is upon us, and the mysteries regarding who will be picked by whom will be finally revealed. The backroom dealing will bear fruit, and teams will make public who they will end up getting to fit the pieces of their championship puzzle.

Aside from the most obvious, most heralded picks, who are the keepers and who are the sleepers in tomorrow’s draft?

Kelly Williams. Which team wouldn’t want the former Bear from California? Among the draftees, Williams is probably the most versatile, and definitely one of the most talented. In the PBL Unity Cup, Williams was one of three players to average double figures in points and rebounds. At 6’4", Williams can play two, three or four extremely well, and can bring the ball up. In his first practice session with the national team last year, Kelly, practically fresh off the plane, was rejecting shots and taking rebounds from established — and bigger — PBA veterans. Possesses a unique refinement to his game.

Arwind Santos. He’s already done it all, and is ripe for the pros. Although his scoring dipped in the last PBL conference, he was still rebounding in double-figures. Santos has matured and improved his range, knowing he will probably end up a small forward and occasionally play shooting guard or power forward. A little more bulk, and he’ll be able to take contact and finish shots against the giants of the PBA.

LA Tenorio. Nothing left to prove. Smarts, versatility and quickness, with range. Tenorio’s passing and step-back three-pointer have baffled opponents in the amateurs. The former Blue Eagle’s shot selection has improved the past two years, and he’s cut down on his turnovers. If he improves his perimeter game, learns to take over in crucial stretches and adds a little muscle, he will be a very tough match-up in the pros. If he plays behind a seasoned veteran in the beginning, will be a complete package.

Aaron Aban. A player any team would love to have. Built for the pros. "Triple A" is one of the leaders of the Letran Knights, and leads by example. Aban would make a solid two-guard in the PBA. His fallaway jumper is hard to stop, and he’s not afraid to take it to the basket. Decision-making has always been strong, and doesn’t make too many mistakes. That’s why coaches would probably be able to plug him in right away. Aban would be a good fit with most teams, since he easily grasps instructions, and has a work ethic that’s second to none.

Boyet Bautista. A conundrum. On one hand, you have to like the ability to score whenever he wants to, and his passing and ability to lead the break are unmatched. On the other hand, what about his size? At roughly 5’6" or so, Bautista was also a scorer in high school, but suppressed that part of his game in his first couple of years because he was running alongside shot-happy Ronjay Enrile. Now, necessity has called for offense, and Bautista has provided it in spades. Defense has been suspect, but there is no proof that he can’t take care of himself. Could start, but will probably initially make more of an impact coming off the bench. Leadership is unparalleled.

Joseph Yeo. A fighter, literally and figuratively. Experience with De La Salle helped him find his game, and his tenure with Harbour Centre polished him for the pros. Emerged as a leader this year, and opened his game up to be able to play with anybody. Perfect size for a two-guard in the PBA, and fears no one. Will be able to score in the PBA, but will take some hits early on. If he keeps his temper in check and channels it into his game instead, will be very difficult to stop. Underrated as a defender.

Chris Pacana. One player who has been generating some buzz as of late is Fil-Am and former St. Francis of Assisi guard Chris Pacana, who dropped out of sight after seeing local action. Pacana’s speed and shooting are getting raves, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s been making the rounds of the sports media. Physically very strong for a point guard, and can carry a team in stretches. The only question would be readiness to play the pro game.

"I’m just excited to get an opportunity to play as professional," says Pacana, who has been playing regularly with other Fil-Ams in an "open gym" series of pick-up games.

Ronnie Bughao. After a spectacular rookie season with San Beda, Bughao made a leap of faith and sat out one year, hoping to team up with Japeth Aguilar and JC Intal on a devastating running team for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, only to be declared ineligible to play. A solid six-footer who can play either guard spot, Bughao was already a candidate for NCAA MVP when the Red Lions took a nosedive in the second round in 2004. He could be the total package, and physically, is built for the pros. Though he has played in other leagues as of late, no telling if he’s game-ready at the moment.

Mark Andaya. The best passer among the big men in the draft. A classic center with some unorthodox moves. Can run the floor well, and passes well with his back to the basket. If his shooting improves, could lock up a permanent four-spot on a team with a good center. If not, will have to beef up to play five. A very intelligent player whose unselfishness makes his teammates better, and has a demeanor that lightens the atmosphere around a team. If he develops a signature move (like a consistent hook shot), will be a nightmare to guard.

Gabby Espinas. Another riddle, but a more common quandary for college post players moving up. At 6’4", Espinas is very athletic, but will definitely not be a center in the PBA. Footwork and free throw shooting need improvement, although his perimeter game is starting to pick up. Espinas has a tremendous upside, but needs to broaden his game. Plays with attitude, which may make him a target early on. Inexplicably disappears in stretches of games. The NCAA MVP has gotten by on athletic ability and a blinding first step. Now, he needs to show he can do more. One of only two players averaging a double double in the NCAA.

There are other players who will make an impact in the league, regardless of when they are picked: Rob Sanz, Mark Isip, Abby Santos to name a few. Some will be relegated to role players. But the players listed here have a tremendous potential to change the face of the pro game in the near future. All they need is a chance.