MANILA, Philippines – Blackwater Elite snagged a cornerstone of their franchise after making former two-time MVP Danny Ildefonso as the top overall pick of the PBA Expansion Draft at the Tito Chef Restaurant in Microtel-Libis on Friday.
Ildefonso, whose contract with the Meralco Bolts will expire at the end of August, is expected to lead the Ever Bilena franchise in its maiden campaign in the pro league.
"Danny (Ildefonso) is a veteran and a champion. We're expecting him to be an extension of the coaching staff on the court and mentor our young guys," Blackwater Elite team owner Dioceldo Sy said.
Kia Motors, meanwhile, opted for big man Reil Cervantes, a Blackwater player in the PBA D-League, as its second overall choice.
Kia coach Manny Pacquiao skipped the proceedings to attend to his sick wife Jinkee. His top deputy Glenn Capacio was on hand to oversee the team's choices.
"Nagkausap naman kami ni coach Manny (Pacquiao) before the draft and we talked about the players we wanted to get," Capacio told Philstar.com.
After Cervantes, Kia picked Mike Burstcher, Hans Thiele, Alvin Padilla, Jai Reyes, Paul Sanga, Angelus Raymundo, Eder Saldua, Nic Belasco, LA Revilla, Joshua Webb and Chad Alonzo.
For its part, Blackwater got last season's first round pick Alex Nuyles, JR Cawaling, Eddie Laure, Brian Faundo, JP Erram, Paul Artadi, Gilbert Bulawan, Bam Gamalinda, Chris Timberlake, Norman Gonzales and Rob Celiz.
Both expansion teams will assume the pacts of their choices who are currently under contract with their original squads while the free agents will have until September to negotiate for their deals.
Kia and Blackwater will also have the 11th and 12th overall picks, respectively, in the coming PBA Rookie Draft next month.