Rookies make mark in debut

MANILA, Philippines — Kiefer Ravena, Raymar Jose, Jeron Teng and Jason Perkins all wasted no time churning out solid PBA debuts, hinting at the arrival of the next line of stars in the local pro league.

All four players dished out sterling performances for their respective teams in the initial burst of action in PBA Season 43, proving they’re worthy of being the top picks along with No. 1 choice Christian Standhardinger in the recent rookie draft.

Ravena, the No. 2 choice, led the NLEX Road Warriors to a 119-115 win over the Kia Picanto Wednesday with a near triple-double job that convinced coach Yeng Guiao they have a new recruit who would be a special player in the near future.

Jose, Teng and Perkins also got the nods of their respective coaches on their topnotch pro debuts. These three players provided silver linings as Blackwater, Alaska Milk and Phoenix Petroleum dropped their opening game in the season.

Jose, the third pick by Blackwater, top scored with 16 points that went with six rebounds and two assists in their 98-103 loss to the Meralco Bolts.

Teng, the No. 5 selection by Alaska Milk, collected 16 markers on 4-of-9 twinners and 8-of-9 charities in their 95-108 defeat at the hands of the Magnolia Hotshots.

Perkins had a near double-double effort with 10 points and nine rebounds in their 96-104 setback opposite the San Miguel Beermen.

Robert Herndon, GlobalPort’s No. 6 pick who was traded to Magnolia, also made a good impression with nine markers, seven boards and one steal in their win over the Aces.

Barangay Ginebra’s Jett Manuel shows his wares versus the Magnolia Hotshots in their keenly awaited showdown on Christmas Day at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

On the same day, Ravena, will, in all likelihood, be a marked man as NLEX tangles with GlobalPort in the curtain-raiser.

Ravena was the standout among all the rookies in the first three play dates of the season, and his coach wasn’t surprised at all.

“I had no doubt he can make an impact and lead the team as I was hoping. That’s exactly what he did,” said Guiao of Ravena who marked his PBA debut with 18 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds.