PBA Draft: Early focus on Thirdy Ravena, Jason Brickman

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) will hold its Annual Rookie Draft on Dec. 8 with eyes focusing early on collegiate standouts led by Ateneo’s Thirdy Ravena and a bunch of Fil-foreign players bannered by Jason Brickman.

The league announced the schedule over the weekend, giving all aspirants at least two months to prepare the necessary requirements for them to realize their dreams of joining the Asia’s first pay-for-play league.

It will be held at the Robinson’s Place Ermita in Manila.

The 21-year-old Ravena is expected to lead the draft and follow the footsteps of his father  Bong, the No. 5 draft pick in 1992 and now coach of TNT KaTropa, and elder brother Kiefer, the No. 2 pick in 2017.

Isaac Go, Alvin Pasaol and Aaron Black, son of PBA grand slam coach Norman Black, are also expected to throw their hats into the ring together with Brickman, 28, a product of the US NCAA and a veteran of the ABL, and fellow Fil-foreign players Joshua Munzon, Troy Rike, Franky Johnson and Mikey Williams.

CJ Perez of Columbian Dyip emerged as last year’s top pick.

The draft coincides with the country’s hosting of the 30th SEA Games from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11. All draft applicants are set to test their mettle in the PBA Draft Combine set on Dec. 4 and 5 at the Gatorade Hoops Center.

But before that, they have to submit the needed papers and requirements for their eligibility. Fil-Foreign players have until Oct. 23 while local cagers will be given until Nov. 29 to throw in their applications.