MANILA, Philippines — Columbian Dyip picked hot-shooting Fil-Am Roosevelt Adams as No. 1 pick in the PBA Rookie Draft yesterday, setting up a fiery combo with top rookie CJ Perez in next year’s wars.
Adams trumpeted his readiness for the pros by torching the hoops with nine triples and 33 points in an MVP performance during the PBA Draft Combine, and was fittingly rewarded with the distinction of being the top pick of this class.
“I’m very excited and ready to get to work starting tomorrow,” said the 6-foot-5 dynamo, who looks forward to playing alongside Perez.
“I think we’ll have a great relationship. He’s a great player, I’ve been watching his games, very explosive. We’ll have great relationships on and off the court,” he added.
The Dyip likewise used their position to draft Isaac Go from the special draft among prospects for the Gilas Pilipinas program. The Johnedel Cardel-coached Dyip took the rights for the sweet-shooting big man, ready to take him in once he’s released by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas from national team commitment.
“It’s an incredible feeling. I never imagined, in my wildest dreams, I’ll be in this position. I’m just grateful and really excited,” said Go.
Fil-Am Maurice Shaw was chosen second overall by Blackwater, followed by Mike Ayonayon (NLEX), Barkley Eboña (Alaska), Adrian Wong, Clint Doliguez and Prince Rivero (all Rain or Shine), Sean Manganti (NorthPort), Aries Dionisio (Magnolia), Arvin Tolentino (Barangay Ginebra), Kib Montalbo (TNT KaTropa) and Christian Balagasay (Columbian, from a previous trade with San Miguel) in the first round.
Called up in the second round were Letran star Jerrick Balanza (Ginebra), Richard Escoto (Blackwater), William McAloney (NLEX), Jaycee Marcelino (Alaska), Aaron Black (drafted by his father, coach Norman Black of Meralco), Vince Tolentino (ROS), AC Soberano (NLEX), Yankee Haruna (Magnolia), Kent Salado (Ginebra), Wendell Comboy (ROS), and Renzo Subido (NorthPort).
San Miguel got its turn only in the third round, using it to tab Travis Thompson.
From the Gilas pool, Rey Suerte went to the Elite, Matt Nieto to the Road Warriors, Allyn Bulanadi to the Aces and Nieto’s twin Mike to the E-Painters.
All but 22 of the 67 applicants were drafted during the exercise that ended at the sixth round.