Top Fil-Am draft hopefuls face roadblock

MANILA, Philippines — Blue chip Fil-Am prospects Jason Brickman, Jeremiah Gray and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser may not be eligible for the 2021 PBA Rookie Draft after all due to lack of necessary league requirements for Filipino-foreign applicants.

The troika has yet to secure recognition from the Bureau of Immigration and affirmation from the Department of Justice, according to their agent Charlie Dy.

“The only lifted requirement (amid the pandemic) is playing in the D-League. For Fil-Ams, it’s the same requirement (BI and DOJ),” said Dy in yesterday’s Power and Play sports program hosted by former PBA commissioner Noli Eala.

“I got a message the other day that they’re not eligible until they submit those requirements,” added Dy.

With travel restrictions still in place amid the pandemic, Dy admitted that the three ABL standouts might not make it to the Jan. 27 deadline and would have to wait instead until the 2022 draft proceedings.

Boasting international play experience and caliber, Brickman and company are tipped to go high in the draft set March 14 after leading the early applicants last month.

Their possible absence could deal a blow to the draft shaping up to be the deepest in years following the formal application of 3x3 aces Alvin Pasaol, Santi Santillan, Troy Rike and Franky Johnson.

With UAAP and NCAA action on hold, more collegiate talents are expected to throw in their hats along with anticipated top picks Joshua Munzon and Jaime Malonzo.