PBA ready for D-Day

MANILA, Philippines — The deadline to submit applications for the PBA draft is on Friday, 5pm with the combine set on Sept. 4 and 5 at Ynares Pasig preparatory to D-Day at the Mall of Asia Music Hall on Sept. 7.

Some 30 rookie hopefuls have applied for the draft and more are expected before the deadline. Player agent Charlie Dy confirmed the application of his prospects Yukien Andrada, Ira Bataller, AJ Madrigal, Lian Ramiro, Mark Sangco and Kyle Tolentino. Anton Brodett of Phenom Sports named Josh David, CJ Austria, Jake Gaspay, Neil Tolentino, Tutoy Ramirez, Justine Guevarra, Deo Cuajao, Ladis Lepalam, Jun Roque and Chris Miller. Punongbayan Ponceja Basketball Management’s applicants are LJ Gonzales, Mario Barasi, Royce Mantua, Reggy Gabat, Joshua Yerro, John Manalang, Isaiah Africano and Wilfrid Nado. Others include Jason Brickman, Chris Koon, Christian Manaytay, Dalph Panopio, Will Gozum, Sean Quiteves and Gjerard Wilson.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said the appeal to allow UAAP graduating seniors to apply for the draft was turned down by UAAP through executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag. The NCAA allows its graduating players to join the draft but will not permit leaving their varsity teams until the end of the season. UAAP’s decision means graduating seniors and one-and-done players will wait nine months before the next PBA draft.

Marcial said at the moment, there is no PBA rule disallowing the trade of the first overall draft pick but it may be taken up during the Board of Governors meeting on Sept. 3. The draft order of the first round lists Terrafirma, Phoenix, Blackwater, NorthPort, NLEX, Magnolia, Meralco, Converge, San Miguel Beer, Rain or Shine, Ginebra and Rain or Shine (from TNT). The second round order lists Ginebra (from Terrafirma), Phoenix, Blackwater, NorthPort, NLEX, Terrafirma (from Magnolia), Meralco, Rain or Shine (from Converge), Converge (from San Miguel Beer), Rain or Shine, Ginebra and Rain or Shine (from Blackwater and TNT). TNT will not pick on the first and second rounds.