Drama and suspense as freshman class learns fate
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A huge Sunday crowd gets a high by witnessing the proceedings at the Robinsons Midtown Mall. Jerome Ascano -
The big crowd is a testament to the popularity of the resurgent pro league. Jerome Ascano -
PBA Commissioner Chito Salud addresses the crowd to begin the proceedings and should be very pleased not only with the turnout but more with the talent available in the draft. Jerome Ascano -
June Mar Fajardo is thrilled to become the head of a talented 39-man draft class. On whether he deserves the honor will be known when the season opens on September 30. Jerome Ascano -
The first Cebuano native to be picked first overall since Apet Jao in 1990 joins the Petron Blaze. Jerome Ascano -
Alaska executive Joaqui Trillo (left) and assistant coach Louie Alas (right) hope San Sebastian main man Calvin Abueva can bring his monster game to the pros. Jerome Ascano -
San Sebastian's Calvin Abueva is joined by Alaska team members and Stags coach Topex Robinson (left), who also played for the Aces and currently is an assistant to Luigi Trillo. Jerome Ascano -
One of the biggest surprises of the night was Petron's decision to pick Alex Mallari, who saw action for Lewis-Clark State in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, with the third choice overall. Jerome Ascano -
Petron officials hope Alex Mallari can chip in significant numbers as they try to win their first title since the 2011 Governors Cup. Jerome Ascano -
Cliff Hodge, expected to be picked third overall, landed in fourth instead with the Meralco Bolts -- a development that is welcomed by the squad led by Asi Taulava. Jerome Ascano -
One of the top players in the Developmental League, Cliff Hodge is expected to make an immediate impact at Meralco, which has never advanced to a title series since joining the league in 2010. Jerome Ascano -
Aldrech Ramos doesn't seem comfortable wearing a Barako Bull jacket, and for good reason in turned out. Barely 10 minutes later, he was traded to B-Meg. Jerome Ascano -
Another Developmental League star, Chris Ellis, is tapped by fan favorite Barangay Ginebra sixth overall. Jerome Ascano -
Fil-American Chris Ellis, an athletic 6-foot-4 forward, should help the Kings control the boards and is also a scoring option. Jerome Ascano -
Chris Tiu, who has proven his worth in international competitions and in the PBA when the national team played as guests, formally enters the league as a pro. Jerome Ascano -
Keith Jensen is picked eighth overall and joins Chris Ellis at Barangay Ginebra. Both picks were greeted with loud cheers from the 'Barangay.' Jerome Ascano -
Vic Manuel and Jason Deutchmann are tabbed ninth and 10th overall by newcomer Global Port Batang Pier. Jerome Ascano -
New PBA club Global Port Batang Pier hope to make an immediate impact with Vic Manuel and Jason Deutchmann. Jerome Ascano -
Yousef Taha is taken 11th overall by Air21, boosting the average height of the squad that is expected to become even bigger with the acquisition of Noy Baclao and Rob Reyes from Petron. Jerome Ascano -
Barako Bull Energy hopes to get a boost from second-round picks Dave Marcelo, No. 12 overall, and Woody Co, who was tabbed 18th. Jerome Ascano -
Aldrech Ramos still looked like he was still wondering what really happened. After being picked fifth overall by Barako Bull he was sent to B-Meg, which took Jewel Ponferrada (fourth left) 13th overall. Jerome Ascano -
AJ Mandani (second left) is drafted by Global Port to join ninth pick Vic Manuel in the Batang Pier lineup. Jerome Ascano -
Barako Bull looks to add some fresh players to its backcourt by picking guards Lester Alvarez and Emman Monfort 15th and 16th, respectively. Jerome Ascano -
Kelly Nabong, selected 17th overall, is all smiles as he is welcomed by fourth pick Cliff Hodge to the Meralco side. Jerome Ascano -
Second pick Calvin Abueva shares the Alaska stage with 19th selection Raphy Reyes and Karl Dehesa, tabbed 22nd. Jerome Ascano -
Jaypee Belencion, the 20th pick overall, joins his seniors at Talk N Text led by Jason Castro, who was picked third overall in 2008 by the Texters. Jerome Ascano -
Former La Salle guard Simon Atkins reunites with former Archers mentor Franz Pumaren as Air21 makes him the 21st pick. Jerome Ascano -
Ryan Boado from Houston, another guard, joins Lester Alvarez in a young Barako Bull backcourt as the Energy pick him 23rd. Jerome Ascano -
24th pick Janus Lozada (center), fourth selection Cliff Hodge and No. 17 Kelly Nabong join Meralco main man Mark Cardona. Jerome Ascano -
After two early picks--June Mar Fajardo first and Alex Mallari at No. 3-- Petron's next pick was way down 25th, which they used to tab Mark Sarangay of Mapua. Jerome Ascano -
Mark Acosta is picked 26th (left) by Global Port, adding the former Mapua forward to the rookie lineup featuring Jason Deutchman (third left), AJ Mandani and Vic Manuel. Jerome Ascano -
After taking amateur hotshot Chris Tiu at seventh overall, Governors Cup champion Rain or Shine picks another Atenean Raymund Austria at 27th overall. Jerome Ascano -
Jerick Canada (center) of the Asean Basketball League champion Indonesia Warriors is taken 28th by Barangay Ginebra. Jerome Ascano -
It was already late in the draft at No. 29 and B-Meg still wasn't done tabbing big men, adding Gian Chiu to a list that includes Aldrech Ramos, taken through a trade, and 13th pick Jewel Ponferrada. Jerome Ascano -
Ateneo forward-center Jason Escueta is picked at the end of the third round at 30th overall by Talk N Text. Jerome Ascano -
It was getting late but Joseph Hermosisima had reason to smile after being picked at 31st overall by Barako Bull. Jerome Ascano -
Eric Suguitan is picked 32nd and joins Janus Lozada, Kelly Nabong and Cliff Hodge at Meralco. Jerome Ascano -
All eyes are expected to be on top three picks June Mar Fajardo (center), Calvin Abueva (right) and Alex Mallari as the PBA enters its 38th season. Jerome Ascano
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