SYDNEY – Alaska is looking to the future as it plans on what to do with its first-round pick in the PBA Rookie Draft this Sunday.
Alaska governor Dickie Bachmann said the Aces are looking to use the No. 8 pick overall on somebody who they hope will pay a handsome return of investment for the franchise a few years from now.
Bachmann said the team is keeping its fingers crossed that marquee players such as Jeric Teng of University of Santo Tomas and tryout invitees Justin Chua, James Forrester, Nico Salva and Ryan Buenafe will still be available by the time Alaska takes its turn during the draft.
“Nothing confirmed yet, but so far, we’re gonna draft. We just don’t know who is available. We don’t know who the other teams are gonna draft. We’re just waiting,” Bachmann said.
The Alaska official admitted the team is already gearing up for the future since some of its stars are not getting any younger.
“We’re also planning for the future - two years, three years down the road. We also have some not-so-old players like Dondon Hontiveros and Tony Dela Cruz,” he added, while stressing the Aces are looking to improve any spots on their roster.
Bachmann admitted the team is keeping an eye on Forrester, the former Arellano University Fil-Canadian guard, but is already conceding the versatile 6-foot-2 guard may be taken already when the Aces take their pick.
“He’s good but I know Forrester will go,” Bachmann said.
Meanwhile, the Alaska team governor admitted a trade with Alaska is seriously being pursued by Talk `N Text through fellow governor Patrick Gregorio.
But Bachmann said Alaska is so far non-committal on the Tropang Texters’ offer.
“Yes (they’re talking to us), but we’re still thinking about it pa. Nothing confirmed yet, because we’re still waiting for Luigi to decide,” said Bachmann who added that should a deal with Talk `N Text be agreed upon, a trade can still be consummated within the next two days before the draft.
“It can be anytime or maybe by tomorrow morning. We also have to get information on WSU (team owner Wilfred Uytengsu). He’s also abroad. We have to inform him also,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Aces will be in Cebu on November 7-9 where they will join a pocket tournament that also include Barako Bull, Globalport, and a team from Davao as part of their pre-season preparations.
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