WHAT was initially a shallow class turned deep enough for teams to choose from come the PBA rookie draft on October 30.
Fiba Asia Challenge campaigner Chris Javier, Jonathan Grey, a national team aspirant who missed the cut in the Fiba Asia Challenge roster, and amateur star Gelo Alolino lead the final list of applicants who have submitted their documents for the regular draft at Robinsons Place Manila in Ermita.
NCAA standouts Palo Pontejos, Jovit dela Cruz, Jamil Ortuoste, John Tayongtong, Jordan dela Paz, and Mcjour Luib as well as UAAP stalwarts Paolo Javelona, Mikee Reyes, Al Francis Tamsi, Achie Inigo, and Jeoffrey Javillonar have declared for the draft.
[See Deal sealed on special draft for cadets, release of one PBA player per team to Gilas]
The rest of the cadets: Mac Belo, Kevin Ferrer, Jio Jalalon, Mike Tolomia, Ed Daquioag, Russell Escoto, Von Pessumal, Roger Pogoy, Arnold Van Opstal, Matthew Wright and Fonso Gotladera are also part of the 55-man list, but will join a special draft held on the same day.
Carl Bryan Cruz is also part of the special draft after leading the list of early regular draft applicants along with Levi Hernandez, Joseph Eriobu, and Jammer Jamito.
Blackwater has the top pick in both the regular and special drafts.
All the applicants will have to participate in the Draft Combine on Wednesday and Thursday at the Gatorade Hoops Center.