A TOTAL of 77 players were selected in the PBA Season 50 Draft on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. And despite this class not being a deep one, there were a couple of teams which were still able to make the most of it.
We rate how the teams performed in this draft.
CONVERGE – A+
By going up the draft order and trading for the No. 2 pick from Phoenix, Converge, already a playoff team, was already a winner with this move. The FiberXers hit the jackpot by picking the versatile Juan Gomez de Liaño, which put them in the conversation as a team capable of going deep in the playoffs. Gomez de Liaño adds depth to the guard positions, joining Alec Stockton and Schonny Winston. Of course, Converge already has its twin towers of Justine Baltazar and Justin Arana that can compete with the rest of the league.
MAGNOLIA – B+
In his first pick as Magnolia head coach, LA Tenorio selected Yukien Andrada, a 6-foot-5 player from San Beda. Andrada can knock down the threes, is a presence in the paint, and part of a winning program. But before the draft, Magnolia already hit the mark when the Hotshots used the No. 18 pick and Jerrick Ahanmisi to acquire Javi Gomez de Liaño without losing much of their core.
NORTHPORT – B
NorthPort selected 11 players in the draft led by No. 4 pick Chris Koon, who at 6-foot-5 has the ability to play multiple positions including being the ball carrier if needed to, and shoot from the perimeter. Second-rounder CJ Austria can bring toughness and championship fortitude to the Batang Pier, or whichever brand they will be bringing in the coming season.
PHOENIX – B
Phoenix may have given up the No. 2 pick, but still got its wish by getting at No. 8 a big in former NCAA MVP Will Gozum, who at 6-foot-6 is one the top bigs in this draft class, while also picking up Bryan Santos from that deal. The Fuelmasters also got another big in the second round, picking up 6-foot-7 Dave Ando, who had a good outing in the Combine with his rebounding.
BARANGAY GINEBRA – C
Barangay Ginebra made the surprise of the draft, opting to select little-known players 6-foot-3 forward Sonny Estil at No. 11 and 6-foot-7 Mario Barasi at No. 13, instead of more familiar names that were still on the board. Both are only averaging 7.35 minutes in the MPBL, but it looks like Ginebra saw something in them with Estil winning the MVP and Barasi part of the Mythical Five during the Draft Combine. The team is certainly hoping that their success in the Draft Combine will be carried over to the PBA. Third rounder John Abis (6-foot-3) of Perpetual Help will also be fighting for a rotation spot.
BLACKWATER – A
Dalph Panopio’s wide range of skills in the point guard position is certainly a boost, and it opened up the possibility of sharing court duties with fellow top three draft selections Sedrick Barefield and Christian David. At 6-foot-5, Blackwater’s second-rounder Ximone Sandagon is an intriguing pick and has the ability to fortify the forward position with his athleticism, and can be a source of rebounds and defense. This could be exciting times for Blackwater.
TNT – C
TNT didn’t have a first- and second-round pick due to previous transactions, and essentially out of contention to pick the highly-touted players in this lean draft. TNT though already has a stacked line-up following a season where it came just short of a grand slam. TNT chose Sean Quiteves and Joe Celzo on Sunday - both of who will have to fight for roster spots.
MERALCO – B
Projected among the top five in the draft, Jason Brickman fell in the lap of Meralco at No. 7, and it gave Bolts another point guard alongside Chris Banchero, Kurt Reyson, and Anjo Caram. Second rounder Vince Magbuhos is a welcome addition as he brings a different dimension to the forward spot with Norbert Torres signing with Ginebra.
TERRAFIRMA – B
Many would argue that Juan Gomez de Liano also fit the bill as the No. 1 pick. But, as the saying goes, you can't teach height and Terrafirma got exactly that by selecting the tallest player in the draft in Geo Chiu. However, the 6-foot-9 Chiu still needs to be developed in order to play in the same level as the best bigs in the league and reach his full potential. Undersized center Shawn Umali has an outside touch that can be a weapon for Terrafirma. Third rounder Orin Catacutan has a reputation as a scorer, but can he do it in the PBA? That is the question.
SAN MIGUEL – B
San Miguel selected Chris Miller, an intriguing 32-year-old rookie with a 10-year professional experience in Europe, at No. 9. Miller made a name for himself in the draft combine by winning the three-point shootout, which will be his calling card for the Beermen. Already with a loaded line-up, it won't hurt picking up a player with a credential such as Miller's.
NLEX – B
NLEX went for a guard instead of a big in the first round when it selected Ljay Gonzales at No. 5. It is also difficult to pass up on the former Far Eastern University guard whose playmaking skills can take the load off high-scoring guard Robert Bolick in that role. In the succeeding rounds, however, NLEX was still able to pick up bigs in Arvin Gamboa in the second round and Lorenz Capulong in the third round. Judel Fuentes, a high-scoring guard in the MPBL, could also become a steal for NLEX as a fourth-rounder.
RAIN OR SHINE – A+
Head coach Yeng Guiao previously said that this draft pool was a thin one, but Rain or Shine still made the most of it by picking players that have the potential to become diamonds in the rough. Already loaded with guards, Rain or Shine selected a couple of forwards in University of Santo Tomas product Christian Manaytay, who stands at 6-foot-5 with the abililty to play inside with his post moves and outside. The Elasto Painters also selected three Letran players in Jun Roque (6-foot-3), Mark Anthony Omega (6-foot-5), and Deo Cuajao (6-foot-1), all of which have the ability to shoot threes, run the floor, defend. And even in the third round, Rain or Shine also selected Cole Micek, a player who can shoot from the outside and even dabbles into modelling that fits the 'Elastopogi' mantra the team is also known for.
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