KIA gained a consolation after its 118-112 loss to San Miguel Beer in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Saturday as the result secured for the Picanto the top pick in the upcoming PBA Draft on October 29.
The draft order is based on the overall showing of teams in what will be the concluded season, summing up point values accumulated from their respective finishes in each of the three conferences, with the Philippine Cup having the heaviest weight (40 percent) among the three tournaments, and the Commissioner’s Cup and Governors’ Cup making up 30% each.
And bound to finish last in the standings for the third time this season, the Picanto are set to take overtake NLEX for the coveted No. 1 selection in a loaded draft class led by Christian Standhardinger.
It remains to be seen what the plans of Kia management are regarding the top pick, but if he only had his way, Kia coach Chris Gavina won’t entertain any trade offers for their pick.
“No, of course not, not with the level of talent coming into this draft,” Gavina said after the close loss to the Beermen. “I’m really hoping we keep that.”
“But it’s still far away,” he added after his team remained winless after 10 games. “Our main concern is really to try to end the conference on a great note.”
But looking ahead, Gavina definitely has his sights on Standhardginer, who’s set to make a pit stop first in the Asean Basketball League for the Hong Kong Eastern Lions.
“You may be saying you’re taking a big (risk) on Standhardinger not playing maybe the first conference, but a guy like that, I’d be willing to wait,” Gavina said with a smile.
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