THE incoming PBA Season 50 draft took a hit after the UAAP denied its request to have its active collegiate players apply for the upcoming draft set on September 7.
Looking at the talents that would’ve been eligible for the draft had the UAAP accommodate commissioner Willie Marcial’s request – this class would have been one of the deeper draft pools in recent history.
READ: UAAP mulls letting players join PBA Draft midseason - but not this year
Here we list down some of the biggest names that would have been eligible had things gone the PBA’s way.
Sure, there’s no assurance that some of the names listed below will go directly to the PBA once they’re done with their respective collegiate careers – especially with the trend of college stars playing abroad. But for the sake of discussion, let’s assume they’re all headed to the country’s premier pro basketball league.
Michael Phillips - La Salle
Put Mike Phillips in any draft class and he’s certainly a Top 3 pick – easily.
A 6’8 forward who can change a game with sheer hustle and his high motor alone, Phillips will have every team salivating should he become available in the PBA.
He’s also got a developing offensive game, and considering that he’s one of the most coachable players in college, he can certainly turn into one of the most lethal two-way players in the pros.
Nic Cabanero - UST
Ever since he donned a UST Growling Tiger jersey, Nic Cabanero has always been known for one thing – being a certified bucket getter.
The 6’2 wing has shown the ability to get to his spots and make his opponents pay once he’s in there – that’s a skill which usually separates great college scorers to big time players in the pros.
He’s also bulked up for his final year with Santo Tomas, which would allow him to play though contact more, making him a truly three-level scorer.
Cedrick Manzano - Adamson
Phoenix coach Willy Wilson said that he’s eyeing a ‘Dorian Pena’ type of center for Phoenix in the upcoming PBA draft.
Had Cedrick Manzano been available, he would’ve been the perfect guy for the Fuel Masters.
READ: Wilson wants a Dorian Pena type of center for Phoenix draft pick
Though not getting as much recognition as his more popular peers in the UAAP, Manzano gives a no-nonsense approach down the block, being a wide-bodied 6’6 center who’s comfortable playing with his back to the basket, and isn’t afraid of getting physical.
Jake Figueroa - National University
One look at Jake Figueroa and you clearly see a player that’s built for the physicality and the style of play in the pros.
A two-way 6’3 forward, Figueroa is at his best when he puts his head down and just starts attacking off the dribble. And while his outside shooting can be improved, there’s no question that what he has right now on his tool kit is more than enough for him to be a solid player in the pros.
Gerry Abadiano - UP
Gerry Abadiano is a winner. He’s won a lot in high school with the NU Bullpups and he’s won a lot in college with the UP Fighting Maroons.
He’s seemingly the type of player who would fit into any team that would snag him in the PBA draft with his ball IQ, a solid midrange game and his willingness to do the dirty work as one of coach Goldwin Monteverde’s go-to perimeter stoppers with the Fighting Maroons.
Imagine him getting mentored by LA Tenorio, a Mark Barroca or a Jayson Castro in the pros. He’ll definitely go far.
Forthsky Padrigao - UST
As far as point guards go in the UAAP, Fortshky Padrigao might just very well be on top of the league when it comes to orchestrating.
Padrigao has the vision of finding open men, and the skills to make that pass no matter how tight the angles are. He averaged league best six assists per game in the UAAP, and with no shortage of scorers in the pro ranks, his game should translate very well once he makes the jump to the PBA – especially if he rediscovers his shot from the outside.
John Abate - UE
John Abate has shown the ability to hurt opposing defenses with his well-rounded offensive game. Leave him wide open, he’ll make you pay. Close out hard, and he can comfortably put the ball on the floor and attack off the dribble.
He can also move without the ball and finish through traffic, a skill that every rookie should have considering that unlike in college – they won’t be getting many touches in the pros.
Abate has also shown tremendous improvement in the offseason under the guidance of new coach Chris Gavina and it will be interesting to see just how much he’s grown come UAAP Season 88
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