A NEW BATCH of PBA hopefuls will look to put one foot in the league on Sunday through the Season 50 Draft at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.
A total of 122 players are in this year's draf pool - one of the biggest in history but sorely lacking in size and depth beyond top prospects Geo Chiu, Juan Gomez De Liano, Dalph Panopio, Will Gozum, and Ljay Gonzales.
Draft hostilities will start at 5 p.m.
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Terrafirma is set to pick first for the fifth time in the seven editions of the season-opening ritual, marking Ronald Tubid’s first official function since he was moved from team manager to head coach by the league minnows.
Converge, meanwhile, is slated to select at No. 2, with the now-Dennis Pineda-coached team going up the draft after a trade with Phoenix in exchange of Bryan Santos and the FiberXers’ own first-rounder at No. 8.
After Blackwater’s pick at No. 3, NorthPort is also set to select at No. 4, which could be its last official function in the league before the franchise's sale to Pureblends that only needs the approval of the PBA board.
After NLEX, LA Tenorio is selecting his first draft pick as Magnolia head coach at No. 6, followed by Meralco, Phoenix, and San Miguel.
Rain or Shine picks the first of its two first rounders at No. 10, to be followed by Barangay Ginebra, before the Elasto Painters choose again at No. 12.
Barangay Ginebra will pick first in the second round followed by Phoenix, Blackwater, NorthPort, NLEX, Terrafirma, and Meralco.
Rain or Shine will also pick thrice in the second round at No. 20, 22, and 24, with Converge (21), and Barangay Ginebra (23) selecting in between.
The draft order for the third round and beyond is as follows: Terrafirma, Phoenix, Blackwater, NorthPort, NLEX, Magnolia, Meralco, Converge, San Miguel, Rain or Shine, Barangay Ginebra, and TNT.
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