Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — San Miguel Beer is not entitled to a pick in the first and second rounds of the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rookie Draft, but its head coach still paid a visit to the rookie camp on Wednesday (August 19).
“It’s a job of the coach na makita kung anong talent meron dito,” said Beermen coach Leo Austria.
“Wala kaming first two picks pero it’s better na malaman kung gaano kalalim ang draft ngayon.”
Austria said this year’s draft pool is so deep that he wishes his team has a pick at least in the second round.
“For me, napakalalim ng draft ngayon especially sa wing at guard. I wish meron akong pick kasi marami akong nagugustuhan dito,” said the tactician who led the Beermen to two titles in just his first season at the helm.
He added, “Kung magkakaroon nga ng selection dito, makakabuo ka ng competitive team na pwede mong ilaban kahit kanino dito sa PBA.”
However, he’s not hoping the teams will trade their picks given the depth of this crop of hopefuls.
“Makikita mo yung first 10 talagang di pamimigay yun ng mga teams. Yung mga matitira siguro baka meron na sa’min,” he said.
Austria said his team’s roster, after all, is already stacked in every position. But what can change Austria’s mind?
“Kung titignan mo yung lineup namin kumpleto na in every position,” he said. “Pero kung may mas magaling kay Marcio (Lassiter) o kay (Chris) Lutz, why not?” he said.
