Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — For 44 young prospects, this Sunday could be the start of what they hope is a long professional basketball career at the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rookie Draft.
Ahead of the draft is the general consensus is that Filipino-German big man Christian Standhardinger will be picked first, with former Ateneo star Kiefer Ravena going second.
As to which teams they will end up with, that is still up in the air with a potential trade between the San Miguel and KIA franchises, a move that’s seeing some opposition from sports regulators and former league officials.
Possible SMB-KIA trade may mean lopsided league
KIA is reportedly giving up the top overall pick of this year’s draft in exchange for a number of San Miguel players.
The trade proposal was already sent to the office of PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa. But the PBA Commissioner has yet to rule on the matter.
Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman Abraham Mitra on Thursday warned that the league could turn off fans if they would allow lopsided trades.
“There are complaints about the KIA-SMB deal and we are intently observing. How the PBA will handle it will determine if the next season will excite or turn off fans,” Mitra said.
The GAB regulates all professional sports in the country including basketball, boxing, football, golf, cycling, motocross, billiards, and e-sports. It is also the collecting agency of 3% of gate receipts and income from tv coverage contacts.
Alaska team owner and former PBA Chairman Fred Uytengsu said the proposed trade involving Kia and San Miguel would defeat the purpose of the draft.
“The purpose of the draft is to strengthen the weaker teams. However, what we have seen lately is these weaker teams end up selling their top draft picks because if you look at who is being traded in return, it clearly doesn’t make basketball sense for the weaker teams, unless there is other consideration,” Uytengsu said in a statement on Wednesday.
Despite the backlash, KIA head coach Chris Gavina believes the team’s management is doing a tremendous job moving the squad in the right direction.
“They are making every effort to do what’s best for the team. I trust in their leadership and I think we’re going to have a brighter season next conference,” Gavina said.
Looking for gems in the rough
Gilas forward Reymar Jose, former UAAP champions Jeron Teng and Jason Perkins, NCAA standouts Rey Nambatac and Davon Potts are other more well known names in the mix to be selected in the first round.
Observers and coaches said beyond the first eight or nine players selected in the draft, pickings turn slim.
“I’d say the first round is going to be quality, and not so much after that,” Phoenix Fuel Masters assistant coach Nic Belasco said after the draft combine.
Belasco was one of the assistant coaches who handled the draft applicants in a mini tournament at the rookie showcase, and his opinion was seconded by some of his peers.
But others saw interesting facets of the unheralded prospects that could translate well in the PBA.
“You like what you call the diamonds in the rough,” Rain or Shine assistant coach Jolly Escobar said. “You just have to have a keen eye, and you have to know their demeanor and that they’re willing to work hard.”
Among these unpolished diamonds are Arellano forward Lervin Flores, Fil-Am shooter Robert Herndon, and former UP guard Jett Manuel.
Each coach also mentioned a different player that piqued their interest for a variety of reasons.
For Gavina, the combine left coaching staff with a lot to think about ahead of the Draft itself.
“I think a lot of guys have opened up the PBA coaching community’s eyes,” Gavina said.
“I think the draft was able to showcase a lot of guys who weren’t really high profile names coming in, but I think they will be on a couple of coaches’ minds come Sunday,” he added.
The 2017 PBA Draft Combine takes place on Sunday afternoon at the Robinsons Place in Manila.
Here is the first round draft order prior to any trades:
1 KIA Picanto
2 NLEX Road Warriors
3 Blackwater Elite
4 Phoenix Fuel Masters
5 Alaska Aces (From Global Port)
6 Global Port Batang Pier (From Alaska)
7 Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
8 Phoenix Fuel Masters (From Meralco)
9 Star Hotshots
10 TNT KaTropa
11 Barangay Ginebra
12 TNT KaTropa
