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Val Chauca is among the potential sleepers in the first round of the draft. Jade Moya (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
BINAN--Even if huge names like Thirdy Ravena, Alvin Pasaol, Joshua Munzon, Troy Rike, Franky Johnson, and Juan Gomez De Liano did not throw their names in, this year's PBA Draft class remains something to look out for.
Seventy-one rookie applicants declared for the draft at the close of the registration period last Friday, and the entire class remains intact as no one withdrew his name last Saturday.
While Isaac Go looms as the consensus first overall pick of the draft, Columbian, the owner of the said pick, still has a lot of options to choose from.
Aside from this list, another possible first round pick is Roosevelt Adams, known for his stint with Mighty Sports in international tournaments.
Other potential first rounders include Letran's Jerrick Balanza and Bonbon Batiller, Manila Star Cris Bitoon, Adamson's Val Chauca, FEU's Ino Comboy, CSB's JJ Domingo and Yankee Haruna, Makati Skyscraper Kib Montalbo, Arellano's Kent Salado, and Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguard Arvin Tolentino.
All the 71 draft prospects will be given a keener look by all the 12 PBA teams during the draft combine on Thursday and Friday at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong.
Then all roads will lead to the Robinson's Place Manila Atrium on Sunday as the draft proper will take place.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno