Ginebra ends Round 1 with surprise by taking Holmqvist

Ken Holmqvist was the first big surprise in this draft.

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Ginebra brought out the mock draft buster on Sunday after drafting Ken Holmqvist to end the first round of the regular PBA Draft.

While some mock drafts had Holmqvist in them, him getting tapped in the first round was an early big surprise.

The six-foot-eight giant from Far Eastern University will be shoring up a loaded Ginebra big man rotation featuring Japeth Aguilar, Prince Caperal, and Christian Standhardinger.

Meanwhile, Phoenix took bruising big man Larry Muyang with the seventh pick.

Muyang will be teaming up with Vic Manuel and Jason Perkins to form one solid frontline for the Fuel Masters.

On the other hand, Terrafirma used its other first round pick, the eighth overall pick, to land James Laput.

Laput is the tallest among the 86 draft prospects at 6-feet-10.

The Dyip got an extra first rounder as a result of their trade with the San Miguel Beermen for CJ Perez.

Meralco went with Alvin Pasaol at number nine, Magnolia picked Jerrick Ahanmisi at number 10, and NorthPort had another first round pick, the 11th pick, which was used for Troy Rike.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno