Jed Mendoza the last pick as 65 drafted to PBA

Jed Mendoza essentially ended the night. MPBL (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Jed Mendoza capped a record setting PBA Draft as he was made the final selection of the draft proceedings on Sunday night.

Mendoza, who starred for Jose Rizal University before going one-and-done for the University of the East, was selected by NorthPort with the 61st pick of the regular draft, 65th if you count the special Gilas round.

The 65 players selected broke the previous record of 54 set in 2015.

Earlier, the Batang Pier took former Lyceum center Seraj Elmejrab with the 55th pick of the regular draft and Jonico Rosales at 59th.

Terrafirma capped its draft stint by taking Terrence Tumalip at 54, while Blackwater drafted Jeson Delfinado at 56 and NLEX took Alberto Torres at 57.

San Miguel finished theirs by selecting Jeffrey Manday with the 58th pick and Luis Abaca at 60th.

The 21 players not selected will be automatically placed as free agents and can try out for any of the 12 member teams.

The mere fact that most of the teams went beyond the fourth round of this deep draft is understandable due to the lack of a draft combine to further take a look at the aspirants and the upcoming PBA 3x3 league.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno