Manzo set for reunion with Desiderio after Blackwater drafts UP guard

Jun Manzo is set for a reunion with Paul Desiderio at Blackwater. Nikki Collantes (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Jun Manzo is set to reunite with Paul Desiderio as Blackwater took the former University of the Philippines point guard in the fourth round of the PBA Draft on Sunday night.

While him still being available after the third round in this talent laden draft class came as a surprise, the Bossing made sure they get to bring Manzo together again with Desiderio by using the 38th overall pick on him.

Manzo and Desiderio played high basketball together in Cebu, and the latter was among those who wooed the former to transfer to the Fighting Maroons after playing for the UV Green Lancers in CESAFI.

Manzo turned out to be among the missing pieces UP needed to make a return to the UAAP Finals in 2018.

Meanwhile, Terrafirma opened the fourth round by selecting former MPBL player Jay Javelosa at number 36.

NorthPort then took Marvin Moraga 37th overall, while NLEX drafted Jomari Presbitero 39th overall.

Rain Or Shine selected RJ Argamino at number 40, while Magnolia drafted Andoy Estrella at number 41.

San Miguel took Med Salim, a member of the National University team that ended a 60-year UAAP title drought in 2014, at number 42, while Meralco drafted Louie Brill, the brother of third round selection Loren, at number 43.

Phoenix drafted Max Hentschel at number 44, and TNT closed out Round 4 by drafting Joel Lee Yu 45th overall.

Alaska opted to pass in the said round.

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