Unheralded players impressive in PBA Rookie Camp

They may not be mentioned in the same breath as probable top picks Arwind Santos, Kelly Williams or LA Tenorio.

But from their ranks may arise a player or two who will probably make a noise in the 2006-07 season of the Philippine Basketball Association.

Outside of the big names in this year's Rookie Draft, several unheralded hopefuls served notice and gained stride during the weeklong Rookie Camp held at the Philsports Arena last week.

Among those who got the attention of coaches and scouts during the camp include former San Beda guard Ronnie Bughao, one-time University of the Philippines stalwart Abby Santos, Jonathan Aldave, Saint Francis' Chris Pacana and Manuel Caceres of PSBA.

"Magaling. He'll be a good choice for any team in need to shore up its backcourt," said Air21 mentor Bo Perasol as he watched Bughao, who also played for Teletech in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL), came an assist and rebound shy of completing a triple-double for the Red team.

"He's the type of guy that we need," said San Miguel's Jong Uichico of Bughao.

With the likes of Santos, Williams, Tenorio and other top guns such as Mark Isip, Joseph Yeo, Gabby Espinas, Chico Lanete, Ronjay Enrile and RJ Rizada among the prospective first round picks, Bughao and the rest of the field are relegated as possible picks in the second round.

Worst, only a few of them will have the privilege to be called on stage.

But second round picks aren't bad at all, some PBA scouts pointed out.

"Larry Fonacier was selected 14th overall a year ago, but he went on to win Rookie of the Year honor," one scout stressed.

He also mentioned Sta. Lucia's Cesar Catli (10th) and Red Bull's Paolo Bugia (17th) as among the rookies chosen late in the 2005 Draft, but went on and earned playing minutes with their respective teams.

Why, there's even Mark Macapagal, the last player picked in the Draft at 18th and left unsigned by Talk 'N Text in the free agent market.

"But look at how he performed with Ginebra. He was the Kings' third leading scorer after the Philippine Cup," stressed one player agent.

Lest be forgotten, a former second round pick ended up winning the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophy 17 years ago in the person of Renato Agustin.

"So it doesn't mean na porke second round pick ka lang, lesser na ang stature mo. In the same manner na may mga first round picks din naman na hindi rin gaano nag-e-excel," added the same player agent. The rest of those who will not be fortunate enough to be picked go directly to the free agent market. (PBA MEDIA BUREAU)