Shifty playmaker Lewis Alfred Tenorio and hotshot Mark Isip formally joined the list of rookie hopefuls this year after submitting their respective applications Monday for the Aug. 20 event set at Market, Market in Taguig City.
The two college stalwarts are among the highly rated prospects in the coming Rookie Draft considered as the most talented in recent years.
Players who already made themselves available include Fil-Ams Joe Devance, Kelly Williams and Rob Reyes, although the Office of the Commissioner is still awaiting the completion of their respective documents.
"They’ve already given their draft application, but technically, they still cannot be considered in until upon completion of their documents," said PBA commissioner Noli Eala, who will also interview all three Fil-Ams before they become eligible for the draft.
The rest of the applicants include former St. Benilde Blazer Mark Magsumbol, Angelus Raymundo, Orvie Vivad and Glenn Perseveranda.
All rookie hopefuls have until July 14 to submit their applications at the PBA Office.
The 5-foot-10 Tenorio is so far, the only pure point guard in the list, and he is heading to the PBA armed with an impressive credentials.
He once played for the highly touted San Beda Red Cubs of the revered Ato Badolato that won the 2000 NCAA juniors basketball championship.
Upon entering college, he saw action for the Ateneo Blue Eagles squad which made the UAAP Finals three straight years and bagged the men’s basketball title in 2002. Coached by Joel Banal, he had for his teammates then Enrico Villanueva, Rich Alvarez, Paolo Bugia, Wesley Gonzales and Larry Fonacier, all of whom are now playing in the PBA.
Just recently, Tenorio powered Harbour Centre to its first ever Philippine Basketball League (PBL) title with a 73-66 demolition of Toyota Otis Sparks in the deciding Game 5 of the Unity Cup Finals.
For his consistent plays, he was adjudged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the best-of-five series.
Isip is just as impressive.
Together with another brilliant big man in Arwind Santos, the 6-foot-4 Isip formed the dreaded frontcourt of the FEU Tamaraws that ruled the last two seasons of the UAAP men’s basketball tournament.
He also played a key role as the Magnolia Spinners came back from a 0-2 deficit to nip Rain or Shine and win the 2006 PBL Heroes Cup.
Santos, Joseph Yeo and the other amateur stars are expected to apply for the draft as the deadline for submission draws near.