PBA hopefuls show wares in rookie camp

MANILA, Philippines - More than 60 rookie candidates, led by former Ateneo standout Rabeh Al-Hussaini are scrambling for spots available in PBA Annual Draft and their only hope is to make an impression as they showcase their playing skills in the next five days of the PBA Rookie Camp starting today at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The second day of the Camp features a double-header involving all the aspirants who were divided into four teams that will play a single round robin. The mini tournament will be capped by a “championship game” on Aug. 26.

The first game scheduled at 9 a.m pits the Red Team of Claiford Arao, RJ Jazul and Jimbo Aquino against the Blue Team led by John Wilson while the Yellow Team, spearheaded by Siverino Baclao and Elmer Espiritu, takes on the White Team of Al-Hussaini.

All games are free to the public.

The Camp officially started yesterday at the Club 650 Gym in Libis, Quezon City during which the aspirants were made to undergo physical, strength and shooting tests.

Only 63 of the 66 applicants showed up for Day 1 that drew several observers, notably Smart Gilas Pilipinas coach Rajko Toroman.

Besides Al-Hussaini, the other bright prospects in the Draft set for Aug. 29 at the Market! Market! Activity Center in Taguig City are Aquino, best remembered for steering the Stags to a stunning 2-0 sweep of the mighty San Beda Red Lions in last year’s NCAA championship series, Jazul (the high scoring Letran guard), Wilson (the 6-foot-3 wily Heavy Bomber guard who led JRU to the NCAA Final Four last year, on his way to winning the season’s MVP award) and Baclao.