New faces catch attention in rookie camp

MANILA, Philippines - Julias Pascualado scored nine of his 11 points in the third quarter as Barako Bull-Red rallied to beat Rain or Shine-White, 76-72, in the PBA rookie camp at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City last Wednesday.

Pascualado’s solid game impressed Powerade coach Bo Perasol and Alaska assistant mentor Luigi Trillo.

“He has the skill. He could be an option,” said Perasol, whose team holds the No. 1 draft rights in Sunday’s Annual Draft at Robinsons Place Manila.

“He did well. He’ll be a darkhorse in the draft,” said Trillo of the 24-year old guard from Cebu City who grew up in the US.

Former UE Warrior guard Paul Lee, Allein Maliksi, Ariel Mepana and Reil Cervantes, who led Rain or Shine-White with 20 points, also made an impression.

Players of Smart-Gilas Pilipinas, however, failed to see action.

JV Casio, a potential No.1 pick, and teammates Mark Barroca, Dylan Ababou, Marcio Lassiter and Christopher Lutz showed up at the game facility with Serbian coach Rajko Toroman but didn’t join the scrimmage.

“We are here partly because we want to see them (Smart Gilas players) play,” said B-Meg coach Jorge Galent.

Except for Barroca, Gallent said the other Gilas players are still uncertain about joining the draft.

“Mark assured he’s joining (the draft),” Gallent said. Barroca was Gallent’s former player while coaching Harbour Centre in the now defunct Philippine Basketball League.

Players who intend to back out of the PBA Annual Draft have until today to notify the Office of the Commissioner.