MANILA, Philippines - Alaska Aces coach Alex Compton was satisfied with they way things turned out for them in last Sunday's PBA Rookie Draft.
Overseeing his first rookie draft since taking over the helm at the Aces camp last conference, Compton thought they got real gems which are considered by many as steals of the draft.
"In a perfect world, we would pick Stanley Pringle, Chris Banchero and Kevin Alas and Matt Ganuelas," Compton told Philstar.com.
But he couldn't be happier as Banchero fell on their lap at no. 5 then got former San Beda Red Lion Rome dela Rosa at the start of the second round. For their last pick at 16th overall, they took in wide-bodied banger Junjun Alas, son of his top deputy Louie and brother of this year's second overall pick Kevin.
"Pagdating ng 13th, pangarap talaga namin si Rome. We thought he'd go mid to late first round but luckily enough he dropped to 13th. At 16th, we're looking for a banger and a character guy so we got Junjun," said Compton. "What we talked about exactly happened."
Banchero, who is widely considered as their biggest steal, joins Jvee Casio and Cyrus Baguio at the Aces' backcourt.
"He (Chris) deserved to go higher but we thought we got a chance to get him. Wala kaming hesitation," said Compton, who already had an inkling that they got a realistic chance at stealing him at no. 5.
"I'm very excited. I spoke to him (Compton) last [Saturday] night and said that there's gonna be a chance that I'll be available and they gonna pick me. I'm excited to play for him. He's a good coach and has been playing [good] basketball for a long time," Banchero said.
San Miguel Beermen surprisingly passed up on Banchero, who was the Finals MVP when their former team in the ABL won the league title two years ago.
Everybody thought the Beermen, who are now being handled by Banchero's coach at the ABL Leo Austria, would get the point guard at no. 3 after they went up the ladder board by trading away veterans Jojo Duncil, Chico Lanete and two future picks to Barako Bull. But instead, the Beermen took Gilas cadet forward Ronald Pascual.
Banchero harbors no ill feelings towards San Miguel though and is happy just the same to be with Alaska, which he respects for its winning tradition.
"I'm very happy. It's (Alaska) a good organization. They do a lot of winning over here so I'm happy that they picked me," Banchero said.