Webb checks out rookie prospects for Hotshots' 1st rd pick

MANILA, Philippines -- Rookie Star coach Jason Webb admitted having mixed feelings as he officially performs the function of a head coach starting Monday when he conducts a closed-door workout with select rookie prospects at the Ronac gym.

Anxious because of the fact he'll be calling the shots for a Star quintet that failed to defend all its title last season, which also proved to be the last under multi-titled coach Tim Cone.

Cone, who guided the Hotshots to five championships in four seasons, including the grand slam in 2014, has moved over to Ginebra two weeks ago.

“There’s a lot of anxiety and also a lot of excitement, but we know nandiyan na yung pressure, so it’s just a balance of both,” Webb confided to Philstar.com on Sunday.

The workout, Webb said, will give him a better idea on the kind of talent that would more likely be available when the Hotshots use their eighth pick in the first round of the Annual Rookie Draft set on Aug. 23.

“I’d like to see them (rookie prospects), try to know what’s out there,” he said.

But the 41-year-old former PBA playmaker isn’t expecting everyone to come, aware that some of the top prospects are still out of the country.

“Maybe just a low of seven (aspirants) and a high of 12 that we’re expecting to come,” added Webb.

Other than watching some of the rookies invited to workout with the Hotshots, Webb has arranged individual talks with all the Star players on Friday.

The former PBA broadcast analyst-turned-coach said he’d like to know what the players’ expectations are, while also laying down the vision for the team just before they prepare for the 41st season.

“I’ll be talking with the guys individually because most of them have been away for a while,” said Webb.

“And they can speak freely as I talk to the guys.”

The Hotshots begin their official preseason practice on Aug. 17.