Webb open to trade Hotshots' 1st rd pick

MANILA, Philippines -- Star Hotshots rookie coach Jason Webb is open to the idea of trading its first round pick in the coming PBA Rookie Draft or use it as a way to upgrade its veteran-laden roster as the team begins its buildup for the 41st season.

“We’re always going to be open to anything. We’re open for an upgrade. Iyun naman yun,” Webb told Philstar.com on Monday, following a two-hour workout with several rookie aspirants at the Ronac gym in San Juan.

Potential first round picks Glen Khobuntin, a member of the Gilas cadet side that won the gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games men’s basketball last June, former University of Santo Tomas swingman Aljon Mariano, big man Yutien Andrada of La Salle, ex-Ateneo guard Nico Elorde and Fil-Am playmaker Ryan Wetherell and US-raised point guard Abel Galiguez were among those who showed up in the rookie workout conducted by Webb.

The 41-year-old Star freshman coach declined to talk about who impressed him early, but did say that he’s got some positions that he hopes to strengthen in the coming draft.

“If there are some offers in exchange for our eighth pick and we feel it would make our team better, we’ll be open to it. Basta everything should be considered,” explained the former broadcast analyst-turned-coach.

“We don’t want to close our ears to it (offers).”

Webb, who is coming in to replace multi-titled coach Tim Cone, intends to conduct at least, two more workouts with the rookies this week.

“I still don’t know if there are some new guys who’ll be coming over because some of the Fil-Ams are still in the US. But then, it’s an open invitation for these rookies so we hope to take a better look at them,” he added.

After the rookie workout, Webb will talk individually with the Star players on Friday, before beginning its preseason practice next week.

The Hotshots are hopeful for a stronger and better year next season since finishing the 2015 season without a championship.

Cone has since moved over to Barangay Ginebra, bringing along long-time assistant Richard del Rosario.