MANILA, Philippines -- With top rookie big men Moala Tautuaa and Troy Rosario already a lock for the top two picks in this Sunday’s PBA Annual Rookie Draft, all eyes are now focused on Rain or Shine.
Coach Yeng Guiao said after much talk on this year’s batch of rookies, he is opting to go for the best available talent come Sunday in a bid to inject fresh, young blood to the Elasto Painters.
“Yes, we need a big man, but we don’t want to tie ourselves to that. Kumbaga ayaw namin isara yung pinto sa options namin ngayon,” said Guiao as he discusses with his coaching staff, who to select for the third overall pick in the draft.
The fiery Rain or Shine mentor recognizes the fact that the team also needs consistent firepower outside Jeff Chan and Paul Lee, two of the team’s go-to players on offense in the last three seasons.
“After Paul and Jeff, we need a third scoring option. That is another area where we can improve ourselves.”
The 64-man draft pool is littered with guard and small forwards, making former La Salle center Norbert Torres a viable option at no. 3 or possibly Ateneo wingman Chris Newsome, a noted outside shooter.
Guiao didn’t deny the fact that the 6-foot-6 Torres and Newsome are in their draft radar, but he has yet to make up his mind on who to select.
“They (Torres and Newsome) are certainly high on our list, but we don’t have a decision on who to take. I cannot guarantee anybody that they are the no. 3 pick,” stressed Guiao.
Torres emerged as one of the most impressive players during the Rookie Draft Combine, helping Team G-Rain or Shine to the championship en route to earning a spot in Mythical Five.