Rain or Shine pulls off stunner, picks Fil-Nigerian in PBA Draft

MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine stole the thunder in the 2015 Gatorade PBA Rookie Draft when it passed up on several talents to select Fil-Nigerian guard Maverick Ahanmisi as the third overall pick in a shocking turn of event on Sunday before a jam-packed crowd at the Robinson’s Place Manila Activity Center.

Ahanmishi, the six-foot guard out of the University of Minnesota, came in behind expected top two picks Moala Tautuaa and former National University slotman Troy Rosario.

Tautuaa was selected no. 1 overall by Talk 'N Text while the Mahindra Enforcers (formerly KIA Carnival) made Rosario the second pick. Both were not around on draft day as they are currently with Gilas Pilipinas in Estonia.

The 24-year-old Ahanmishi said he was surprised to end up among the top three picks in this year’s draft, considering that Ateneo standout Chris Newsome, Norbert Torres of La Salle and reigning NCAA MVP Scottie Thompson of Perpetual Help were all rated highly during the pre-draft proceedings.

“I am shocked. Me being picked no. 3. I was expecting (to be selected) at around fifth or ninth,” Ahanmisi told sports scribes.

But the cat-quick, six-foot guard said the Elasto Painters can expect him to play hard-nosed defense under fiery coach Yeng Guiao, who is determined to steer the team to a championship after four runner-up finishes in the last three seasons.

“My ability to shoot and I think my defensive intensity as well, that’s what I can contribute,” he said.

Meantime, Meralco bolstered its roster by tapping Newsome at the fourth pick. A 6-foot-1 wingman, the 25-year-old Newsome packs a deadly range from the outside and can be a fastbreak anchor for a Bolts side that is determined to challenge powerhouse squads like San Miguel Beer, Alaska and a retooled Talk ‘N Text squad.

On the other hand, new Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone stocked up his already loaded backcourt by bringing in reigning NCAA MVP Scottie Thompson as the team’s no. 5 pick.

Thompson, a six-foot guard out of Digos City, Davao del Sur, will serve as an understudy for Ginebra’s slew of veteran guards led by Mark Caguioa, LA Tenorio, Jayjay Helterbrand and Sol Mercado.

The sixth and seventh picks saw San Beda standouts Garvo Lanete and playmaker Baser Amer go to NLEX and Meralco, respectively.

Lanete, a 6-foot-1 guard, can supply the much-needed outside shooting for the Road Warriors, while Amer will provide solid playmaking for the Bolts.

Star, meanwhile, boosted its front court by tapping former La Salle big man Norbert Torres.

Tipped to emerge among the top three picks in this year’s draft, Torres fell to no. 8, which drew smiles from rookie coach Jason Webb.

“We never expected Norbert to still be available at no. 8,” said Webb.

Rounding up the first round are San Beda forward Art Dela Cruz, who was selected at ninth pick by Blackwater, Glen Khobuntin (NLEX), Letran’s Kevin Racal (Alaska) and Josan Nimes (Rain or Shine).

The second round selections include Almond Vosotros (Blackwater), Bradwyn Guinto (Mahindra), Don Trollano and Simon Enciso (Rain or Shine, Aljon Mariano (Barangay Ginebra), Marion Magat, Jaypee Mendoza and Abel Galliguez (Alaska), Kris Rosales and Michael Miranda (Barako Bull).