PBA Draft: Adams, Go lead aspirants

MANILA, Philippines — Sixty-seven hopefuls led by Gilas prospects and Fil-Am Roosevelt Adams take the first step to their dreamed stint in the PBA as they offer themselves for selection in today’s two-part PBA Rookie Draft at Robinson’s Place Ermita.

Ateneo’s Isaac Go, a big man with a deft shooting touch from perimeter, leads five hopefuls tagged by the PBA and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas as candidates for the Gilas program for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in the special dispersal draft before the regular draft excercise.

Ateneo twins Mike and Matt Nieto, San Sebastian’s Allyn Bulanadi and University of the East’s Rey Suerte join Go in the pool, from which Columbian Dyip, Blackwater, NLEX, Alaska and Rain or Shine will choose from.

Per agreement between the PBA and the SBP, the team will only hold rights on these players and get to enlist them only once they are released by the SBP from Gilas service.

Adams, who was adjudged MVP of the recent Draft Combine, banners potential first-rounders seeking to be picked in the regular draft by Columbian, Blackwater, NLEX, Alaska, Rain or Shine (fifth, sixth, ans seventh) NorthPort, Magnolia, Barangay Ginebra, TNT KaTropa and Columbian again, in that order.

Among the notable hopefuls are Ateneo’s Adrian Wong and Vince Tolentino, Adamson’s Sean Manganti, Letran’s Jeric Balanza and Bonbon Batiller, twin brothers Jayvee and Jaycee Marcelino of Lyceum, William McAloney of EAC, Cris Dumapig of CEU, Gwen Combo of FEU, Kid Montalbo of La Salle, Michael Salado of Arellano, Christopher Bitoon of St. Clare and Rian Michael Ayon-ayon of PCU.

The 3 p.m. proceedings will follow a similar format in 2016, when Gilas cadet players like Mac Belo and RR Pogoy were selected in a special draft before the teams tabbed Raphael Banal and Co. in the regular draft.