D-Day for 86 draft hopefuls

MANILA, Philippines — Fil-Am Joshua Munzon is tipped to be the next face of Terrafirma as it moves forward in the PBA.

Barring any last-minute change of heart, the Dyip are expected to exercise their rights to the No. 1 pick in today’s Rookie Draft to tab Munzon, the explosive guard who could well take the spot of former star CJ Perez, now with San Miguel.

“We have seen him play. He’s an all-around player with a shooting touch and strongly recommended by the coaches,” Terrafirma governor and PBA vice chairman Bobby Rosales told The STAR of their top prospect in the 4 p.m. virtual draft.

Terrafirma coach John Cardel said the goal is to find “another CJ Perez or better” who could play the 1-2 (guard) positions.

The 6-foot-4 Munzon, who’s had experiences in the Asean Basketball League (ABL), PBA D-League and FIBA 3x3 World Tour, leads 86 standouts from the Chooks to Go 3x3 League, MPBL and collegiate ranks.

Terrafirma is likewise looking to make use of its No. 8 selection – acquired from SMB as part of the Perez trade package – to fill its stretch 4/5 positions.

Big men Jamie Malonzo and Troy Rike, if still available, are on the Dyip’s sights.

Fil-Am Malonzo, NCAA MVP Calvin Oftana, former G League player Mikey Williams, and 3x3 stars Alvin Pasaol and Santi Santillan are among those projected to be picked high in one of the deepest drafts in years.

NorthPort picks second with eyes on Malonzo, followed by NLEX (from Blackwater), TNT Tropang Giga (from Blackwater acquired from NLEX), Rain or Shine, Alaska and Phoenix.

After the Dyip’s turn at No. 8, it will be Meralco, Magnolia, NorthPort and Ginebra.

Terrafirma, NorthPort, NLEX and TNT will also have a crack at the special Gilas Pilipinas round. The Dyip will likely choose Jordan Heading from among the applicants that include Tzaddy Rangel, Jaydee Tungcab and William Navarro.