Another bumper crop of rookies is expected to join the PBA mix next season, with applicants for the coming PBA Annual Draft hitting 50 ahead of its 5 p.m. deadline today.
Ateneo stalwarts Isaac Go, Adrian Wong, Vince Tolentino and twin brothers Matt and Mark Nieto are among the notables who have made themselves available for the 2019 PBA Draft set Dec. 8 at the Robinson’s Place Manila.
Then there are Adamson’s Sean Manganti, Letran’s Jeric Balanza and Bonbon Batiller, Allyn Bulanadi of San Sebastian, twin brothers Jayvee and Jaycee Marcelino of Lyceum, William McAloney of EAC, Rey Suerte of UE, 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.
PBA coaches will get a glimpse of what these rookie hopefuls can put on the floor in the two-day Draft Combine set Dec. 4 and 5 at the Hoops Center in Mandaluyong.
Columbian Dyip and Blackwater could well be the teams watching most keenly as they have gained the rights for the first two picks.
Keenly awaited is the decision of three-time UAAP Finals MVP winner Thirdy Ravena whether he’s joining this year’s draft or not.
Aside from Manganti, Tolentino and Wong, five other Fil-foreign bets have listed up.
They are Daryl Singontiko, Roosevelt Adams, Mark Taylor, Jason Riley and Travis Thompson.
