By REYNALD MAGALLON
Potential top picks in Justine Baltazar and Kai Ballungay led the attendees as some high profile prospects skipped Day 1 of the PBA Season 49 Draft Combine at the Ynares Sports Arena on Wednesday, July 10.
Two of the tallest prospects in this year’s draft, the 6-foot-8 Baltazar and 6-foot-7 Ballungay easily stood out among the 62 hopefuls that were present on the opening day that was also attended by PBA coaches.
The aspirants took part in various athletic and skill tests during the morning session before they were divided into six groups and played in scrimmages during the afternoon. The games continue on the second and final day of the combine on Thursday, July 11.
“Sobrang nag-enjoy ako sa combine. nandito mga nakasama ko sa MPBL,” said Baltazar who is being projected as the No.1 pick of this year’s top heavy draft.
“Tingnan natin sa draft sa July 14,” said the 27-year-old forward who had stints overseas and is currently playing for the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
“It’s been great just to be out here with the coaches in attendance, being out here and showing our abilities,” added the uber athletic Ballungay from the successful Ateneo Blue Eagles program in the UAAP.
Some other prospects in attendance in the two-day event were potential first round picks in CJ Cansino, Mark Nonoy, Jonel Policarpio, Francis Escandor, Brandon Ramirez and CJ Catapusan.
Meanwhile, highly touted Sedrick Barefield, who once played in the NBA G-League, skipped the combine as he was still in the US although he already sent an excuse letter to the PBA office.
Jerom Lastimosa also showed up albeit in civilian clothes while Caelan Tiongson went to the venue straight from the Strong Group Athletics practice. The two, however, did not participate in the drills and the scrimmages.
Tiongson’s teammates RJ Abarrientos and Dave Ildefonso did not make it to the combine while La Salle pair of Ben Phillips and Evan Nelle were also among the absentees.
Converge head coach Aldin Ayo and Blackwater mentor Jeff Cariaso were among the curious spectators during the combine. The FiberXers and the Bossing hold the first two picks of this year’s draft set on Sunday, July 14.
