Author: Bon Maddagan
If you’re an avid fan of the PBA, the first professional basketball league in Asia and the second oldest in the world just after the NBA, and you’re looking for the latest PBA news to satisfy your never-ending need for all things basketball, or you’re just curious to know if what you’re favorite teams’ newest addition can bring to the table, then you’re in the right place.
Fresh from the success of the recently concluded PBA Draft, where we witnessed your favorite team surprise us with their elite draft strategy. A number of hopefuls were picked that would surely bolster each of the 12 respective teams. Without further ado, we bring you the top rookies who will debut for their respective teams in the 49th PBA season.
Disclaimer: The rankings presented are subjective and based on the author’s criteria and perspective as a long-time fan of basketball. They do not in any way claim to be perfect and definitive.
10. Jonnel Policarpio
- Team: NLEX Road Warriors
- Age: 22 years old
- Height: 6’5″
- Pick: 1st Round 6th Overall
- Playing position: Small forward | Power forward
- School: De La Salle University
- Hometown: Pampanga
Let’s start the list with this versatile kid from La Salle. This guy is one of those who are PBA-ready, as he could play on both ends of the floor. During his last stint with La Salle, he averaged 6.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. Not eye-popping numbers, but with the right guidance, this kid will surely go places. This kid can shoot and he attacks the basket. He is strong and plays tough as well, definitely a must-have in every PBA team. Plus playing alongside very talented guards like Bolick and Alas will surely elevate his game.
09. Dave Ildefonso
- Team: Northport Batang Pier
- Age: 24 years old
- Height: 6’3”
- Pick: 1st Round 5th Overall
- Playing Position: Shooting Guard
- School: National University | Ateneo de Manila University
- Hometown: Mandaluyong
One thing that would definitely stand out for this kid is his name. Because he is the son of two-time PBA MVP Danny Ildefonso. Another is his game because he was a UAAP champion prior to him leaving for the KBL. But things didn’t go as one would hoped for, as Ildefonso failed to have his contract renewed. But the good news is, he finds his way back home and is set to bolster the Northport Batang Pier in the 2 spot. Ildefonso is definitely a gifted scorer but his bread and butter comes in his elite touches. In his lone season in the KBL, he averaged 35.6% in his catch-and-shoot triples. He recently played for the Strong Group Athletics in which they won the gold in the recently concluded Jones Cup in Taiwan. He averaged 5.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists in limited minutes. While not that big, you can still count on this kid’s play to provide a steady offense for the Batang Pier. Ildefonso is no longer alien to international competitions and that experience will surely give him an edge in the PBA.
08. Mark Nonoy
- Team: Terrafirma Dyip
- Age: 23 years old
- Height: 5’9″
- Pick: 1st Round 10th Overall
- Playing position: Point Guard | Shooting Guard
- School: University of Santo Tomas | De La Salle University
- Hometown: Negros Occidental
Another product of La Salle is this gifted scorer from Negros. After surprising everyone in the draft combine, he set the highest vertical at 53 inches, which is said to be even better than Michael Jordan. Nonoy is off to a huge role as he is set to replace Stephen Holt for the Terrafirma Dyips. You can say that this kid is a seasoned player. Not only did he help the DLSU Green Archers secure their latest championship in the UAAP. Nonoy already showed that he can compete with the big boys having played in the PBA D-League and most recently in the MPBL. In 19 games with the Iloilo United Royals, he averaged 12 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.6 steals. Despite his stature which is inferior to what the game needs today, you can see that he could still do so much. He is fast, he is relentless, he hustles and he plays defense. He is the definition of that do-it-all type of guy. Not to mention that he plays with so much intensity. Coach Johnedel Cardel will love the fire that he will see from this kid. Losing an MVP-caliber player in Stephen Holt is sure to be tough for Terrafirma, but with Nonoy taking his place. I can safely say that the Dyips would still challenge a lot of teams in the PBA.
07. Jerom Lastimosa
- Team: Magnolia Hotshots
- Age: 26 years old
- Height: 5’10″
- Pick: 1st Round 9th Overall
- Playing position: Point Guard
- School: Adamson University
- Hometown: Negros Oriental
The next one on this list is the Star from Adamson. A brilliant playmaker and a steady scorer, he will definitely be a great addition to an already solid guard rotation of the Hotshots. He is a household name in college basketball because of his elite showings in his five years with Adamson. He even led the Falcons to the Final Four in Season 85. Because of his stellar play, he was also recruited by both the Japan B-league and the KBL. Despite the generous offers abroad, Lastismosa chose to be loyal to his alma mater. He also helped the National Team win gold in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, where he played as a backup point guard and shooting guard for Coach Chot Reyes. Before his unfortunate injuries, the guard was averaging an impressive 17 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in Season 85 of the UAAP. From then on, Lastimosa struggled to stay healthy. But once he recovers his old self, Lastimosa would definitely be a force to be reckoned with for Magnolia.
06. Evan Nelle
- Team: Northport Batang Pier
- Age: 26 years old
- Height: 5’11”
- Pick: 2nd Round 14th Overall
- Playing Position: Point Guard
- School: San Beda University | De La Salle University
- Hometown: Manila
Next on the list is a UAAP and NCAA champion. Dubbed the Pinakamatapang na tao sa Pilipinas (you know why), this kid is a fearless attacker and a steady playmaker inside the court. He is set to join Northport’s tactician, Coach Bonnie Tan as his new mentor. Nelle knew him very well because he was one of the reasons Nelle was denied another championship in Season 95 of the NCAA. Coach Bonnie definitely gave him one of the worst days of his career as his relationship with San Beda went downhill. From then, Nelle moved to De La Salle University, and it went much, much better. He would then go on to win more championships in different leagues, but most esp. in the latest UAAP season. In the elimination rounds, he averaged a commanding 11.31 points, 6.85 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game and was named as part of the Mythical Team. In the finals, after a forgettable performance in game no.1, he then responded in the last two games averaging a superb 8.0 points, 9 rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 3.5 assists. His hustle, his intensity, and his leadership all played an important role in the Green Archers dream run. Nelle might have slid down the draft, but it is far from an indicator of what he can bring to the table. Now playing alongside fellow UAAP stars Arvin Tolentino, Zav Lucero, and Wil Navarro. The Northport Batang Pier is a team to watch out for.
Click here to read Top 10 Players From The 49th PBA Rookie Draft Part 2
*Cover photo sources: Tiebreaker Times, Spin.
*Photo Credit: Suwon KT Sonicboom, UAAP
