The annual PBA draft is basically a fresh start for most teams. It is a chance to stock up on talent and fortify the team without moving around key pieces. This upcoming PBA Season 50 Draft is no different, even if it is admittedly short on star power and proven commodities. But there is talent there somewhere among the 120 or so draft applicants—maybe some diamonds in the rough—and the challenge for the teams is to pick them out regardless of where they are in the drafting order.
Now, with the PBA Season 50 Draft just days away, we’ve decided to put our GM hats on and figure out which teams will pick which players. Unfortunately, we’re only doing a mock draft of the first round, as we don’t have the bandwidth yet to cover the entire draft.
Take a look, and tell us what you think:
1. Terrafirma Dyip: Juan Gomez de Liano
Gomez de Liano is arguably the best of the lot among the 128 draft aspirants in this draft. He has a pro-ready body and actual pro-level experience. He’ll come in ready to do his thing—and he certainly won’t be shy about taking over Terrafirma’s offense.
2. Phoenix Fuel Masters: Geo Chiu
Newly installed Phoenix head coach Willy Wilson has already bared he wants a Dorian Peña-type of player for his team. Chiu doesn’t fit the bill entirely, but he’s still a 6-foot-8 big with enough heft not to get pushed around. He’s also got international and Gilas experience.
3. Blackwater Bossing: Will Gozum
Gozum will essentially take the spot Troy Rosario vacated last season when he left Blackwater for Ginebra. He’s shorter, but he’s probably more well-rounded on offense. He’d be an excellent complement to Sedrick Barefield and Christian David (if he re-signs).
4. NorthPort Batang Pier: Jason Brickman
Brickman should’ve been in the PBA many years ago, and now he gets his chance as the Batang Pier’s court general—probably from the day he arrives. He’s the last of a nearly extinct breed, a pass-first point guard who’ll set up the offense, but look to score if no one’s open.
5. NLEX Road Warriors: Chris Koon
You want shooters when you have a singular playmaker like Robert Bolick. Chris Koon qualifies as one with the smooth lefty stroke. He’s also got size at 6-foot-4 and enough playmaking chops to play the 2 and 3. Bolick would love playing with this former Ateneo Blue Eagle.
6. Magnolia Hotshots: Yukien Andrada
Andrada, when fully healthy, can give the Hotshots a solid piece in their frontcourt. Fleet-footed and with a decent jumper, he’d fit in perfectly with new coach LA Tenorio if and when he implements what might likely be a Princeton-Triangle hybrid offense.
7. Meralco Bolts: Ashon Andrews
While it might be time to find a Chris Newsome replacement, adding a young, athletic wing like Andrews isn’t half that bad. He’d instantly give Meralco something it hasn’t had since prime Newsome—a true-blue athlete who can electrify the team.
8. Converge FiberXers: Vince Magbuhos
Converge has bigs. It has playmakers. A shooter with good size just makes sense for this team then. Enter Magbuhos, a 6-foot-4 sniper who’s never gone shy. And in a team as talented as the FiberXers, the former Adamson Falcon will surely get his fair share of open looks.
9. San Miguel Beermen: Dalph Panopio
Yes, Chris Ross still has plenty of juice left. But until the playoffs arrive, San Miguel needs someone to hold down the fort at the backcourt. And who better to have there than a pass-first, conventional point guard like Panopio, who’ll make life easier for June Mar Fajardo, for sure.
10. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters: Christian Manaytay
Manaytay is a Yeng Guiao-type player: tough, hard-nosed, all about the team. In a way, this former Growling Tiger is a lot like current Elasto Painter Jhonard Clarito, who’s now one of the PBA’s best. With sheer hard work, don’t be surprised if Manaytay takes the same trajectory.
11. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel: Ladis Lepalan
With a glut of guards and an aging Japeth Aguilar, Ginebra needs a big man now more than ever. Lepalan is somewhat of a great unknown, but he’s also 6-foot-9 and is still only 25.
12. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters: Shawn Umali
Speaking of a Guiao-type player, Umali is certainly one—big, wide-bodied, unafraid to bang or make plays, and with range. Think Beau Belga. Think JR Quiñahan. Umali might be on the shorter side at 6-foot-4, but he’s got the heft, and he definitely has the skills and toughness.
