KKS 2013 PBA Mock Draft Version 2.2

Ian Sanggalang is going to drop buckets
(Photo courtesy of Sports 5)

With all due respect to the coming PBA Governor's Cup Best-of-Seven Finals match-up between the Petron Blaze Boosters and San Mig Coffee Mixers, we are now officially just a month away from the much-anticipated 2013 PBA Draft headlined by some of the tallest hauls in recent memory.


Since we've already come up with an initial list in an earlier post, we've taken the liberty of revisiting our draft picks and also the draft order. Thanks to our idol @misterjpmanahan for taking care of all the math and figuring out which PBA teams own picks 1 to 10.

Before anything else, we'd like to get a couple of things out of the way.
First, the Gilas Cadets are out of the 2013 PBA Draft conversation (for now). An insider recently told us that collegiate standouts R.R. Garcia, Kevin Louie Alas, Matt Ganuelas Roser, Ronald Pascual, Jake Pascual and Garvo Lanete (and maybe some more) are out because of contractual obligations and or prior commitments. This makes for a very interesting 2013 PBA Draft since it effectively cuts down the talent pool.

Second, much-heralded Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. is ineligible. Or that's about as much as we know at present (the PBA has made no effort in quashing or confirming rumors about his eligibility). He's just a few weeks short of the required age requirement so yeah, no BRP.

*update* And third, Chris Banchero is also not eligible for the 2013 PBA Draft as he needs to fulfill his PBA D-League stint in full before being considered (sorry to all fangirls and gays, we feel you).

So without further adieu, here's our updated 2013 PBA Draft pick predictions-- some based on who's a shoo-in/ lock for the pick, some based on what we feel the team needs at the moment:


1. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel – Ian Sangalang, 6”6, PF/C 
We're going out on a limb here and go with the agile Sangalang who fits Ginebra's running game much like everyone hoped Kerby Raymundo initially would. Having Slaughter would be nice, but as shown in his stints with Ateneo and NLEX, he's just not built to run and can even be a liability versus quicker teams. With guys like Billy Mamaril and Japeth Aguilar in the fold, bringing in a capable low to high post scorer in Sangalang would be a far better choice.

2. San Mig Coffee Mixers – Greg Slaughter, 7”0, C 
Tim Cone will not let this golden opportunity pass-- a 7"0 who has definite muscle tone, good hands and a soft touch is just what the doctor ordered for the Mixers. At present, the Mixers are making do with natural power forward Marc Pingris at the center spot with the aging duo of Rafi Reavis and Yancy de Ocampo playing behind him. Slaughter will allow Pingris to slide back to his favored position while he patrols the paint. A starting unit of Alex Mallari, James Yap, Joe DeVance, Pingris and Slaughter is just Gilas Pilipinas worthy/ crazy.

3. Rain or Shine Elastopainters – Raymond Almazan, 6”7, PF/C 
Is Almazan really the answer for the Elastopainters? That remains to be seen. At the moment, Almazan is lording it over in the NCAA by averaging 14 points and 15 rebounds a game. Pretty impressive, yes, but he's still skinny and will definitely be pushed around by bigger, heavier PBA centers. His offense is also spotty at best. Best case scenario for the Elastopainters is to pair Almazan with a power forward with an offensive game (Jervy Cruz).

4. Barako Bull Energy Cola – JR Cawaling, 6”4, SF 
A Toroman-Gilas original and ABL San Miguel player who is definitely going to find a home in the PBA is Cawaling. The 6"4 small forward has the build, speed and range to play in the pros (much better than peer Aldrech Ramos) and can easily give resident Energy Cola star JC Intal a run for his starting position.

5. Barako Bull Energy Cola – James Forrester, 6"2, SG 
See what we're doing and where we're going here? We've got Banchero and Cawaling, now we're going to throw in a wildcard in NCAA scorer Forrester. Every team needs a de facto bailout shooter/ scorer and that's pretty much how everyone sees Forrester. Having him on board will allow the Energy Cola to not rely on "vintage" performances from the aging duo of Danny Seigle and Mick Pennisi.

6. Barako Bull Energy Cola – Jeric Fortuna, 5"7, PG
Call us crazy here but now that it's clear that all things Banchero will have to wait another year, Fortuna's going to be the most prized point guard of the lot. In case you haven't been paying attention, Fortuna rose as the UAAP's best point guard during his last two-three years there with UST. Size might be an issue, but he's just the kind of PG that could very well excel in Toroman's system. Oh, and he's another ABL San Miguel Beerman.

7. Global Port Batang Pier - Nico Salva, 6”3, SF 
Again, another so-so sleeper pick we're going with simply because it fits the Batang Pier's needs at the moment. They already have a point guard in place in Sol Mercado, there's Gary David and Willie Miller as your resident scorers then Jay Washington in whatever role you want him to play. All that's really left is a small forward who can play defense while still being serviceable on offense.

8. Alaska Aces – Carlo Lastimosa, 6”1, SG   
We honestly feel that Lastimosa is going to the Aces. Cyrus Baguio isn't getting any younger, and Lastimosa has shown semblances of his famous uncle's heady, Mr. 4th Quarter game during his brief college stint.

9. Rain or Shine Elastopainters –  Isaac Holstein, 6”9, C 
Again, just a pick we'd like to throw out there. After making do with the "Extra Rice, Inc." pair of JayR Quinahan and Beau Belga, we feel that the Elastopainters are going to try and shore up their frontline by bringing in Almazan (medium rare) and Holstein (raw).

10. San Mig Coffee Mixers – Justin Chua, 6”6, C 
Cone already drafted a big man last year just to add more depth in his rotation, we don't see him doing differently this year with the surplus of guards and wings he already has in his disposal. Also, it wouldn't hurt to have the guy who was able to show up your prized 7"0 in a big game now would it?

On the bubble Jett Vidal, 5”11, SG/ Joshua Webb, 6”3 , PF/ Mike Silungan, 6”4, SF/ Alex Nuyles, 6”2, SG/ Mark Bringas, 6”4, PF/ Nate Matute, 6”0, SG/ Dexter Marquez, 6”4, PF/ Chris Camus, 6”3, PF/ Eric Camson, 6”3, PF/ Arvie Bringas, 6”4, PF/ Jovet Mendoza, 6”4, PF/ Melo Afuang, 6”6, PF/ Allen Etrone, 6”1, SF/ Jam Cortes, 6”4,PF 

Your thoughts?