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| Graduation Day (Photo credit to the owner) |
We will just have to trust in the SBP and Mr. Panlilio that he will make the best players available and not try to hide this guy or that guy somewhere (as Gilas has a working pool of 24 college players as far as we remember). After all, the SBP brain-thrust is still largely Team MVP while the 2016 PBA Draft, and even the order of the special draft, rewards Team SMC more than anyone else.
That is not a knock on the SBP, Mr. Panlilio, or Team MVP, but rather an acceptance of the current basketball landscape. These Gilas players after all are not only prized college standouts, but “assets” that have already benefited from several trainings and exposure both here and overseas so you can understand if Team MVP is not too keen on sharing their “living investments.”
SPECIAL DRAFT ORDER
1. Blackwater – Bobby Ray Parks, Jr.
For now, we will work under the notion that Parks (and Ravena) will join the coming 2016 PBA Draft by way of the Gilas pool. Adding Parks is a no brainer here, as he will instantly make the team a threat and balance it all out. He will orchestrate while guards Roi Sumang and Carlo Lastimosa shoot to their hearts content. Think LeBron James with Mo Williams and, uh, whoever he was running with back in his first run at Cleveland. Also, Blackwater has had a long history of supporting the SBP and even financing national teams (both men’s and women’s) so there shouldn’t be any problem between the two groups. Should Parks (and Ravena) opt to sit this one out, BW can still land 6”9 Arnold Van Opstal who can be the face and anchor of the franchise much like Sonny Thoss is/was over at Alaska.
2 Star – Arnold Van Opstal
They already have one too many young, up-and-coming guards and small forwards; adding Opstal will provide them with a center who can work off the ball opposite Ian Sangalang. If Opstal can learn the tricks of the trade from Marc Pingris, then each SMC team will now feature a dominant 6”9 giant which is something the rest of the league (aside from NLEX… and Phoenix) doesn’t. also, Juno Sauler is part of the coaching staff and should be given a shot at working with his DLSU big man once more.
3 Phoenix – Kiefer Ravena
There is room for Ravena at Phoenix, with only Chico Lanete, Josh Urbiztondo and Simon Enciso standing in his way at the point position and maybe Cyrus Baguio at shooting guard. Adding Ravena will not only help the team talent-wise, but also add more following thanks to his #Kiefly supporters.
4 Mahindra – Mac Belo
Imagine the damage L.A. Revilla could do once he is paired with a tall forward who is athletic, can shoot, rebound, play defense AND hustles? We’ve already seen how Revilla has made Aldrech Ramos and Nino Canaleta, spot-up shooters by trade, relevant, so adding Belo should work even better.
5 GlobalPort – Kevin Ferrer
Coach, nay, Team Consultant Franz Pumaren likes his players with spunk. One of his most prized players back in the day, Mac Cardona, was full of it. Ferrer is no different when he is actively engaged. He likes to stick his tongue out, he plays a bit of that street dirty defense, and has a solid 3-ball to boot. We know that you think they can’t add another scorer with Stanley Pringle and Terrence Romeo in the fold, but we would also like to remind you that Coach Franz made Mike Cortez-Mac Cardona/Ren Ritualo and Joseph Yeo work for a time—and how.
6 NLEX – Jio Jalalon
Stories have it that Coach Yeng Guiao wanted to pick Scottie Thompson in the draft but was vetoed by management and his assistants. Say what you will, but we think that played a factor in Coach Yeng’s decision to leave Rain or Shine somehow even if everyone’s saying nothing but good things. Now, Coach Yeng will enjoy a “do-over” with a guy who puts up similar NCAA Thompson numbers—if not better, as a natural point. Adding him will also allow Kevin Alas to move to being his natural scoring self alongside Garvo Lanete.
7 Meralco – Mathew Wright
Because a 6”4 sharp shooter, rumored to be better than Marcio Lassiter, does not come every day for a team that badly needs one. Right now, only Jimmy Alapag can stretch defenses out with his range. Maybe Jared Dillinger on a good day, but after those two? Nope. Nothing. They have a lot of workhorses inside so adding a shooter will definitely help open things up.
8 TNT – Mike Tolomia
Finally, a worthy back-up/ running buddy for The Blur. He may not be as strong as Castro, but his game is definitely molded to fit the Dribble Drive Offense (as the initiator) which TNT runs,
9 Rain or Shine – Russel Escoto
Bet money that either JayR Quinahan or Beau Belga leaves RoS to follow Coach Yeng Guiao at NLEX. Bet money. Raymond Almazan and Jewel Ponferada will definitely need another big man, and we feel that Coach Caloy Garcia will go for Escoto and move to an even faster style of play.
10 Ginebra – Roger Pogoy
A little under-the-radar, but definitely solid. Coach Tim Cone has had a long history with Southern-bred players, moreso someone like Pogoy who can be developed into a two-way player ala old hands Jojo Lastimosa and even Dondon Hontiveros. Basically, Pogoy can be groomed into the player that Mac Baracael was supposed to be, Aljon Mariano isn’t quick to play and Chris Ellis… eh… Chris Ellis.
11 Alaska – Chris Javier
Finally, a bruiser with size to help aging Sonny Thoss, frail Noy Baclao and “small” Vic Manuel. What you have to like about Javier is that even if he has been playing like an enforcer in college and Gilas, he doesn’t really have any noticeable attitude problems or air around him. Javier is a tireless, physical guy around the paint who can help address their immediate needs.
12. San Miguel – Ed Daquiaog
Daquioag blossomed in the UAAP last season as a legitimate slasher who relentlessly attacks the paint: hit or miss. There are still some flaws in his game such as if he is skilled enough to play point, shoot with consistency and even play defense, which should be fine at San Miguel who does not really need him to play heavy minutes right away. He can even spend time picking the brains of Alex Cabagnot, Chris Ross, Ryan Arana, Ronald Tubid and Brian Heruela and may even become the 2nd coming of UE’s/ SMB’s Bonbon Custodio during his rookie year.
Who do you think will make the Gilas 12? Who are your top 3 picks? Your “surprise/ darkhorse?”
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