FIL-AM guard Stephen Holt’s talent and experience proved to be enough for Terrafirma–despite the Dyip’s immediate need for big men–to cast their lot with him yesterday.
Terrafirma tabbed Holt as the first pick overall in the 48th season PBA rookie Draft at the Ayala Malls Market! Market! in Taguig.
“I’m a two-player. I’m committed on both ends of the floor, on offense and defense,” the 6-foot-4 Holt said via Zoom. “I’m pretty athletic, can rebound (and) can get to the basket.”
Holt, 31, was in the United States during the annual proceedings due to a family emergency.
Six-foot-6 Fil-Canadian big man Christian David out of Butler University was drafted No. 2 by Blackwater in the first round where Fil-foreign players made up 11 of the 12 selections.
Rain or Shine chose former University of the East standout Luis Villegas and 3×3 mainstay Keith Datu with the third and fourth picks.
University of the Philippines product Zavier Lucero was taken by NorthPort at No. 5, followed by NLEX which got Richie Rodger at No. 6.
Meralco took former La Salle slotman Brandon Bates at eighth overall, while Converge opted for former Green Archer star Deschon Winston and former Ateneo skipper BJ Andrade at Nos. 9 and 10.
The Batang Pier used their 11th pick on former Arellano center Cade Flores, while the Dyip closed out the first round by linking up with Taylor James Miller.
Terrafirma got the second round going by choosing former San Beda and Japan B. League player Kemark Cariño as the first pick followed by the FiberXers, Elasto Painters, and Fuel Masters who got Bryan Santos, Henry Galinato, Raffy Verano, and Ricci Rivero at Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively.
The Road Warriors selected Enoch Valdez (No. 6) before Converge and the Bossing went with JL Delos Santos and James Kwekuteye (No. 7).
NLEX, Terrafirma, Ginebra, and Rain or Shine wound up with Jhan Nermal, Louie Sangalang, Ralph Cu, and Adrian Nocum with the ninth, 10th, 11th, and 12th picks of the second round.
A record 124 applicants applied for the pro league Draft.
