ANOTHER bumper crop of rookies is expected to join the PBA next season, with applicants for the coming PBA Annual Draft hitting 50 ahead of its 5 p.m. deadline today.
Ateneo stalwarts Isaac Go, Adrian Wong, Vince Tolentino and twin brothers Matt and Mark Nieto are among the notables who have applied for the 2019 PBA Draft on Dec. 8 at the Robinson’s Place Manila.
The rest include Adamson’s Sean Manganti, Letran’s Jeric Balanza and Bonbon Batiller, Allyn Bulanadi of San Sebastian, twin brothers Jayvee and Jaycee Marcelino of Lyceum, William McAloney of EAC, Rey Suerte of UE, Cris Dumapig of CEU, Gwen Combo of FEU, Kid Montalbo of La Salle, Michael Salado of Arellano, Christopher Bitoon of St. Clare and Rian Michael Ayon-ayon of PCU.
PBA coaches will get a glimpse of what these rookie hopefuls can do in the two-day Draft Combine set Dec. 4 and 5 at the Hoops Center in Mandaluyong.
Columbian Dyip and Blackwater will be the teams watching most keenly as they have the rights to the first two picks.
Keenly awaited is the decision of three-time UAAP Finals MVP Thirdy Ravena of Ateneo.
Five other Fil-foreign bets have applied. They are Daryl Singontiko, Roosevelt Adams, Mark Taylor, Jason Riley and Travis Thompson.
Applicants have until 5 p.m. this Saturday to withdraw.
