(c) PBA Media Bureau
Alaska Aces: Carl Bryan Cruz
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel: Kevin Ferrer
Blackwater Elite: Mac Belo
GlobalPort Batang Pier: Von Pessumal
Mahindra Floodbuster: Russel Escoto
Meralco Bolts: Ed Daquioag
NLEX Road Warriors: Alfonzo Gotladera
Phoenix Fuel Masters: Matthew Wright
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters: Mike Tolomia
San Miguel Beermen: Arnold Van Opstal
Star Hotshots: Jio Jalalon
TNT KaTropa: Roger Pogoy
What if a proper draft was conducted back then and all the executives and decision-makers knew what happened up to this point?
How will the draft look?
Let us see:
#1 Mac Belo
Yes, Matthew Wright and Roger Pogoy have been the most impressive players out of the draft, especially in terms of scoring. The problem is, both of them are very inefficient. Mac Belo has shown that he clearly has the potential of being an above-average player on both ends of the court and maybe more.
#2 Matthew Wright
Wright has been one of the most prolific scorers in the league in the last two years and easily in the next five years, at least. Last season, he averaged 17.8 points in 41.2% 3FG per game. This season, he is putting up 18.7 points per game. He is not only a scorer but he can also create for others and is also a credible rebounder.
#3 RR Pogoy
RR is having a breakout conference, which can easily materialize into a breakout season. He is currently the 4th best scorer in the league, manufacturing 19.5 points per game in 43% shooting in the field. For a wing, his 7.6 rebounds per game is also elite. Add the fact that he is also a gritty defender and you have a player worthy of the 3rd pick.
#4 Jio Jalalon
If Magnolia/Star was not the team that got him, I think the Jio that we know today would have been very different. The Bus Driver developed behind Mark Barroca, Paul Lee and Justin Melton and today, there is an argument that he is as good as those three. His size is still a problem but the skill level is really high.
#5 Kevin Ferrer
Yes, I know. If Mac Belo is disappointing a lot of people, Ferrer may have disappointed millions for playing for the most popular ball club in the country. Ferrer though is still only 26 years old, in the same age-range as Bobby Ray Parks and CJ Perez. His shooting is legit, although inconsistent. His athleticism may have been overrated but his length is a real asset.
#6 Russel Escoto
If a guy is a legit 6'5 and can hit three-pointers, you should take a chance on him. Escoto is currently shooting 39% from beyond the arc. Although the other parts of his game is still a mystery, shooting from beyond the arc is an excellent foundational skill for a bigman.
#7 Von Pessumal
When he joined the 2016 draft, the #1 selling point of Von was shooting. This season, he is finally meeting the hype. He is knocking down 2.2 long bombs per game at an absurd 45% rate. He has good size for a wing and had shown glimpses of having other good skills.
#8 Rashawn McCarthy
I forgot to say that the other draftees are of course part of this exercise. Rashawn was the 6th pick in the 1st round of that draft (2nd round in substance). This season, he is putting up 14.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 33% 3FG per game.
#9 Carl Bryan Cruz
The number of injuries to Alaska this conference has open the door for CBC to show what he got. He is answering the call with his statline of 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 40% 3FG per game. His ability to hit catch and shoot threes is pretty enticing.
#10 Ed Daquioag
He is easily the most explosive guard in this draft. Although he has not been given the opportunity to showcase his ware as a starter, his off-the-bench play is still respectable. Unfortunately, he has failed to upgrade his shooting into a respectable level.
#11 Arnold Van Opstal
Height is might in the PBA. Actually, AVO was not only hyped because of his height and size but also his fluidity in the court. I think I would rather gamble on his upside at this pick than get the other available players.
#12 Jonathan Grey
From the get-go, Grey exhibited that he is a bucket-getter. He is currently producing 8.5 points in 50% shooting. His 39% from beyond the arc is also respectable and if you add his athleticism, you have a prospect worth taking a chance in the 1st round.
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