The PBA is currently governed by an age limit rule of 30 for Fil-foreigners applying for the draft. However, there is a possibility that this rule might be reconsidered, pending the PBA Board's decision set to take place during their upcoming governors meeting at the end of this month. While PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial hasn't firmly stated either way, indications suggest that the board is inclined to revisit this rule. If the age limit is eliminated, it could pave the way for Fil-foreigners Jason Brickman and Stephen Holt, both over 30, to participate in the forthcoming draft at Market! Market! in Taguig on September 17. The deadline for submission of applications, whether from locals or Fil-foreigners, is September 10 at 5 p.m., at the PBA office in Eastwood.
As of the latest update, the PBA has received only three applications. Among these is Ken Tuffin, a Filipino-New Zealander who played four UAAP seasons with FEU. A 26-year-old 6-4 sharpshooting forward, Tuffin's Filipina mother hails from Rosario, La Union. As the application deadline nears, it is anticipated that there will be a surge in the number of applicants. Notably, participants from the recent PBA On Tour series are expected to join the mix, including players like Fran Yu from NorthPort, Kim Aurin and Ralph Cu from Ginebra, Jolo Mendoza from Converge, and Peter Alfaro, Cliff Jopia, Damie Cuntapay, and JV Gallego from TNT, along with Dominick Fajardo from NLEX.
Expressing interest in the draft is 31-year-old Stephen Holt, who holds a Philippine passport and qualifies as a Fil-foreigner if the PBA board lifts the age restriction for players over 30. Holt's potential impact in the PBA is undeniable. A 6-4 guard, he has a notable history, having played for the Atlanta Hawks in two NBA Summer Leagues and participated in various leagues across countries like Germany, Australia, Spain, Czech Republic, Poland, Kazakhstan, Slovenia, and Romania. Holt's basketball journey includes attending Jesuit High School in Beaverton, Oregon, and completing four NCAA D-1 years at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California. In his senior year in 2013-14, he averaged 15.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, with a 44.3 percent three-point shooting accuracy and an 83.1 percent free throw percentage in 34 games. Throughout his varsity years, Holt maintained a 10.8 average, playing 127 games, including 95 starts.
Is he worth drafting high?
With what I have seen, it can be worth it. The guy is a positive contributor on both ends. Even the advance numbers will tell you that. He can be a top 20 player right away.
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