It's become a familiar and increasingly painful narrative for the PBA: another high-profile forward is gone. With the recent departures of Jamie Malonzo (Kyoto, Japan), William Navarro (Busan, Korea), and Arvin Tolentino (Seoul, Korea), a clear pattern has emerged. The international leagues, particularly in Japan and Korea, have found a sweet spot in targeting the PBA’s versatile, athletic forward position.
These are players who possess a combination of size, skill, and mobility that is highly valued in the Asian basketball landscape. They can defend multiple positions, stretch the floor with their shooting, and attack the basket with ferocity—a skill set that is not easily replaced. The PBA has become a fertile ground for these international clubs to poach talent, leaving local teams scrambling to fill significant voids.
So, who could be next? The scouting reports are already being written, and these three players are likely at the top of the list for teams looking for the next Filipino forward to make a splash overseas.
3. Christian David
Currently playing for Blackwater, Christian David is a perfect example of the type of player international teams are looking for. While he may play more as a big man in the PBA due to his size and strength, his athletic gifts are undeniable. Standing at 6'6" with a solid frame and explosive leaping ability, he has the physical tools to play a versatile wing position in Japan or Korea, where that kind of all-around athleticism is prized. His raw talent and potential for development make him a very attractive, high-upside prospect for a team willing to invest in his future.
2. Calvin Oftana
After the departure of Arvin Tolentino, TNT's Calvin Oftana has a strong case to be considered the best "3-and-D" forward in the PBA. He has proven to be an elite shooter from beyond the arc and a disciplined, effective defender. Oftana is an ideal modern forward, capable of creating his own shot but also thriving in a system where he can space the floor and lock down the opposing team’s best scorer. He is a proven winner, and his well-rounded, no-nonsense game is exactly what international teams, especially those in a rebuilding phase, would want to build around.
1. Zav Lucero
The top player on this list is arguably the most promising of the bunch. Zav Lucero has already shown flashes of brilliance in his young career with Magnolia. He is a talented and skilled forward who can score inside and out, and his basketball IQ is through the roof. While Magnolia will undoubtedly do everything in its power to keep him for at least another season, it is hard to ignore the potential he has to become a star in an international league. His ability to create for himself and others, combined with his length and defensive versatility, would make him an immediate impact player overseas. If he continues to develop at his current rate, it’s not a question of if he will get an offer, but when.
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