Cardel vows Columbian will not trade No. 1 overall pick

Columbian Dyip coach Johnedel Cardel made it clear Thursday that his team will keep the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s PBA Rookie Draft scheduled Sunday at Robinsons Place in Ermita, Manila.

“No, we’re not trading the pick. We’ll definitely use it in the draft,” said Cardel, adding that Columbian is leaning on former NCAA Most Valuable Player CJ Perez of Lyceum.

Last year, the franchise faced harsh criticisms after it traded its top pick to powerhouse San Miguel Beer with which the Beermen grabbed 6-foot- 8 Fil-German center Christian Standhardinger to team up with then four-time Best Player of the Conference June Mar Fajardo.

Cardel, who took over the coaching reins left by Ricky Dandan midway in the Philippine Cup last season, was present on the final day of the Draft Combine at the Gatorade Hoops gym in Mandaluyong City to eyeball the pro aspirants particularly Perez.

“I know CJ (Perez). This is not the first time for me to see him play,” said Cardel in Filipino. “But it’s different when you see him play in an actual game.”

Cardel added Perez is an “energy guy” who can fuel a squad throughout, and who has a good attitude – qualities that he wants for Columbian.

He can also see Perez teaming up with Rashawn McCarthy and Jeremy King at the backcourt.

Columbian’s coaching staff is set to meet with top management, led by team governor Bobby Rosales, today to discuss the team’s plans. The team also has the No. 11 pick in the first round.

Meanwhile, a trade proposal has been submitted to the Commissioner’s Office where Phoenix Fuel is to send its No. 4 overall pick to NLEX for veteran players Alex Mallari and Dave Marcelo, a source said Thursday.

If approved, the Fuel Masters will gain more depth in their backcourt where the 6-foot-2 Mallari will join RJ Jazul, LA Ravilla and Jelo Alolino.