PBA Draft 2020: Who’s first overall?
THE Philippine basketball landscape may witness a sudden exodus of players as the Japan B.League fills out its Asian player quota. The two countries have a long sports history and there is an air of mutual respect.
Japan does not seem to discriminate much and their league is laser-focused on improving their product. As sports administration is a microcosm of the actual government, you can see why they have faster progress than we do.
Exposure to international leagues, especially in a country where discipline reigns, is good for all the players who get the opportunity. But the harsh reality is that not all players who have the intention will get offers, and not all who receive offers will take it. Especially those who are already receiving fat paychecks and are comfortably entrenched.
The PBA takes a hit
Nevertheless, the PBA will not remain unscathed. Ravena was already being groomed as the possible top pick, or top five at least. Homegrown Kai Sotto may even make the NBA. Two players that already have huge fanbases, that could definitely draw crowds in the arenas (when fans are allowed again), are out of the PBA’s reach.
The rumors on Calvin Abueva and Terrence Romeo may be the tip of the iceberg. There are 48 teams in Japan’s three divisions, and if all of them are shopping for Asian players, the demand for Filipino players suddenly spikes.
PBA needs to get creative. The promotion and relegation model format is a proven system. It is very successful in European football and basketball leagues. Even the NBA is considering mid-season tournaments that has a similar purpose. We are still stuck with 12 teams like the NBA in the 70s.
PBA 2020 Draft
The PBA will definitely take steps to get new stars, or at least make sure they corral those who are left behind. This is an attempt to speculate on the composition of the PBA Draft 2020 based on fan analysis and reading between the lines. I won’t dare speculate on the format, or how to determine the rankings. We don’t even know if that one conference will push through, and this is an unprecedented situation.
Jamie Malonzo – He has strong SMC ties, which could mean that if he falls to any of their teams, he will be paid close to whatever Japan can offer. He is definitely groomed for this and he could likely be the first overall pick. That is why I’m very curious about how the draft order will be determined, as this answers the question on how SMC can ensure they keep Malonzo.
In contrast, Justine Baltazar still has eligibility for college, and if the college season does not push through, he might stay another year — and be the top pick for 2022,
Kobe Paras – The PBA has been salivating for a Paras-Malonzo matchup as the headline. Kobe has already been to the US and competed around the world in high school and college games, 3X3 and dunk contests. He’s seen it all, and somehow, he came back to UP. It’s probable that he likes his status here. Unless a Japanese team throws a Godfather offer on him.
Ricci Rivero – Both Paras and Ricci would exhaust their eligibility for UP next season. He is already a star here, and his heavy iso-game with the Eurostep is suited for the pros.
Alvin Pasaol/ Santi Santillan – two college big names that skipped the PBA. Their game is tailor made for 3x3. They may also struggle to compete with much taller big men in the international league. They’d fit right in with the PBA.
As for the other Chooks to Go 3X3 players, they’re the ones most likely being targeted by the PBA’s ban threat. Adding Joshua Munzon, Troy Rike and Taylor Statham to a PBA roster will surely take them to the next level, but they would likely examine all options first.
Who won’t be there? Javi and Juan Gomez de Liano took a leave from UP to wait for their youngest brother, so all four of them could play together in Diliman when Kobe and Ricci move on.