Perez, Parks projected to be first two picks

As Columbian Dyip enters its fifth season in the PBA, coach John Cardel intends to field in a competitive lineup that is built around consensus top rookie CJ Perez.

Cardel insists the Dyip are sticking to their original plan of making Perez the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 Gatorade PBA Draft scheduled this Sunday at the Robinsons Place Ermita.

"Still the same. There are a lot of people asking us after Rayray Parks joined the draft but we're sticking with the original plan of drafting [Perez]," Cardel told ESPN5 on Monday.

Cardel said he is still discussing team management how to shape the rest of the 2019 roster. Aside from the top overall pick, the Dyip have the No. 11 pick that was acquired as part of the controversial trade with San Miguel last year. The Beermen landed Christian Standhardinger.

University of the Philippines's Paul Desiderio and Diego Dario were the last applicants as the 2018 Gatorade PBA Draft officially closed with 48 aspirants.

Bobby Ray Parks, who is slated to be among the top three picks in this Sunday's PBA Rookie Draft, might not be able to attend the proceedings due to commitments with his ABL team.

"Of course, I have some players I want to be part of the team and [management has] players they want also. So now, after the No. 1 pick, we still have to discuss who to select at no. 11," Cardel said.

The Dyip closed the 2018 season by just winning once in the Governors' Cup en route to compiling an aggregate 6-27 record, tying their worst campaign just the previous year.

It will be a long rebuild for the Dyip and the franchise is considering a number of options. —