Coaches focus on Fil-foreign bets

There are few players whom I think would fit in our system. I’m not just sure who will be available by the time we get our chance to pick

Filipino-foreign players would be the center of attention when teams open their doors for private workouts in preparation for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Annual Rookie Draft on 14 March.

Meralco coach Norman Black and Phoenix Super LPG mentor Topex Robinson said they would take a closer look on players with foreign roots, especially those who saw limited action in local leagues such as the PBA D-League and the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

Black and Robinson didn’t mention any names, but sideliners believe that former De La Salle University star Jamie Malonzo, 3x3 campaigner Joshua Munzon, former Asean Basketball League standouts Jason Brickman, Jeremiah Gray and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser would draw a lot of invitations.

Malonzo and Munzon are projected to be taken very early in the selection process that would be done virtually while Brickman, Gray and Ganuelas-Rosser could end up in the first round pending the completion of their draft requirements.

Black said they are closely monitoring these developments before deciding whom to tap with their ninth pick in the first round.

“We are really interested to see how many Fil-Ams (Filipino-Americans) can complete their papers because that will determine how deep this draft will really be and who would drop when we take our turn at No. 9,” said Black in a text message.

“At this time, (Meralco team manager) Paolo Trillo is already setting up workouts, but I’m not yet sure who are the guys who have already committed.”

This would be the first time for teams to use private workouts in evaluating the talent of their prospects after the league decided to call off the annual Draft Combine due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

Black, however, said he already has an idea on the players who would fit into their system.

“There are few players whom I think would fit in our system.

I’m not just sure who will be available by the time we get our chance to pick. The deadline on 5 March will clear things up,” said Black, whose team beefed up its frontcourt with the acquisition of Mac Belo from Blackwater.

Like Black, Robinson is also monitoring the Fil-foreign prospects that will be eligible in the draft.

“As of now, we haven’t invited anyone yet. We are still waiting for the final list of players, especially the Fil-Ams,” he said.