Aklanon, Negrense picked in PBA Draft

MAINLA – Aklanon forward Keith Zaldivar and Negrense guard John Rey Villanueva were a step closer to their PBA dreams after being selected in the Season 47 Rookie Draft last night at Robinsons Place in Ermita, Manila.

The 6- f oot- 6 Za l d i var, who played for the Adamson University Falcons in the UAAP Season 84 men’s basketball, was selected at No. 12 overall by the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots.

“Makakaasa po ang Magnolia na ibibigay ko ‘ yung best ko. Handa naman po ako kung ano man ang ipagawa sa akin ng mga coaching staff,” the former Adamson University Falcons forward said.

The 6- foot- 0 Villanueva, a native of Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, was drafted in the fourth round by TNT Tropang Giga. He previously played for University of Perpetual Help Altas and suited up for several teams in Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

Filipino-American forward Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser was the top-overall pick by the Blackwater Bossing, which also snagged Kurt Lojera at No.9 and Mark Dyke at No. 11.

Jeremiah Gray was the No.2 overall pick by the Terrafirma Dyip but will only be available to play for the team next year as he recovers from Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury.

Converge FiberXers, formerly Alaska Aces, made centers Jeo Ambohot and Justin Arana as their No. 3 and No. 4 pick.

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters drafted Gian Mamuyac at No. 5 and John Michael Calma at No.6 to NorthPort Batang Pier; Tyrus Hill to NLEX Road Warriors at No.7; Javier Gomez de Liaño to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings

at No.8 and Shaun Ildefonso to the Painters at No. 10.

Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters had four selections in the second round in Christian Tyler Tio (14th), Chris Lalata (16th), FlorencioSerrano(19th), and Antonio Joson (23rd).

Others drafted in the second round were Renato Ular (Bossing), Kameron Valles ( FiberXers),

Jhonard Clarito and Ronnel Ramirez (Painters), Jayson David (Kings), Chester Saldua (Road Warriors), Christian Fajarito (Meralco Bolts), and Carlo de Chavez (Hotshots).

Picked in the third round were Darryl Pascual (Bossing), Allen Mina (Dyip), Jose Go (FiberXers), Alvin Baetiong (Fuel Masters), Raffy Octobre (Elasto Painters), John Apacible (Batang Pier), Levi dela Cruz ( Road Warriors), Rence Alcoriza (Kings), Jerwyn Guinto ( San Miguel Beermen), John

Española (Bolts), Roberto Bartolo Jr. (TNT Tropang Giga) and Orlan Wamar Jr. (Hotshots).

Others selected in the draft were Shaquille Alanes, Sandy Cenal and Red Cachuela (Dyip), Leonardo Esguerra, Niño Ibañez, and Nicole Ubalde (Fuel Masters), Lyndon Colina, John Gonzaga and CJ Cadua ( Beermen); Earvin Lacsamana and Arthur Navasero (Bossing), Jhon Caspe and Yves Sason (Batang Pier); Andrey Armenion (Bolts) and Garciano Puerto Jr.(Hotshots)./