STATE U STARS DESIDERIO, DARIO BEAT PBA DRAFT DEADLINE

University of the Philippines stars Paul Desiderio and Diego Dario brought to 48 the total number of Rookie Draft applicants as they beat Monday’s deadline for those wanting to be a part of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) starting the 44th season next year.

The PBA’s decision to extend the deadline for local play- ers from Dec. 3 to Dec. 10 allowed the duo to make the list after playing for the Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball finals against eventual champion Ateneo Blue Eagles.

The official list of applicants, which surpassed last season’s total of 44, won’t be released until Dec. 14, or two days before the draft proceedings at Robinsons Place in Ermita, Manila.

All rookie hopefuls will also undergo the traditional Draft Combine scheduled Dec. 12 and 13 at Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City.

The trio of Lyceum’s CJ Perez, Asean Basketball League’s Bobby Ray Parks, and San Beda’s Robert Bolick lead the Class of 2018.

Columbian owns the right to the no. 1 pick.

Trevis Jackson, Matt Salem, Bong Quinto, Robbie Manalang, Abu Tratter, John Paul Calvo, Michael Calisaan, Teytey Teodoro, Javee Mocon, and Carlos Isit were among the early applicants.

Incidentally, three players with the same surname are included in the draft—Kyles Lao of UP, Kent Jefferson Lao of University of Santo Tomas, and Edrian Lao of University of the Visayas.

Last year, Filipino-German Christian Standhardinger was selected by San Miguel Beer as the top rookie pick.