by rick olivares
Our mock draft picks for the first round were
obviously written before news that Rain
or Shine gunner Paul Lee asked for a trade prompting the club to reevaluate its
draft considerations.
Now instead of going for Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, they
could go for Chris Banchero.
Should they still tab Matt Ganuelas-Rosser with the
number two pick they will look for a shooter with their ninth pick. Remember
this club still has Jeff Chan, Ryan Araña and Jeric Teng. Ganuelas-Rosser can
play several positions so they like that versatility.
If they go with Matt as their top pick, there are
three choices they could go with for the ninth pick: Juneric Baloria, Jeff
Viernes or Roider Cabrera.
Baloria and Viernes are players who can finish a
fastbreak and can help attack the boards. Cabrera is 6’3” and has very good
distance. But he is a streak shooter and one you need to set up as he isn’t
adept at creating his own space. Sometimes, he’s used like a specialist. He will
need to work on creating his own shot if he will want to get more playing time.
But when he’s on, he’s on.
I figure they will go with Baloria with their ninth
pick.
Having said all that, let’s take a look at the
possible second round draft choices of the 2014 Gatorade PBA Draft.
1. Alaska Aces selects Harold Arboleda
Probably one of the more overlooked players because
he stands 6’1”. But Harold can bring down the ball, pass, rebound, defend
probably up to the three-spot (just not players who are three inches or more
taller than him), and shoot. He’s a pest and does things with a poker face.
This guy could be the heir to Freddie Abuda except he has more offensive
skills. One of Perpetual Help’s Fantastic Four.
2. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters selects Jeff Viernes
This is insurance if Baloria doesn’t work out well
with them because this is a combo guard who can also light it up.
3. Barako Bull Energy selects Prince Caperal
If because of the Paul Lee situation, RoS lets
Ganuelas-Rosser slide to three, Barako will tab him addressing their need for a
big (but he needs to bulk up big time as he is more of an outside/wing player).
If RoS also selects Juneric Baloria before them, they
could go with Jake Pascual further adding some height to their team.
Now for insurance, they could still go with Prince
Caperal.
His first few years with Arellano University in the
NCAA were marked by bad decisions, poor shot selections and shooting and not so
great defense. The started playing better last year and that continued this
year. Good baseline jumper and has become a slightly better defensive player.
Not the draft for four and five spot players but is
probably one of the “better ones”. Needs to toughen up mentally and physically
if he wants to be effective in the PBA or else he will go the way of former FEU
standout Reil Cervantes in the pros.
Coach Siot, he can help just got instill this in him.
4. Alaska Aces selects Mclean Sabellina
With Gabby Espinas still unavailable, Sabellina could
be an excellent pick up for Alex Compton. Athletic, moves well without the ball
and doesn’t take too many shots (kinda economical). Plus, the kid can sky and
jam!
5. GlobalPort Batang Pier selects Rome dela Rosa
How could Rome with all his championships and
accolades fall this far?
For one thing, there’s his height of 6’2” that would
normally put him in the two-spot in the pros. He played that spot in San Beda
but more of a lot of three. The kid can shoot, finish the break and is a very
good defensive player. His advantage is he can create his own shot.
6. Barako Bull Energy selects Rocky Acidre
I know these guys are looking for bigs.
Unfortunately, this draft doesn’t have it. If they don’t have Banchero, they
could select Philip Aaron Morrison in the first round and former Arellano
University Chief Rocky Acidre as another point guard.
Acidre is like one of those Denok Miranda type guards
– stocky (although Rocky is now leaner), can shoot, and drive. Needs to make
better decisions with that ball though. But very good upside.
7. GlobalPort Batang Pier selects David Semerad
The banger of the Semerad twins. Doesn’t have the
range of Anthony but can still put it in the hole. Better defensively though.
You want this kid to be more effective – give him some minutes so he will get
his confidence going.
8. Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters selects Juami Tiongson
Possibly a sleeper pick. Not one of the more heralded
Ateneo Blue Eagles but has always been quietly effective. There is no doubting
his playmaking skills. Now if he can hit those outside shots with regularity,
they could have the heir to Jimmy Alapag when he hangs it up.
9. Rain or Shine Elasto Painter selects Philip Paniamogan
Always been a fan of Jose Rizal University’s long-range
bomber. There is no doubt that he can shoot. But he can pass and is underrated
defensively. But Philip stands 5’11” so he will also have to work on his ball
handling skills so he could also be playing some point guard duties. He does
that for JRU as well but the pros are a different animal.
Going to Yeng Guiao could be good for Paniamogan as
he will get minutes and coach always gives chances to his players to shine.
10. San Miguel Beer selects Roider Cabrera
Oh, hey! SMB decided to join the draft party (pun
intended). Yes, he can shoot. As we said earlier, has been mostly like a
specialist. But he will need get out of that tag as he will only come in for
situations. Can play some defense too. If he goes to this ballclub then it will
be a reunion with his old college coach in Leo Austria who will definitely give
him minutes.
11. Blackwater Sports selects Quinton Heruela
The Cebuano guard is bulldog-tough. Can shoot and has
leadership material.
12. KIA Sports selects Jackson Corpuz
Another possible sleeper. Athletic. Inside operator.
Likes to drive to the basket. If he can create for his teammates then he’ll be
a better player.
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