Four Implications of the 2016 PBA Draft
The draft is the best way to learn the current mindsets of the franchises around the league. So, here is our five takeaways from the draft.
Alaska and Rain or Shine uphold their integrity
Wanna know the reason why Alaska and Rain or Shine passed on their 1st round selections? Spin.ph provided the answer. “Marami kaming gusto kaya lang wala na kaming slot eh. Parang unfair sa players na kukunin namin pero ‘di naman namin mapapapirma," coach Alex Compton said.
“We don’t want to give a player false hope. Baka may ibang team na may gusto sa kanila. Since kami, we see that our lineup is already complete, medyo masaya na kami sa nakuha namin." Coach Caloy Garcia said.
Respect to both franchises. They could have used their picks to get the best available players that the other teams could be targeting. Actually, simply using the picks would give additional wrinkles to their competitors. But they did not do because they value the players.
The universities outside Metro Manila is starting to produced
PBA drafts were always dominated by the collegiate players from the NCAA and UAAP, including this one actually. But in the "2nd Round" of the draft and because of the Gilas draft, some focus were given to the prospects outside those leagues. Saint Clare finally saw their first ever alumnus to be drafted in the league. I am hoping that this will give more drive to these universities to put more effort and capital on their basketball programs.
TNT is looking to get younger
There is only one reason why the powerhouse TNT Ka Tropa used their "4th", "5th" and "6th" picks, it is time to replace their old bench players with some younger legs. Tim Habelito, Mikee Reyes and Levi Hernandez may still find themselves outside the team when the league start but expect TNT to make some trades to get younger players.
Globalport gave us a sign that the days of the Romeo-Pringle tandem will be over soon?
I was quite confused when Globalport used three of their four picks to get wings and guards in the draft. Maybe, they just want plenty of options in choosing the guys behind their starting backcourt. Maybe.
