October 07 News and Rumors Recap: NLEX, Rookie Draft Order and etc.

As I watch the finals, I decided to make a quick recap of the news and rumors around the league.

NEWS
Stay Put: NLEX wants to keep Coach Boyet in the group

According to the general manager of NLEX, they offered Coach Boyet Fernandez a job involving the basketball activity of the group. It was not specific but I believe he is referring to MVP group. 

The signing of Coach Yeng Guiao is an upgrade not a replacement. I never doubted Coach Boyet's ability. He has proven that in winning titles with an underdog squad, Sta. Lucia Realtors -2008, and favorites, San Beda Red Lions. And if you check the overall record for all the teams this season, I think, they overachieved. Coach Boyet deserves to be a coach in the PBA and I am hoping he find another opportunity.

The Hopefuls: The 2016 Draft Order is out

I am pretty sure that the fans of the ten teams that are on vacation already are looking forward to this. So here it is: 

First Round
1 Blackwater
2 Phoenix (from Star)
3 Ginebra ( from Phoenix)
4 Mahindra
5 Star (from GlobalPort)
6 San Miguel (from NLEX)
7 Meralco
8 NLEX (from TNT)
9 Rain or Shine
10 Ginebra
11 Alaska
12 Phoenix (from San Miguel)

Second Round
1 NLEX (from Blackwater)
2 Rain or Shine (from Star)
3 GlobalPort (from Phoenix)
4 Meralco (from Mahindra)
5 Alaska (from GlobalPort)
6 Rain or Shine (from NLEX)
7 GlobalPort (from Meralco)
8 Phoenix (from TNT)
9 Rain or Shine
10 Mahindra (from Ginebra)
11 Alaska
12 Phoenix (from San Miguel)

The biggest takeaway for me was that Star never intended to be that bad this season. Their 2016 1st was first traded to Globalport in 2014 draft and then Globalport traded it to Phoenix/Barako. Now, Phoenix better pray that the rumored Gilas cadets will be allowed to join for them to maximize that blessing.

RUMOR
Leethal Trade: Paul Lee will be the next one to go?
Factuality Meter - 50%


After an explosive decision by coach Yeng Guiao, a lot of eyes has turned their focus on Paul Lee. The talks got louder after he gave an interview with Spin.ph about the departure of Coach Yeng. "
Pero syempre, kung ako masusunod, gusto ko si Coach Yeng pa rin coach ko. Pero di ko sinasabi na gusto kong lumipat dun ha. Kasi kay Coach Yeng ako nagsimula eh, kabisado ko na siya saka siya ang nag-draft sa akin... Parang natatakot tuloy ako ngayon sa future ko kasi nalipat siya. Pero kahit papaano, happy ako kasi nakasama ko siya rito, nalipat ako sa ibang team tapos kinuha niya ulit ako.”

I am willing to bet that Rain or Shine will let him go this offseason. I think, a lot things is pointing into a little bit of makeover for the Rain or Shine franchise. With enough diligence, Rain or Shine will get a good return for him. Don't get me wrong, if Rain or Shine can fix their rumored financial issues, keeping Paul is still a good decision.