THE PBA Season 49 draft attracted a total of 70 applicants comprising some of local amateur's top stars and a mix of Fil-foreign players who had extensive stints in overseas leagues.
College champion players CJ Cansino, Dave Ildefonso, Mark Nonoy, Kai Ballungay, Evan Nelle, Pao Javillonar, and Peter Alfaro as well as highly-touted prospects such as RJ Abarrientos, Sedrick Barefield, Caelan Tiongson, and Justin Baltazar are among those who made themselves available for this year's rookie draft set on July 14 at Glorietta Makati.
Last year, a record 128 draftees applied with Fil-Am Stephen Holt emerging as the no. 1 overall pick tabbed by Terrafirma.
For the coming season, Converge owns the top rookie selection, the first in the history of the organization since acquiring the Alaska franchise in 2022.
A two-day Draft Combine set July 10-11 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig will be held to showcase the physical, mental, and athletic skills of all applicants through various tests, physical measurements, and a number of 5-on-5 games.
Sponsored content: After the Combine, the list will be trimmed by the league to its final number in time for draft day.
Blackwater selects after Converge at no. 2 followed by Terrafirma, Phoenix, and Northport.
NLEX gets its turn at no. 6 and then Rain or Shine for the next two picks at seventh and eighth, Magnolia at ninth, and Barangay Ginebra at 10th.
Rounding up the first round selection are Meralco at no. 11 and San Miguel. (RG)
