THE OFFICIAL list of aspirants looking to make their dreams of being in the big league come true has reached 71, bringing the anticipation for the 2012 PBA Draft to fever pitch with the event just a few weeks away on Aug. 19 at the Midtown Robinson’s Place Manila.
Headlining the late applicants was former Ateneo and Smart-Gilas Pilipinas stalwart Chris Tiu, who confirmed recently his application after days of waiting. This development adds even more choices to this deep draft that is being bannered by Cebuano big man June Mar Fajardo, who is widely expected to be taken first by the Petron Blaze Boosters.
With the 27-year-old Tiu finally throwing his hat in the Draft, the proceedings especially in the first round are expected to take a lot of turns with Alaska selecting at no. 2, followed by Petron, Meralco, and Barako Bull (acquired from Petron).
Tiu, the former team captain of Smart Gilas-Pilipinas, is projected a first-round pick by league scouts alongside reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player Calvin Abueva, former national team players Aldrech Ramos and Fil-Ams Cliff Hodge and Chris Ellis, and PBA D-League MVP Vic Manuel.
Completing the picks in the opening round are Ginebra at no. 6 (acquired from Powerade), Rain or Shine, Ginebra, B-Meg, and Talk `N Text.
Fil-Ams also come in abundance in this Draft with Hodge and Ellis as among the notables. But also under the radar of scouts include Jason Deutchman, Charles Keith Jansen, and Alex Mallari.
The final list of candidates for the official Draft will be issued by the league on August 16. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio