Meralco coach Norman Black said the talent pool in this year’s PBA Rookie Draft could be an exceptional one if some of the Fil-foreigners can submit necessary requirements before Friday’s deadline.
“It can be very special, I believe,” Black said in an interview with One Sports’ The Game. “But my only concern is how many of the (Fil-foreigners) will be able to complete their papers by the deadline. That will really determine the strength of this draft.”
About 17 players have until Friday to submit a certification from the Bureau of Immigration and an affirmation from the Department of Justice, or otherwise be removed from the list of applicants in the annual proceedings.
Some of the Fil-foreigners who have yet to secure the said documents are projected to be among the first rounders, namely Jason Brickman and Taylor Statham.
Brickman is considered as the best point guard in the draft while Statham could cause some intrigue among teams with his all-around game at 6-foot-6.
Other players who are scrambling to get the papers done are guard Jeremiah Gray and big man Brandon Rosser.
“If a lot of them can’t complete their papers, and of course the draft won’t be as strong as if they could,” said Black. “So we just have to wait and see for the deadline, and see how many are able to get their papers in, and that will determine exactly how strong this draft will be.”
The Bolts own the ninth pick in the first round, and Black said that they’ll go for the best talent available by the time they get their turn.