Sixty-six players were included in the final list of applicants for the PBA Rookie Draft slated Sunday, May 15 at Robinsons Place Manila.
Brandon Rosser, Jeremiah Gray, Javi Gomez de Liano and Justin Arana were among the notable players eligible to be chosen in the annual proceedings based on the list released by the league Friday.
One notable name missing is Sedrick Barefield, who has yet to secure a Philippine passport.
Barefield was seen as a shoo-in first rounder, even being considered as a possible top pick of Blackwater.
The former NBA G-League player was the last major name to miss the draft after Justine Baltazar opted to pull out of the annual proceedings amid rumors that he’ll sign with a team in Japan’s B.League.
The absence of Barefield and Baltazar could lead to the possibility of Rosser’s name being to first to be called once the draft begins.
Former PBA 3x3 player Grey, ex-B.League cager Gomez de Liano and Arellano standout Arana could also figure as high first rounders.
Other prominent applicants are Encho Serrano, Ateneo’s Gian Mamuyac and Tyler Tio, Letran’s Jeo Ambohot, National University’s Shaun Ildefonso and Tyrus Hill.
Blackwater also holds two first round picks, Terrafirma will select second while Converge formally begins its PBA participation with the third and fourth overall selections.