PBA Draft

Get to know Barangay Ginebra’s First Round Pick Engr. Jett Manuel

Barangay Ginebra selects Jett Manuel as the 12th pick in the 2017 PBA Draft (Credits to PBA Media Bureau)

Sure, ball is life for every basketball player, but not in the case of Barangay Ginebra’s recent first-round pick in the #2017PBADraft, Jett Manuel.
Ball is not the only life for Engr. Jett Manuel. Yes, you heard it right. Manuel is a licensed civil engineer having passed the May 2017 board exam for civil engineers.
The former UP Fighting Maroon is a certified engineer-athlete!
In comparing to a PBA veteran, Manuel is more of a right-handed version of Rain or Phoenix Fuel Masters’ Jeff Chan playing both shooting guard and small forward positions.  He is working on shifting to a point guard position.
Standing 6 foot 2, the 24-year-old cager last played for Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas in the 2017 Fiba Asia Champions Cup in Chenzhou, China, where he averaged 6.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 18.8 minutes of play.
He averaged 15.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in his senior year in UAAP Season 79.

A Wheeler’s Opinion: The Standhardinger Saga: Who will Benefit?

Reminder: He will not play in the PBA until the ABL season is finished

With Standhardinger’s possible disqualification, who will be the top pick? (Photo by the PBA Media Bureau)

He didn’t show up yesterday at the Draft Combine 2017 because he was practicing with his Hong Kong team who are preparing for the upcoming new season of the Asian Basketball League which kicks off this November. 
He is expected to miss a big chunk of the next PBA season assuming he gets drafted at this Sunday’s PBA Draft. And yes, Christain Standhardinger has indicated that he will attend the draft rites at Robinson’s Place Manila. 
Oh and by the way, remember the trade deal which would have sent Kia’s rights to pick Standhardinger as the top pick to the San Miguel Beermen in exchange for 3 bench warmers, future draft picks and tons of cash? That deal has been forwarded to the commissioner’s office and as of this very moment, the deal is in on hold.
To begin with, Christian Standhardinger, the Filipino-German Gilas Pilipinas standout, should have not beaten the deadline and decided to join this year’s draft knowing that he won’t be able to join the team that he would be joining because of his commitment to the ABL team in Hong Kong. 
Oh, don’t get this basketball pundit on wheels wrong, folks. He has been rooting for Standhardinger ever since he came aboard with the national team especially during the South East Asian Games where Gilas reigned supreme anew. However, this pundit finds it difficult to accept a player whose priority is elsewhere and yet, fans are treating him as if he was LeBron James during his pre-draft moments in the NBA. Standhardinger is talented. His numbers don’t lie either. 

But missing the Draft Combine? An opportunity where he can furthermore showcase his talents alongside his fellow draftees?  That’s clearly unacceptable.

Now, there are two scenarios which can happen here:

Standhardinger will be Drafted and Traded

Let’s assume that PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa decides not to disqualify Standhardinger from the draft, approves the deal between Kia and the Beermen, there’s one clear beneficiary here: it’s none other than the defending Philippine Cup champions, the Beermen themselves. 
Why?
Sure, they will have to wait until Standhardinger’s stint in the ABL is done but it will all worth the wait aside from the fact that San Miguel will lose three bench warmers, the Beermen will gain another potential superstar to provide reinforcement to the already mighty starting unit that includes 4 of the 5 members of this year’s Mythical First Team including the 4-time MVP, June Mar Fajardo. 

Or, Standhardinger will be Disqualified

If Chito Narvasa does disqualify Standhardinger and does not veto the trade deal, the Beermen still emerge as the winner here. 
Why?
Simple. Kiefer Ravena is on the list. So is Jeron Teng. This year’s list draftees is filled with young bloods that have the talents to make it to the pro league. 

Conclusion

The fate of Christian Standhardinger, as well as the of the Kia Picanto, will depend on whether or not the former will be allowed to participate in this Sunday’s draft. In short, the ball is now on the commissioner’s hand. 

 

A Wheeler’s Opinion: Kia Picanto will Draft Standhardinger but will Not Stay with the Team For Long, Here’s Why

Christian Standhardinger Could be Traded. Soon.

 

Christian Standhardinger will be one of the most sought-after big men once he enters the PBA. 
Christian Standhardinger, the Filipino-German who replaced Andray Blatche as the naturalized player for the Smart Gilas Pilipinas national team is about to enter the PBA upon announcing that he is applying to join the upcoming PBA Draft this month.

See Also: Other Fil-Foreign Players who applied for the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft

This announcement came in a few weeks before the likes of Kiefer Ravena and Jeron Teng made their respective intentions to join the draft.  The 3 of them will make up the top 3 picks in the draft.
If the initial order is to be believed, Kia Picanto holds the top pick followed by the NLEX Road Warriors and the Blackwater Elite who will select 2nd and 3rd respectively, then it’s a no-brainer that Kia will go on to select Standhardinger as the top pick bearing any last minutes swaps. Kiefer Ravena will have to listen and endure to the yells of Yeng Guiao assuming that NLEX will select him while Jeron Teng will team-up with Allen Maliksi and Mac Belo should the Elite picks him.
Now, let’s focus on the possibilities of trades for Christian Standhardinger. While there’s no doubt that he will start for Kia assuming he is still around come the opening night, make no mistake, PBA fans. Don’t get surprised of Standhardinger will start for another team and this is something that we should all expect. 
Why? 
He was the leader in efficiency during the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup where he also averaged 15 points per game. In addition to this, he was also a vital piece to Gilas’ gold medal finish in the SEA Games where they ran unbeaten. If you want to win right here, right now, keeping Standhardinger would be a must for Kia and getting Standhardinger will be a must for the other teams.
Now, speaking of trade possibilities, one strong contender who will definitely try to trade for Standhardinger is none other than the Talk N Text KaTropa especially considering the ugly way they ended their Governors’ Cup campaign after they bowed down to the defending champs, the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings during their semifinal series. One of the reasons why the KaTropa lost that particular series was because the big men of Ginebra outmuscled and outperformed the big men of TNT in every possible way. 
While Troy Rosario and Kelly Williams were producing good numbers and Jayson Castro is still making people remember that he used to be the best point guard in Asia, just imagine a TNT starting 5 with Christian Standhardinger at the center position. June Mar Fajardo may want to watch out because a Christian Standhardinger playing for a powerhouse team will give the former a run for his money. 
Of course, TNT would need to trade away some of its assets if it wants to have Standhardinger on board. The question is: who? Back in December 2014, TNT was said to be willing to trade away superstar playmaker, Jayson Castro for Kia’s pick. We all know that the deal didn’t materialize. But, will TNT pull the trigger this time around? Will Kia accept?
Let’s just say that both Kia and TNT agree to the said swap. Let’s assume that Kia decides to let go of a future for an established star. This will enable Nash Racela to put former UAAP MVP, RR Garcia into the starting unit to team up with Roger Pogoy. But then, it’s a big gamble especially for Kia because Standhardinger will be one day, among the dominant big men in the PBA especially when the Kraken retires. Kia can even ask for additional players and future draft picks like Moala Tautuaa because they are trading away a big part of their future.

On the other side of the fence, keeping Standhardinger will also benefit Kia especially with players like Nico Elorde, Eric Camson and even Rey Guevarra starting to produce good numbers on some of the games and that’s one proof that the system of Chris Gavina is already clicking. Slowly but surely. That is. 

There are other trade possibilities which Kia can explore for Christian Standhardinger but two things are for sure: Standhardinger will be traded and, the rest of the PBA will be watching Standhardinger.
Or, we could probably see a Christian Standhardinger-Stanley Pringle-Terence Romeo team up for the Global Port Batang Pier. But that’s another story for another time. 

A Wheeler’s Opinion: Kiefer Ravena’s 2-Year Delay is Worth it

Former King Eagle finally entering the PBA Draft after 2 years

The Phenom is about to make his much-awaited arrival in the PBA. 
Worry no more, fans of Kiefer Ravena. 
Two years after his final playing season with the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles in the UAAP where he won an MVP award and a couple of championships, he has declared that he is joining the PBA Draft which is scheduled to take place this month. 
Sure, fans would have rejoiced had Kiefer joined the draft right away but trust this basketball pundit in saying that the wait is much more worth it. Why? Right after he hanged his blue and white jersey, the Phenom went to the United States where he explored different opportunities. In fact, he was signed as a developmental player by the Texas Legends, the NBA D-League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. 
Setting aside his personal ambitions to play in the NBA for the greater need of the country,  he came back home, don the national colors and went on to win his 4th SEA Games gold medal, breaking a 16-year record that was previously held by Rommel Adducul for most number of gold medals won as an individual player. Who doesn’t want to have a SEA Games legend in his team? Kiefer, at 23 years of age, without a doubt, remains as one of the highly-touted prospects to watch for in the upcoming draft. 
If anything, Kiefer’s grand decision to finally apply for the PBA Draft adds a big amount of talent to a  draft class that already has Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Jeron Teng and, Filipino-German and Gilas Pilipinas big man, Christian Standhardinger. While Standhardinger is poised to be picked as the top pick by the Talk N Text KaTropa as predicted by the mock-up of the draft that was made last July, make no mistake about it, folks. 

Kiefer Ravena will be a top 3 pick, top 5 at max. Assuming that TNT does select Standhardinger, the Kia Picanto are predicted to get two-time UAAP MVP, Ray Parks Jr. and with the 3rd pick in the PBA Draft, the Blackwater Elite will choose the Phenom. 
Now, assuming that the Blackwater Elite selects Ravena in the draft, Ravena is expected to start at the point guard, something he did multiple times during his stints with the Blue Eagles and with the national team. He will be reunited with fellow Ateneo graduate, JP Erram. 
In addition to this, he will be providing much-needed reinforcement especially in the offensive end which is needed especially when Allein Maliksi is struggling to get anything going from his end. If anything, Ravena’s recent stint with the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas during the FIBA Asia Champions Cup, which saw him lead the team in scoring with 20 points per game, is another proof that he is more than PBA-ready. 
Regardless of which team colors, the Phenom will wear come his first PBA game, the rest of the league should watch as the former King Eagle makes his first flight because whether you like him or not, the name Kiefer Ravena has been associated with greatness ever since he was tormenting his opponents in the UAAP- something that Ray Parks Jr. and Jeron Teng have experienced first-hand. And, if you have seen him play with the national team, then you all agree with one simple thing: Kiefer Isaac Crisologo Ravena belongs to the big stage and that big stage is none other than the PBA, with the greatest players that the league has ever seen. 
One bonus of having Kiefer Ravena in the PBA: we may see more of his Queen Phenom, Alyssa Valdez at the game venues during the King Phenom’s games. 

2016 PBA DRAFT COMPLETE RESULTS

©PBA Media Bureau 
The 2016 PBA draft was held @Robinsons Manila yesterday, October 30, 2016. The league hold a special draft for players from the Gilas national team and a regular draft for the other rookies. 
#PBA2016 DRAFT COMPLETE RESULT

SPECIAL DRAFT
Alaska Aces – Carl Bryan Cruz
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel – Kevin Ferrer
Blacwater Elite – Mac Belo
GlobalPort Batang Pier – Von Pessumal
Mahindra Floodbuster – Russel Escoto
Meralco Bolts – Ed Daquioag
NLEX Road Warriors – Alfonso Gotladera
Phoenix Fuel Masters – Matthew Wright
Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters – Mike Tolomia
San Miguel Beermen – Arnold Van Opstal
Star Hotshots – Jiovani Jalalon
TNT KaTropa – Roger Pogoy
REGULAR DRAFT
FIRST ROUND:
1. Blackwater Elite – Ael Banal
2. Phoenix Fuel Masters – Gelo Alolino
3. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel – Jammer Jamito
4. Mahindra Floodbuster – Joseph Eriobu
5. Star Hotshots- Chris Javier
6. San Miguel Beermen – Rashawn McCarthy
7. Meralco Bolts – Jonathan Grey
8. NLEX Road Warriors – Reden Celda
9. Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters – PASS
10. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel – Jericho De Guzman
11. Alaska Aces – PASS
12. Phoenix Fuel Masters – Jeoffrey Javillonar
SECOND ROUND:
1.Blackwater Elite – Tristan Perez
2. GlobalPort Batang Pier – Al Francis Tamsi
3. Meralco Bolts – Jessie Saitanan
4. San Miguel Beermen – Jovit Dela Cruz
5. GlobalPort Batang Pier – Ryan Arambulo
6. Phoenix Fuel Masters – Nico Javellona
7. Mahindra Floodbuster – Cedrick Ablaza
8. Phoenix Fuel Masters – Alejandrino Iñigo Jr.
THIRD ROUND:
1. Mahindra Floodbuster – Jan Niccolo Jamon
2. GlobalPort Batang Pier – Spencer John Eman
3. Meralco Bolts – Ryusei Koga
4. TNT KaTropa – Timothu Habelito
FOURTH ROUND:
1. Mahindra Floodbuster – Paolo Pontejos
2. TNT KaTropa – Mikee Reyes
FIFTH ROUND
1. TNT KaTropa – Levi Hernandez


PRE-DRAFT TRADES

Note: The rights to Air21’s and Barako Bull’s draft picks were retained by NLEX and Phoenix respectively.

* On August 24, 2014, Globalport acquired the rights to the 2016 first round draft pick of Star (then known as San Mig Coffee) when the teams agreed to swap picks. This pick was eventually traded to Barako Bull (now Phoenix) in exchange for Joseph Yeo.

* On August 25, 2015, Ginebra received Nico Salva and a 2016 first round pick from Barako Bull (Phoenix) in exchange for Jens Knuttel, Emman Monfort, and Josh Urbiztondo.

* On August 24, 2014, Star (then known as San Mig Coffee) traded their 2014 first round pick (later Anthony Semerad) to GlobalPort for Batang Pier’s 2016 first round pick (as part of an agreement to swap each other’s picks) and 2018 second round pick.

* On July 25, 2014, San Miguel received NLEX’s 2016 first round pick in exchange for the Beermen’s 2015 first round pick.

* On January 20, 2014, Air21 (NLEX) received Sean Anthony, Eliud Poligrates, and a 2016 first round pick from Talk ‘N Text in exchange for Niño Canaleta.

* On August 24, 2014, Phoenix (then known as Barako Bull) traded their 2014 first round pick (later Ronald Pascual) to San Miguel in exchange for the Beermen’s Jojo Duncil, Chico Lañete, a 2014 second round pick and 2016 first round pick.

* On October 27, 2016, Blackwater received James Forrester from NLEX in exchange for Carlo Lastimosa. Blackwater also re-acquired its 2016 second round draft pick which it formerly traded to NLEX on September 12, 2014 along with Juneric Baloria and a 2017 second round pick in a deal involving Meralco.

* On September 24, 2015, Rain or Shine received Star’s 2016 second round pick from Barako Bull (Phoenix) in exchange for Ryan Araña, who was immediately sent to San Miguel for Ronald Pascual. Previously, Barako Bull acquired this draft pick from Star in a trade involving Josh Urbiztondo
.
* On January 8, 2015, GlobalPort received a 2016 second round pick and Dennis Miranda from Barako Bull (Phoenix) in exchange for Sol Mercado.

* On October 7, 2015, Meralco received second round picks for 2016 and 2017 from Mahindra in exchange for Sean Anthony. NLEX acquired Anthony by trading Juneric Baloria and their second round picks also for 2016 and 2017 to Mahindra.


* On December 6, 2013, Rain or Shine received a 2016 second round pick from Air21 (NLEX) in exchange for Ronnie Matias.

* On October 11, 2013, GlobalPort received Chris Ross, Chris Timberlake, and second round picks for 2016 and 2017 from Meralco in exchange for Gary David and A. J. Mandani.

* On October 8, 2015, Barako Bull (Phoenix) received a 2016 second round pick from Talk ‘N Text in exchange for Dylan Ababou.

* On February 18, 2014, Barako Bull (Phoenix) received Jason Deutchman and second round picks for 2016 and 2017 from San Miguel in exchange for Rico Maierhofer as part of a four-team trade which involved GlobalPort and Air21 (NLEX).

PBA SPECIAL DRAFT ORDER: Fair and Square or Not?

Credits to PBA Media Bureau

For those who were asking about what really happened in the so-called “SPECIAL DRAFT”. Based on my analysis, I’ll explain how they patterned the ACTUAL SPECIAL DRAFT.

LOOK AT THE REGULAR DRAFT ORDER:

Blackwater Elite
Phoenix Fuel Masters
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
Mahindra Enforcers
Star Hotshots
San Miguel Beermen
Meralco Bolts
NLEX Road Warriors
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
Alaska Aces
Phoenix Fuel Masters

AND THE ACTUAL SPECIAL DRAFT ORDER:

Blackwater Elite
Phoenix Fuel Masters
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
Mahindra Enforcers
Star Hotshots
San Miguel Beermen
Meralco Bolts
NLEX Road Warriors
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
Alaska Aces
GlobalPort Batang Pier
TNT KaTropa

THE FIRST-PROPOSED SPECIAL DRAFT ORDER:

Blackwater Elite
Star Hotshots
Phoenix Fuel Masters
Mahindra Enforcers
GlobalPort Batang Pier
NLEX Road Warriors
Meralco Bolts
TNT KaTropa
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
Alaska Aces
San Miguel Beermen

Look very carefully. Based on REGULAR DRAFT ORDERS, the ACTUAL SPECIAL DRAFT ORDER was patterned based on the REGULAR DRAFT ORDER as a consideration for those teams who invested for this year’s PBA draft, trading their assets to get a lottery pick.

The regular draft on the other hand is considered by many as a shallow one compared to the special draft which have a deep talent pool. The first round of the regular draft were considered by many as a second round including Coach Tim Cone because of having a special draft.

“Think about last year’s draft: let’s take those top twelve and remove them from the draft: you’re talking about getting the thirteenth player as your first pick, the fourteenth player as your second pick,and so on, so how excited can you get right now?” Cone said.

TNT KaTropa and GlobalPort Batang Pier shoudn’t have a first round pick for this year’s PBA draft as they packaged it on the past trade transactions to get their needed player.

See TRADE TRANSACTIONS of TNT KaTropa and GlobalPort Batang Pier involving their 2016 first round pick.

It would be unfair for those teams who actually traded their assets to get a high pick like Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, San Miguel Beermen and Phoenix Fuel Masters if the first proposed order of special draft happened. San Miguel Beermen will step down from drafting 6th to 12th, Barangay Ginebra will pick 10th instead of 3rd and Phoenix Fuel Masters will be picking 3rd instead of 2nd.

The winners, if the first proposed order of special draft happened, are TNT KaTropa and GlobalPort Batang Pier as they will be picking 8th and 5th respectively which is supposedly none for both teams and NLEX Road Warriors will be picking 6th instead of 8th.

See TRADE TRANSACTIONS of NLEX Road Warriors involving their 2016 first round pick.

Each team should have been given one gilas cadet player that is why GlobalPort and TNT got a pick in the special draft and they were placed last (11th and 12th, respectively) in the special draft order because they don’t own a first round pick in the 2016 PBA Draft.

In the end, the GlobalPort Batang Pier and the TNT KaTropa are still the REAL WINNERS in the special draft.

Overall, PBA really did a great job on this one.

—

Follow the writer on twitter @mykelblanco

Top 3 Prospect in PBA Special Draft

Blackwater will pick first and they needs a rookie who can give an immediate impact as soon as he step in the playing court.

And here are the top 3 prospects who I think can give them an immediate spark.

  1. Mac Belo – One of the best collegiate player who helped FEU to win a championship last year. He also lead Gilas Pilipinas to gold medal finish in SEA Games. Mac is a versatile bigman who can shoot from downtown, drive to hoop and has a decent post up moves.
  2. Jio Jalalon – The Bus Driver is today’s best collegiate guard. Almost averaging a triple double in NCAA, He almost won the MVP award this year. His playing style is the same with Scottie Thompson but with a better shooting skills.
  3. Arnold Van Opstal – The Big Guy from DLSU program who helped them to get a championship last year. His basketball skills is still raw but with proper training this guys will be a monster in PBA. With a height of 6’7 and a great body to bang with other players even with raw basketball skills, he will still be a great pick up in any team who needs a solid big man.
Projected Landing:
  1. Mac Belo
  2. Arnold Van Opstal
  3. Jio Jalalon

Who should Star Hotshots pick in this year’s PBA Draft?

Photo by J Designs

Who should Star Hotshots pick in this year’s PBA Draft?
     We are now already in the middle of our PBA season.The Star Hotshot seems like they are still missing someone who can help them to win a another ring, and that problem can be solve in the upcoming PBA draft.This year’s draft class is full of talent and potentials.So here are our Top 5 players that would fit to their team:
5. Ed Daquioag
Career Stats: 8.5 PPG 3.35 REBS 1.69 AST
     We know that the Star has many talented guards on their roster right now,so why do they need him? Simple, this player is a very hardworking player. He can score inside the paint and he can  also shoot the ball from long distance. What makes him more impressive is his aggressiveness,he is a very good defender and you can give you quality minutes every time he steps on the floor.He improves his game every season . He will be a good energizer of the bench for Star.
4. Kevin Ferrer
Career Stats: 10.68 PPG 6.15 REBS 1.46 AST
    I know most of you are wondering why i put him at 4 right? Kevin Ferrer is a very great player especially  on the offensive end.He is a monster scorer,very great 3point shooter and can score inside the paint. Aside from his scoring ability, he is also a good rebounder. But the thing is the Star is looking for a big man who can defend and score very well,yes Kevin can do that but i think he is a little bit undersized for that role.
3. Christian Hermoso
College Stats:15.6 PPG 7.7 REBS
     Here is another guy who fits perfectly for the Star. The main problem of the Star is their big mans and i think this guy can help them on that case. Hermoso played for University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors in his college. Hermoso is a very great  big man, he can score inside the  paint and he is a good post up player.He grabs the board very well and can defend the painted area. His issue was his age, but i think that’s not a problem.
2. Mac Belo
Career Stats: 11.34 PPG  6.07 REBS 1.57 AST
    I really think that this guy is the solution. Mac Belo the Finals MVP and DLeague MVP is one the most promising player in the upcoming draft. Belo can shoot the ball from mid range,three point territory and inside the painted area. He is a very talented and hardworking player.This guy can also defend big mans very well.  He can provide spark to the Star team for sure if the Star can draft him but i think he will be pick earlier in the draft.
1.Arnold Van Opstal
Career Stats: 7.3 PPG 5.38 REBS 0.82 AST
    Maybe you are doubting this right?  Statistically those guys above are more impressive, but the value that the Star needed is on him. AVO has the heigth, he can improve his game with the proper guidance of Star’s veteran big mens. AVO is a good scorer and  rebounder. He can score inside the paint very well and has some promising skills. He can help the Star to become a Championship contender team again. He plays hard and has passion for basketball. The Star can afford him on the draft.