The upcoming PBA Draft might infuse some exciting talent to Asia's first pay-for-play league.
The PBA Draft has lately been devoid of marquee names, but that might be about change—at least for the 2023 PBA Draft.
According to veteran sports analyst and long-time PBA lifer Quinito Henson, there is a big possibility that some “blue-chip players” will make themselves available for the upcoming draft. One of these blue-chip players appears to be Ricci Rivero, whose agent, Charlie Dy, had previously told News5 of Rivero’s plan to finally enter the PBA.
Former De La Salle Green Archer scorer Deschon Winston is also expected to join the PBA Draft, along with ex-UST Growling Tiger Sherwin Concepcion and former FEU Tamaraw Ken Tuffin. Their entry, should it materialize, figures to give the upcoming draft some depth at the wing position, as Rivero, Winston, and Concepcion had been standouts in the collegiate ranks. Tuffin, meanwhile, gave a good account of himself playing at the New Zealand National Basketball League.
Big man Keith Datu, who previously applied for the PBA draft last year but lacked the needed documents, will reportedly give it another try after completing his requirements. The 6-foot-7 big is likely a first-round pick given his combination of size, agility, and inside toughness.
Another big name supposedly eyeing the PBA is Fil-Am Stephen Holt, who will be able to join the draft despite being 31 years old thanks to a rule tweak that removed the age limit for Fil-foreigners who want to get drafted. In case he throws his hat in the draft, the 6-foot-4 Holt could easily be another surefire lottery pick, after averaging 10.8 points in his four-year stint with US NCAA Division 1 school St. Mary’s Gaels.
Other potential draft aspirants include Fran Yu of the Letran Knights, Zavier Lucero of the UP Fighting Maroons, and John Lloyd Clemente of the NU Bulldogs.