Some of the expected big names from the collegiate ranks did not file their application for the PBA Rookie Draft, which closed on Friday with 128 aspirants.
Notably absent were La Salle big man Michael Phillips, Filipino-American slotman CJ Lane and former Gilas Pilipinas and University of the Philippines wingman Kobe Paras.
The 6-foot-7 Phillips’ absence was expected when the UAAP, a few days back, made a statement that the college league is “politely declining the request by the PBA” to let its student-athlete basketball players join the pro league’s Rookie Draft while the college season is ongoing.
Nonetheless, former Ateneo slotman Gio Chiu managed to beat the deadline, though the number of aspirants is expected to be trimmed down after the PBA Draft Combine at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City scheduled on Sept. 4 and 5.
Listed at 6-foot-10 Chiu is currently playing for the Abra Weavers in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
Chiu will be joining several notable names in the Draft for Season 50, which also includes Filipino-American playmaker Jason Brickman, Juan Gomez De Liano, former NCAA Most Valuable Player Will Gozum and ex-Gilas youth guard Dalph Panopio.
Terrafirma owns the top overall pick, followed by Phoenix and Blackwater.
