MANILA – Five Western Visayas-based players were among the record 128 aspirants who submitted their application for the PBA Season 48 Rookie Draft this Sunday at the Market! Market! in Taguig City.
Ilonggos Jeric James Pido and Omar Larupay, Negrenses Jhan Nermal and Jan Gabriel Sobrevega and Capiznon Hero Amante Tomilloso are among the rookie hopefuls who want to jump to the big league.
The Iloilo City native Pido is a former member of the Mapua University Cardinals in the NCAA before moving to the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League via Rizal XentroMall Golden Coolers.
Lambunao, Iloilo’s Larupay, meanwhile, was previously with the University of the East Red Warriors in the UAAP and Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates in the NCAA.
The 6-foot-2 Larupay, a former team captain of the CenterPhil Montessori Silver Knights, is also a homegrown player for the Iloilo United Royals in the MPBL.
The Hinigaran, Negros Occidental’s Nermal, on the other hand, was a former West Negros University star before he was signed by the San Miguel Beermen for PBA 3×3.
His Beermen stint has opened the doors for him to join the MPBL, playing for his hometown squad Bacolod Bingo Plus before transferring to Bacoor City Strikers.
The Bacolod City native Sobrevega, for his part, was a former member of the UE Red Warriors and played for the NorthPort Batang Pier in the PBA on Tour.
The Roxas City, Capiz’s Tomilloso, meanwhile, was also a former members of the Red Warriors team and has also played in numerous leagues in the country.
Chances of the final list being pruned down is possible depending on the outcome of the two-day Draft Combine set today at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong./PN
