MANILA – After leading the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons to a runner-up finish in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball, Paul Desiderio will throw his name in the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft slated Dec. 16 at Robinsons Place in Ermita district.
The Cebuano guard said he will file his rookie application at the PBA office before the league’s extended deadline for rookie wannabes on Dec. 10.
“Magfa-file na ako para sa Draft. Sana lang may kumuha sa akin,” Desiderio told the press in a short interview after Maroons’ 81-99 loss to back-to-back champions Ateneo Blue Eagles on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Desiderio’s PBA Draft stock has increased after leading the Fighting Maroons to their first-ever UAAP Finals appearance in 32 years with averages of 13.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.3 steals in Season 81.
Earlier Desiderio said he hopes to be selected by the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings, where he could be reunited with former UP player Jett Manuel.
But Desiderio’s wish is unlikely to be fulfilled. The Kings do not have a Draft pick until the third round of the rookie selection, and the Cebuano gunner was tipped to be selected in the first round.
Reports had it as well that Desiderio could be selected as high as No. 5 by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, who were looking for a backup guard as Chris Tiu contemplates retirement.
“Sana Ginebra,” Desiderio said in an interview with Twitter user @dbuzzketball. “Pero ready naman akong lumaro kung sinong team ang pumili sa akin.”/PN
