MANILA – Aklanon forward Keith Zaldivar will banner the applicants of the 2022 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rookie Draft slated on May 15 at the Robinson’s Place in Ermita, Manila.
The former Adamson University Falcons forward was among the 75 aspirants who submitted their application before the deadline on Saturday afternoon.
Zaldivar is among the notable applicants in the upcoming draft after showing improved offensive game in his final season with the Falcons in the UAAP Season 84 men’s basketball.
Also beating the deadline were former De La Salle University Green Archers center Justine Baltazar, who is being tipped as among the favorites for the No.1 overall selection.
Three members of Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles in Gian Mamuyac, Bryan Andrade and three-point gunner Christian Tyler Tio also threw their name in the draft list.
Also joining the PBA draft were former UAAP stars Joshua Fontanilla of University of Santo Tomas, Kurt Lojera of DLSU and Shaun Ildefonso and Enzo Joson of National University Bulldogs.
NCAA playerz Jeo Ambohot, Allen Mina and Christian Fajarito of Letran Knights, JM Cadua and Marwin Taywan of Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, Justin Araña and Keanu Caballero of Arellano University Chiefs and JM Calma of San Sebastian College also joined the draft.
Also notable rookie applicants were Jeremiah Gray, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Encho Serrano, Jollo Go, Javi Gomez de Liaño, Jhonard Clarito, Chester Saldua, Yves Sazon, Kyle Toth, Keith Datu and Sedrick Barefield.
Picking first in the rookie draft were Blackwater Bossing, Terrafirma Dyip, Converge FiberXers (twice), Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and NorthPort Batang Pier.
Completing the first round of draft were NLEX Road Warriors, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings, Bossing (twice), Elasto Painters and Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots./PN
