MANILA – Ilonggo guard John Paul Calvo was one of the early birds who submitted their application for the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft slated on Dec. 16 at Robinsons Place in Ermita district.
A native of Iloilo City, Calvo was tipped as one of the second-round prospects after his strong showing in the just-concluded NCAA Season, leading the Letran Knights to a final four finish.
Prior to playing in Manila, the 5-foot-7 was a standout of Hua Siong College of Iloilo Red Phoenix.
If he gets selected, he will be the second former Hua Siong player in the PBA, next to James Yap of Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
Also throwing their names in were former NCAA Most Valuable Player Jaymar Perez, Robert Bolick and Filipino-American guard Bobby Ray Parks Jr., who were tipped as the top three selections this year.
Calvo’s teammate Kier Quinto, Jesmer Ayaay, Jayvee Mocon, Abu Tratter, Bernabe Teodoro, Kyles Lao, Michael Calisaan, and Joseph Manlangit applied, too.
Other Filipino-foreign prospects wanting to get drafted were Trevis Jackson, Robbie Manalang, Matthew Salem, Paul Varilla, and Carlos Isit.
More rookie hopefuls are expected to be added to the list as the league extends the deadline from Dec. 3 to the 16th to accommodate graduating UAAP players./PN
