MANILA – Pirates star Jaymar Perez already has his eyes on the professional ranks while he still has unfinished business with Lyceum of Philippines in the final round of the NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball.
Perez, a Most Valuable Player in the NCAA Season 93 and the PBA D-League, has submitted on Monday his application for the annual Rookie Draft on Dec. 16.
Perez’s manager Matthew Manotoc said the native of Pangasinan is an early favorite for the top overall pick.
That he averages 18.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, four assists, and 3.3 steals for the Pirates this season is enough for Perez to become one of the most sought-after rookies this year.
Another top prospect in the Draft is Filipino-American Trevis Jackson, who wowed PBA scouts with his impressive showing in his PBA Developmental League stints.
The 23-year-old Jackson, who also played for the Philippines in the FIBA 3×3 Shanghai tournament, is a potential first-rounder, averaging 16.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.7 steals while playing for the TIP Engineers.
While the deadline for the Filipino-American prospects has lapsed on Oct. 26, local-born players will have until Dec. 3 to submit their Draft applications.
Aside from Perez, Pirates teammate MJ Ayaay will also try his luck in the pro ranks. The hardworking wingman had decent averages of 9.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists./PN
