
PBA 2005 Draft Preview
Sat, Jan 8, 2005 by Pandaemonaeon
It's that time of the year again where teams stack up on different prospects from all over the country to bolster their team. But with all these players that have medals and championships, which of them should you really pick? Heh! Thanks to my extensive knowledge of the ins-and-outs of the industry coupled with my amazing scouting prowess, I have compiled a report on how I'll think the first round will end up, with the projected draft order subject to change:
First round
1. Sta. Lucia - Anthony Washington (Welcoat) F/C 6'7"
We all know Marlou's been on the trading block after he fooled everyone into believing that his untapped potential is being held back by the dreaded Fil-ams so they probably need an insurance center -- and Washington happens to be the best big man in the 1st round. Washington, if you don't know yet, is the F/C for Welcoat in the PBL although you wouldn't really notice it because he's either standing in the paint waiting for the ball to come to him so he could showcase his repertoire of Streetball dribbles or shoot three pointers. But you can't argue with his methods, given that he's leading the league in almost every statistical category... and stat padding is no walk in the park at a league such as the PBL. Sure, the competition is mostly comprised of PBA practice players that got cut or some reject from the CCBRL and UVFGF, but I can assure you, this guy is the real deal!
2. Purefoods - Mark Abadia (Adamson Falcons) SF 6'3"
Purefoods is in dire need of a center but we all know how Ryan's head works... he'll draft a swingman instead! Abadia is no ordinary swingman though; Other than his ability to score, rebound, get to the line, pass and play D, he also possesses the uncanny ability of PLAYING MINDGAMES which is the act of throwing the ball at your opponent and calling them names. According to the commentators this is a good tactic, and I believe them because they wear suits, and that makes them smart.
3. San Miguel - Arwind Santos (FEU Tamaraws) PF 6'4"
Arwind is a lanky, athletic big man that uses his long arms to block shots and rebound but is suffering from "Telanophobia" -- a fear of the shaded lane. Because of this condition, he would rather camp out on the perimeter and let the little men do the banging and scoring inside. I think this is okay with SMB because after all, they do have Nic Belasco.
4. Shell - Paolo Bugia (Ateneo Blue Eagles) C 6'5"
"Bugs" is a big man that can block shots, rebound, and shoot from 15-feet, but wait, there's more! He can play two other positions, the SF and PF spots! Apparently, those are his natural positions and will perform better if utilized in such roles.
5. Fedex - Rommel Nino Canaleta (UE Red Warriors) PF 6'6"
Much like Arwind, KG Canaleta is a long, big man that can shoot from anywhere, has some low post moves, and can rebound and block shots... although his skills are purely based on his athletic ability. He doesn't stay on the shaded lane long either, because he bruises easily. A good pick nevertheless for those who believe in the concept of "tremendous upside potential".
6. Alaska - Christian Luanzon (UST Growling Tigers) SF 6'4"
In the UAAP, he played the PF position exclusively due to their small roster, but now he's in the big leagues I think it's about time to reveal that he can play 4 different positions! That's right! It doesn't matter which position you really excel at, as long as you bring the ball down the court at times, you're a point; If you can drive to the hole, you're a 2-guard; If you can manage to hit at least 12 out of 57 from the perimeter, you're a small forward; And if you step at the post at least once, you're a power forward!
7. Coca Cola - Larry Fonacier (Ateneo Blue Eagles) SG 6'4"
I think Larry is going to Coke because they need shooters and Larry is just the man to provide that. And despite his ACL tear, his stock is at an all-time high after rumors of how he's a good defender circulated when he blocked Cardona's shots 3 years ago. If he doesn't pan out, and I seriously fucking doubt it, you can still make a fortune out of him by pressing t-shirts emblazoned with rejected marketing slogans.
8. Talk & Text - Richard Alonzo (Adamson Falcons) PF 6'3"
A beast at the boards. Will dive after every loose ball and fight for rebounds in traffic. Has range up to 15-feet. A type of player that every team needs. Unfortunately, you wouldn't be able to see him much for long periods of time because he's probably on the bench with 4 fouls. But I think TNT will still select him since he's a lot like Harvey Carey... except that he can walk.
9. Red Bull - Ronjay Enrile (Letran Knights) SG 5'10"
An early-entry candidate if he declares (duh). Ronjay is an undersized two-guard that if not busy chucking 35,456 jumpshots, he's out there chokeslamming another player to a ringpost or hocking a nice wet loogie at the fans. If you think these qualities doesn't merit him a 1st round selection, then maybe I need to tell you the story about his one-on-one game with Paul Pierce.
10. Ginebra - [Annual Mystery Fil-Am Pick]
Ginebra's not going to be outdone by the other teams that drafted mystery Fil-ams in the past. The scenario doesn't change this year: An unknown, enigmatic Fil-am will gatecrash training camp and put up a performance of a lifetime and end up being drafted.