PBA fans on Sunday expressed varying thoughts and opinions ahead of the much-anticipated Season 50 Rookie Draft set at 5 p.m. at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia.
The buzz came after the league’s official Facebook page revealed a glimpse of the draft stage, captioned:
“The stage is set for today’s #PBA50thSeasonDraft presented by @pocarisweatph! Catch us LIVE here at the Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, at 5PM!”
🔗
Some fans commented that the highlight of the proceedings will be Barangay Ginebra’s participation.
“Ginebra lng nmn aabangan jan kung cnu iddrft nila ung number 1 pick d nmn papansinin yan,” wrote Cast Omen.
Others noted that with such a large pool of aspirants, many will likely go undrafted.
“Marami na naman talent ang masasayang,” Rain Millicent said.
Some also voiced skepticism, claiming teams under San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and the MVP Group will ultimately gain the most from the draft.
“At nag draft pa? eh sa smc o mvp group din punta,” remarked Davy June Abelong.
Despite the mixed takes, excitement remained high for the milestone event.
“Goodluck team Quezon Huskers: Lj Gonzales, Judel Fuentes, Xymone Ximone Ace Sandagon,” said Christian Marco Matsusaki.
“Wow sm moa music hall is ready wanna super excitement super having fun and of super full house, everyone 😮🫵🏻👏🏻🦸🏻♂️,” posted Tintin Orlina.
“Good luck mga idol! John Paul Cauilan & John Jordan Sta Ana 🔥🏀,” Sean Baldomaro added.
According to the PBA website, Sunday marks a day of reckoning for 122 aspirants, one of the largest pools since the league adopted the draft system in 1985.
Among the prominent names are Gilas Pilipinas pool members Juan Gomez de Liaño and Geo Chiu, Fil-foreign standouts Jason Brickman and Dalph Panopio, and collegiate stars LJay Gonzales, CJ Austria, Yukien Andrada, and Jose Antonio Quiteves, among others.
Also making noise during the two-day Draft Combine at the Ynares Sports Arena were MVP Sonny Estil, Mythical selections June Roque, Edrian Ramirez, and Mario Barasi, along with Three-Point King Chris Miller.
Terrafirma Dyip owns the distinction of selecting No. 1 overall in this year’s draft, followed by Converge, Blackwater, NorthPort, NLEX, Magnolia, Meralco, Phoenix, San Miguel, Rain or Shine, Barangay Ginebra, and Rain or Shine again to close the first round.
Initially, 128 hopefuls applied, but six were later ruled ineligible.
Last year, Converge selected Justin Baltazar as the consensus No. 1 pick in the Season 49 draft.
