ALDIN AYO'S WISH LIST FOR THE COMING PBA DRAFT

IT’S just a wish list, but Aldin Ayo rattled off possible names he would like to tap with Converge a cinch to own the top overall pick in the Season 49 PBA Rookie Draft.

It’s no brainer for the FiberXers coach the player he would love to see with the team by next year, stressing the need to have another big man to compliment former Rookie of the Year and franchise player Justin Arana.

"Of course kung sino yung pinaka available na big man. Kung sumali si Kai Sotto, e di si Kai Sotto," a smiling Ayo said.

READ Converge, Blackwater will pick one-two in next PBA Draft

He also mentioned former University of the Philippines standout Carl Tamayo and MPBL MVP and UAAP champion Justine Baltazar as part of his list.

"Or baka umuwi yung mga overseas na mga players natin," added Ayo.

The 7-foot-3 Sotto just concluded his season with the Yokohama B-Corsairs who failed to reach the playoffs of the Japan B.League. The Filipino big man averaged 12.8 points and 6.4 rebounds.

Tamayo, meanwhile, has long been released by the Ryukyu Golden Kings in the B.League upon the 23-year-old's request. He has since returned to the country and named as part of the Gilas Pilipinas pool by head coach Tim Cone.

PHOTO: Jerome Ascano

The 6-foot-9 Baltazar of course, has long been rumored to be the target of Converge for the No. 1 overall pick, being a known protégé of Pampanga Gov. Dennis ‘Delta’ Pineda, who has strong links to the FiberXers franchise.

The 27-year-old native of Mabalacat, Pampanga is currently playing for the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the MPBL where the team is the defending champion.

UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao, another Gilas Pilipinas pool player, is also part of Ayo’s wish list, except that the 6-foot-7 forward opted to play one more year for De La Salle as it vies for a back-to-back UAAP championship this season.

"May isang year pa yata siya," said Ayo of KQ.  

PBA rookie list-up on

Meanwhile, the PBA is already accepting applicants for the coming rookie draft set this July.

Local players are required to present original copy of their PSA birth certificate, while Fil-foreign applicants should have a valid Philippine passport.

All aspirants meanwhile, should submit two pieces of 2x2 ID pictures, school records (if 19 years old), and a filled-up PBA application form.

Duly notarized application forms along with the other requirements must be submitted at the end of office hours at 5 p.m. on July 4 at the PBA office in Libis, Quezon City.

Last year, Terrafirma made Fil-Am Stephen Holt as the top overall pick in the Season 48 Rookie Draft.

2024-05-08T14:11:58Z dg43tfdfdgfd