There is zero doubt in the eyes of Terrafirma head coach Johnedel Cardel that Stephen Holt is the most talented player in this year’s PBA draft class.
The seasoned mentor felt convinced after studying videos of the 31-year-old, who’s arguably the most experienced in all of the batch following stints in the G-League and in various parts of Europe and Asia.
“I think in this Rookie Draft, siya talaga ‘yung very talented,” he said. “Nakikita ko ‘yung videos niya. Pinag-aralan ko ‘yung videos niya.”
Formerly a Gilas Pilipinas target, Holt is projected as a potential top pick given his credentials. But is he a lock on Sunday’s proceedings?
(c) FIBA.basketball
“OK naman,” said Cardel, whose Dyip own the no. 1 selection in this year’s draft. “Pero, we’re looking for a big man kasi ‘yun ang kailangan ng team namin.”
Cardel dropped by Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong on Tuesday to personally scout the prospects, only to leave wanting more as Holt was not in attendance due to a family emergency.
The 6-foot-4 guard was among the 17 aspirants who missed Day 1 of the Combine, some of whom were big men who could have given the bench tactician a better look to assess their plan of action with the no. 1 pick.
Among the bigs absent were former PBA 3×3 standouts Keith Datu and Brandon Bates, UP’s Zavier Lucero, Cade Flores of Arellano, and Christian David.
“‘Yung iba kasi, wala eh,” lamented Cardel. “Gusto namin makakita ng big man sana. Kulang kami sa malaki eh … hopefully, makakita kami.”
But it wasn’t an empty trip at all for the former player-turned-coach, as he still saw potential diamonds in the rough. Plus, there’s still Day 2 of the Combine on Wednesday, and he hopes that those absent will show up.
“May mga nakita naman kaming mga underrated player. Pag-uusapan na lang namin ng coaches… Tomorrow meron pa naman. Definitely andito pa rin kami,” he said.
“Then, we will decide after the Combine tomorrow.”
