Dra. Fille Claudine Cainglet made history as she was selected as the first-ever pick in the Chooks-to-Go Women’s National Basketball League Draft, Saturday evening.
Cainglet, 32, was picked by Glutagence in the virtual draft which was supervised by the Games and Amusements Board.
Despite performing an operation in UERM Hospital, Cainglet still tuned in as she and the rest of the aspirants made Philippine basketball history.
“Thank you WNBL! Literal nagtatahi ako dito sa OR habang umiiyak,” quipped the 5-foot-2 guard, who played for University of the Philippines from UAAP seasons 69-73.
Joining Cainglet in the Glow Boosters are the ‘Splash Sisters’ Camille Claro and Khate Castillo. They were Glutagence’s back-to-back picks in rounds two and three.
The rest of Glutagence’s picks were 5-foot-10 center Camille Sambile of FEU, 5-foot-10 big April Lualhati of Lyceum, 5-foot-7 forward Nic Cancio of Ateneo, 5-foot-10 center Carol Sangalang of UST, 5-foot-6 guard Raiza Palmera-Dy of FEU, 5-foot-2 point guard Nicky Garcia of La Salle, 5-foot-4 forward Samantha Tan of UP, 5-foot-4 guard Ays Hufanda of UP, and 5-foot-1 guard Camille Ramos of La Salle.
STAN Quezon also got good pick-ups in Dianne Ventura, Kat Araja, Jo Razalo, Angelica De Austria, Karla Manuel, Nikka Tupaz, Jade Valenzuela, Marika Iida, Veronica Lio, and Bienca Ramos.
Despite entering the draft at round three, Pacific Water was still able to nab burly forward Snow Peñaranda. Moreover, they were able to draft UAAP Season 82 Finals MVP Monique Del Carmen in the ninth round.
The Queens also got Cara Buendia, Elaisa Adriano, Crislyn Mier, Tin Cortizano, Nef Taller, Janella Alba, and Jinky Balasta.
Paranaque, an original from the first season of the WNBL, was able to make the most of their eight picks, selecting AJ Gloriani, Mary Joy Galicia, Jhenn Angeles, Vanessa Santos, Tanya De La Merced, Jenina Solis, Sthefanie Ventura, and Jaira Baarde.
Also gracing the event were Games and Amusements Board officials chairman Baham Mitra, pro basketball chief JUN Bautista and assistant chiefs Jackie Lou Cacho-Ornido and Rodil Manaog. Giving a special remark was former national team head coach Haydee Ong.
