Guiao convinced by rest of team to give Ahanmisi a shot

The first two picks of the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft did not come with any surprise, as the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters and Mahindra Enforcers selected Moala Tautuaa and Troy Rosario as first and second overall, respectively.

With the third overall pick however, Rain or Shine set the tone for an afternoon full of surprises as they selected Fil-Nigerian guard Maverick Ahanmisi out of Cafe France, leaving top prospects like Baser Amer, Garvo Lanete, Scottie Thompson, Norbert Torres, and Art Dela Cruz still available.

Ahanmisi was part of the Cafe France team which won the latest PBA D-League Conference Championship, topscoring with about 14 points per game.

The 6-foot-2 backcourt player spent his college with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, an NCAA Division I school in the United States.

Asked about their selection which was an absolute shocker, Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao said they considered a handful of prospects, but went with Ahanmisi

“Before the draft alam na natin kung sino ang 1 and 2. So we were eyeing Troy (Rosario) pero wala na, alam na natin so we looked at who is available at no. 3,” Guiao said. “We looked at Norbert Torres, na malaki at kailangan rin namin, but with the Jewel (Ponferrada)-Jervy (Cruz) trade, lumaki na kami and baka mapunuan na ang pangagailangan namin sa big.”

“We looked at other options aside from the big man. Ako personally ang tinitingnan ko ay si Scottie (Thompson) and Art (Dela Cruz). My coaching staff recommended very highly itong si Ahanmisi, and asked me to give a second look. We looked at his videos, stats, games in college,” he added, even saying Rain or Shine owner Raymond Yu’s two sons were also high on Ahanmisi.

In the end, the Elasto Painters said he was sold on the guard and added it is a decision he will not regret at the end of the day.

“I was kinda overruled,” Guiao joked. “But sa huli I was convinced. He is a tough guy, he has the skills, he is a good defensive player, he is smart with the ball, he can score and has range, and he has a PBA body.”

“Once we make a decision we will stand by it,” he added.

Guiao also shared that the team has been eyeing Glenn Khobuntin at no. 12 although the National University forward was nabbed by the NLEX Road Warriors at no. 10.

The mentor is still satisfied with their other selections like Josan Nimes and Don Trollano.

“Si Josan is also on our list while Trollano has already been working out with the team for three to four days and we were impressed,” Guiao said.