The new batch of dreamers take their first step towards making it to the pros, as 137 players have declared for the 2020 PBA D-League Draft.
Fil-Am high-flyer Jamie Malonzo and Gilas pool member Jaydee Tungcab banner the list as they hope to hear their names called in the annual proceedings, set on Monday at PBA Office in Libis.
The 6-foot-6 Malonzo, 23, burst into the scene in his lone year in La Salle and even earned a spot in the Mythical Team this past UAAP season.
Meanwhile, Tungcab, 22, is a 6-foot-3 guard who has sparingly been used in his time with University of the Philippines. Still, his grit caught the attention of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), leading to his inclusion to the national team pool.
The two are expected to fare among the first selection. AMA Online Education once again have first pick — the fourth straight year the Titans own the pole position in the draft proceedings.
Also throwing their names in the hat are former Batang Gilas standout Jollo Go; ex-UAAP Juniors MVP Jerie Pingoy; Cebuano standouts Darrell Menina and Jaybie Mantilla; former CEU scorer Judel Fuentes; and UE forward John Apacible.
Of the field, 17 are Fil-foreigners led by Malonzo, former La Salle shooter Joshua Torralba, and UP’s James Spencer, David Murrell, and JJ Espanola.
Studs from Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League have also applied, including Yves Sazon and King Destacamento.
