Who would not want to have the top pick in a draft?
The NLEX Road Warrior, after accumulating just four wins in two conferences, have the best chance of nabbing the first overall pick in the 2017 PBA Draft. And if the stars align, the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned franchise will face a good problem on who to get as the top pick in the draft.
Currently, Jeron Teng, a two-time UAAP Finals Most Valuable Player, is just finishing his D-League residency, making it clear that he will be entering this year’s draft. On the other hand, Kiefer Ravena, a two-time UAAP regular season MVP, is still weighing his options on whether to join the class of 2017.
Wednesday evening, NLEX’s most recent acquisition JR Quiñahan was able to see first-hand how the two prospects play, playing in a three-on-three tune-up in preparation for Chooks-Pilipinas 3×3’s 2017 FIBA 3×3 World Cup campaign.
And the 10-year PBA veteran liked what he saw from Ravena and Teng.
“Hindi naman sila mahirap makasama, magagaling ‘tong mga ito,” the 6-foot-6 stretch big man quipped after a tiring day going up against UP’s Bright Akhuetie, Filipino-Canadians Clay Crellin, and Glenn Gravengard.
Though falling in two of the three games, the proud son of Cebu City is hoping that he could team up with the two not just with Chooks-Pilipinas 3×3 but also in the pros.
“Well, ako nakasama ko na nga sila at nakalaro ko pa,” the seventh overall pick in the 2007 draft furthered. “Malaking bagay ito kasi baka in the near future, makasama ko rin sila. Baka magpa-draft na sila at makasama ko pa sila sa team namin.
“Mga future yan ng Philippine basketball.”
And maybe the future of the NLEX Road Warriors.
