Two more big names will not be joining the 2022 PBA Rookie Draft.
University of the Philippines captain Ricci Rivero and free agent Juan Gomez de Liaño did not submit their draft application forms to the league on Saturday.
The deadline for all entries was at 5:00 PM earlier.
Virtual Playground’s Charlie Dy and Gomez de Liaño himself, respectively, confirmed the developments to Tiebreaker Times.
According to Dy, Rivero opted not to enter this draft as he remains laser-focused on winning his second UAAP gold. The Fighting Maroons will take on Ateneo in a best-of-three finals, which begins tomorrow.
“He didn’t apply. Will focus sa finals nila,” said the amiable sports agent.
Rivero, 23, is averaging a team-high 13.31 points, 4.38 rebounds, 2.25 assists, and 1.44 steals per contest for the Fighting Maroons.
Meanwhile, Gomez de Liaño, 22, previously played for B.League Division II team Earthfriends Tokyo Z and, later on, ABL club team CLS Knights.
(C) B.League
According to sources, the two are looking to play overseas this year.
Earlier, two of their good pals entered the draft.
Juan’s brother Javi and former Fighting Maroon Jaybie Mantilla both submitted their draft forms early Saturday.
