The PBA quarterfinals are in full swing to complete the semifinals cast before the FIBA Window break. The FIBA Windows will take place in November 27 and November 30, and the PBA resumes in the first week of December for the semifinals and finals.
Which means that eight out of the 12 teams are already preparing for next season, and even the four teams will have one eye on the PBA Draft in 2027. NLEX, the top team in the elimination round, will also have the first pick.
This year, the usual suspects Blackwater and Terrafirma have traded away their first round picks to NLEX and Barangay Ginebra respectively.
Side note: Perhaps it’s time for the PBA to have a “Stepien Rule” which prohibits a team from trading away first round picks in consecutive years (that’s why we have pick swaps in trades for superstars like Giannis).
The rule was named after former Cleveland Cavaliers owner Ted Stepien who famously traded away their first round draft picks which led to the 1982 champion LA Lakers also taking the first overall pick, James Worthy. That helped make the “Showtime Lakers” the 80s most dominant team.
First round:
NLEX Road Warriors - Kymani Ladi. The closest thing to a certainty in this draft. NLEX does not have a big man at all, and while they would prefer a true, hard nosed center, Ladi actually fits their fast-paced play. Coach Jimmy Alapag has had his share of stretch bigs in his NBA stint so he would know how to use Ladi.
Titan Ultra Giant Risers - DJ Fenner. This team could pick anyone, but they do have a lot of guards. There are also multiple rumors and suitors for this pick prior to January. Setting these aside, the Risers need a finished product, and not a guard. Fenner fits the profile.
Barangay Ginebra - Mason Amos. The La Salle big is simply not good enough for the B.League yet, and is not qualified for the KBL (one parent is not Asian). Amos was already coached by Tim Cone in Gilas and has the height and skills to be a triangle offense guy. Ginebra is also capable of matching offers in case the B.League beckons in the future (see Japeth Aguilar).
Phoenix Fuel Masters - Nic Cabanero. The Fuel Masters do have serviceable big men, and they can get the best talent available. Coach Charles Tiu values versatility and playmaking over “traditional” big men. Cabanero is simply the best proven overall talent here.
Terrafirma Dyip - Jacob Cortez. Based on their love-hate relationship with Juami Tiongson, Dyip likes the scoring point guard. This is also a player other teams take interest in. Let’s not pretend that it’s not a possibility.
Magnolia Hotshots - Cedrick Manzano. The Hotshots have their primary playmaker of the future in Jerom Lastimosa. If Cortez is unavailable, it’s an opportunity to upgrade their slot since Ian Sangalang is aging and James Laput is still James Laput. Manzano could complement Zavier Lucero like Henry Galinato did in UP.
Meralco Bolts - Raven Gonzales. Based on various rumors, the team is highly volatile. Basing the pick on the best player/prospect available. Gonzales is ripe for the picking.
NLEX Road Warriors - Gani Stevens. The team has all the firepower, and while Palacielo is usually ranked higher, Stevens is more of a blue collar guy focusing on rebounds and defense than post-up scoring. Simply a better fit.
Rain or Shine Elastopainters - PJ Palacielo. Always on the look out for versatile bigs who can shoot, coach Yeng Guiao has found his Beau Belga 2.0.
San Miguel Beermen - Dominic Escobar. The Beermen can go multiple directions here, and it’s about time to harvest from the deep guard field. JD Cagulangan’s injury affects his position and he would have been great here. Remogat is too ball-dominant, and SMB let go of Terrence Romeo, a Remogat comparison. Escobar is simply too good to pass up.
Barangay Ginebra - Jake Figueroa. Legitimate collegiate MVP level and KBL prospect. Better than any big man left.
Blackwater Bossing - Jomel Puno. Best for versatility, length, and hustle although other prospects could fit the bill. Second round next week.
