ASPIRANTS in this year’s PBA Draft get a glimpse of what await them in the pro league as they go through the annual Rookie Camp which starts on Aug. 20.
The camp has been stretched to a seven-day event this time, giving all rookie hopefuls – numbering to about 72 at noon time of Monday’s list up deadline – the opportunity to show their wares and playing skills.
Day 1 of the camp which will be held at the Club 650 Gym in Libis, Quezon City, mainly involves physical test and drills, while the rest are concentrated on the candidates’ playing ability as they will be spread out into four teams and undergo a single-round elimination from Aug. 21-26 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The elimination round will culminate in a knockout championship on the final day of the camp.
As in the past, the strength and athleticism of all rookie aspirants will be determined on the initial day of activities through physical measurement (height, weights, wing span) and strength test (push ups, sit ups, sprint, bench press and pull ups).
Then, they will undertake different drills such as agility, shooting and dribbling. Day 1 activity will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Game time takes place the following day with the players divided into four teams, namely, Red, Blue, White and Yellow. All games will be held from 9 a.m.- 12 noon.
After three elimination games, comes the crossover semifinals on Aug.24, with the top seeded team taking on no. 4 squad and no. 2 facing no. 3. The two teams to survive will play in a one-game championship.
Prominent amateur players who have made themselves available for the Draft include former UAAP Most Valuable Player (MVP) Rabeh Al-Hussaini, NCAA counterpart John Wilson, Nonoy Baclao, Ford Arao, Jai Reyes, slam dunk king Elmer Espiritu, Jimbo Aquino, Marvin Hayes, Khazim Mirza, Rey Guevarra and RJ Jazul.
Foreign-bred players numbered 20 this time, although only Josh Vanlandingham of Everett Community College, Sean Michael Anthony of McGill University and Hyram Bagatsing of La Salle have completed their respective documents.
Draft day is set on Aug. 29 at the Market! Market! Place in Taguig, with Air21 the owner of the no.1 overall pick. (pr)
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