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PBL coaches scouting for new players
(July 8, 2008)

With the opening of two of the country’s premier collegiate leagues, PBL coaches are now busy scouting for players whom they could possibly pick for the 2009 Rookie Draft slated Oct. 2.

Though most of the league’s marquee players are turning pro next month, PBL Commissioner Chino Trinidad believes that there are so many players from the UAAP and NCAA as well from other collegiate leagues in Metro Manila and Cebu who ready to take a bigger challenge.

Among the players that caught fancy of Trinidad and Executive Director Butch Maniego are Ateneo’s Chris Tiu, Nonoy Baclao and Eric Salamat, UP’s Mike Gamboa, Letran’s John Melgrito and San Beda’s Marcelo Pascual.

“There are a lot of exciting players out there, most of them are just waiting to be called. But just like our vision in the league, if they make it to our forthcoming conference, we’re going to help them achieve their goal,” said Trinidad.

If ever the 5-foot-11 Tiu decides to join the PBL draft, he’s likely to be drafted first although some Fil-foreign players have already submitted their application forms.

Among the teams eyeing Tiu’s services are Harbour Centre, Noosa Shoes and Hapee Toothpaste.

Meantime, Letran coach Louie Alas disclosed that most of his players will also be joining the rookie draft to be held at the PBL office Office located at Unit 2302-A, West Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange Building, Exchange Road in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Players who have not yet applied previously to the draft may begin filing their applications at the PBL Commissioner’s or by accomplishing an online form. Interested parties can download the application form from www.philippinebasketballleague.org.

They can send the accomplished form to either berryearth75@yahoo.com or bong_sacro@yahoo.com or fax it to # 667-3006.

Applicants must not be more than 26 years of age by Nov. 1, 2008 and must have at least one parent of Filipino descent. Deadline for application will be on Sept. 30, 2008.

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