PBA Rookie Watch 2006-2007

[Legend_Stopper]

PBA Rookie Watch 2006-2007


1. Kelly Williams- ( Sta.Lucia Realtors)

Name: Kelly Williams
College: Oakland University
Height: 6'5”
Weight: 200 lbs.
Born: 2/7/1982
Position: Shooting Guard
Other Position: Small Forward
Strengths: Great overall skills, defense
Weaknesses: Streaky shooter

– is the no.1 pick in this years draft and could be a major force as he teams with veteran Marlou Aquino, Dennis Espino and Kenneth Duremdez. A big guy who can play 2-3 positions and a reliable clutch shooter in the final seconds of the game. He is also proven as he leads the RP team into 2 victories against the Lebanese National Team. The Sta. Lucia Franchise offers him a 5 yrs. Contract with a maximum of P 355,000 during the last 2 yrs in his contract. Williams is a very special player. He is not a true Small forward but he can also play the SG position. Signing up with the SLR completes the Puzzle of having 5 All Stars in the starting 5 comprise of Aquino, Duremdez, Espino, Cabagnot and Williams.

His strengths are his quickness and overall athletic ability. He is an excellent defender and is adapt at getting steals. In a full court pressing game meant to totally disrupt the opponent’s offense. More often then not, it was successful. Offensively, Williams is great on the break and is an excellent penetrator.

This is not to say that Williams does not have any weaknesses. He does
Not have a very good shot (at least it is very inconsistent). One pro
Scout described him as Tayshaun Prince (of the Pistons) * without* the jump shot. I take it that this means that the scout does not think that he would be an outside threat but mostly would get his points dunking and shooting at 12 ft range. He has an explosive 1st step and he toward at smaller defender because of his mobility.

Williams can be a complete PBA player and believe that when he grows up some, Williams will be an All-Star for years to come. He is destining to win this coming Seasons Rookie of the Year award. I would like to see him participating at the Annual PBA Slam Dunk Competition and face rivals KG Canaleta and former teammate Arwind Santos.

2. Arwind Santos- Air 21 Express-

Name: Arwind Santos
College: Far Eastern University
Height: 6'3”
Weight: 180 lbs.
Born: 719/81
Position: Power Forward
Other Position: Small Forward
Strengths: Great overall skills, defense
Weaknesses: Bit undersize for the 3-4 Pos.

- The Air 21 Express selected Santos as their 2nd overall pick and having a luchury of using this former two times UAAP MVP and UAAP Champion. He would be teaming up with 2- time PBA Slamdunk Champion KG Canaleta forming one of the toughest front lines in PBA History in the versatility in playing 2 or more positions.

Strengths: Great leaper, obvious nickname of Skywalker fits him, might be a hair over 6'3 but dunks with ease. Quick and fast and developed a
Decent outside shot while in school. Very good at getting his own shot. Also plays the passing lanes well, among the national leaders in rebounding and blocking while in college.

Weaknesses: He's really a PF in a SG's body, is not a good ball handler and only uses the dribble to get his own shot, USF tried to play him at the PG but he was not very effective there at all. Has to work on playing straight up defense instead of just gambling for steals, has to become better at doing all the little things and not just making Show-stopping plays.

Basically a great kid who's too small to play in the PBA in its 3- 4 positions unless his SG skills improve dramatically. He is compared to NBA legend Kevin Garnett in the way the play and took the ball in to the hoops. Like Garnett Arwind are a great leaper and a defensive stopper. He is a future PBA All Star and mybe the next’s big thing that the Air 21 produces after the departure of RenRen Ritualo.

3. Joseph Yeo- Coca Cola Tigers -

Name: Joseph Yeo
College: DLSU Green Archers
Height: 5'11”
Weight: 175 lbs.
Born: 8/8/1983
Position: Shooting Guard
Other Position: Small Forward
Strengths: Super Explosive Player
Weaknesses: Not a Consistent Player


Selected as the no.3 over all pick out of the DLSU University. The Ninja is one of the versatile player and popular player in the amateurs ranks. He won last conference’s most Popular Player award and improves during his last stint in the PBL.

Yeo came to DLSU a very much heralded player coming from a High profile HS team with teammate Ty Tang. After a redshirt first year, Joseph Yeo earned a spot in Archers starting lineup and immediately impressed everyone with his basketball instincts and passing skills including his also patented aerial moves. Yeo was a four year starter and led the DLSU in 3 Champion reigns and two finals appearance. During his last yr in his team he ranks one of the top leaders in Points and takes the LaSalle Archers to its final appearance.

Weakness: Joseph Yeo is a very short tempered player and sometimes he is not consistent of his game. Extremely fast, quick guard. Tends to play out of control. Has the athletic ability and confidence to dominate a game that sometimes hindered his concentration to fast the ball.


With the Coca Cola tigers: I think Joseph Yeo would earn a starting lineup in the small line up of this team he would be team with former rival Denok Miranda. I think Yeo would be a terrific player in the molds of a Mark Cardona and Renren Ritualo. Continuing the success of the DLSU program that produces many PBA Greats like Mark Telan, Jum Limpot and Lim Eng Beng. Yeo is the nexts Ritualo of the PBA and that is gonna happen.

4. Louis Alfred Tenorio- San Miguel Beermen

Name: LA Tenorio
College: Ateneo Blue Eagles
Height: 5'7”
Weight: 160 lbs.
Born: 7/07/1984
Position: Point Guard
Other Position: Point Guard
Strengths: Great overall skills, defense
Weaknesses: Not a streaky Shooter and defender

One of the greatest players ever to emerge from the ranks of San Beda High School. Tenorio has been the starting PG for Ateneo during the last 5 years that he was playing in the UAAP. He is also a champion player leading ADMU to its 1st UAAP championship in 2002 after a 14 yr. drought. LA is a natural point guard who can distribute the ball effectively and hit the long-range jumper. He uses deceptive quickness and a superior understanding of the game to his advantage. Like all of the great point guards, LA has uncanny court vision and a sixth sense for the game. He may be the best *true* point guard in the PBA after Olsen Racela and Jimmy Alapag. The San Miguel team selected him in the draft to be their future PG after Olsen Racela would be coming off the bench because he is 37 yrs and his poor showing last conference.

Tenorio’s biggest weakness is his man-to-man defense. His average foot speed makes him an easy target for small, quick point guards to blow by. His lack of physical strength does not bode well for handling the bigger, stronger point guards in the PBA in the post.

Strengths: LA is the epitome of a gym rat, good shooter, can dribble the ball and is an excellent passer. Smart and very competitive, knows his limitations and uses what he has. Improved every year at ADMU.

Weaknesses: Not slow but not quick, improving but still a poor defender, had trouble getting his own shot against quality opponents. Played in Canada and thus is still adjusting to the level of play in the US. Sometimes LA forgets what a good shot is and what's not.


5. Gabby Espinas- San Miguel Beermen

Name: Gabriel Espinas
College: PCU Dolphins
Height: 6'4”
Weight: 200 lbs.
Born: 1/23/1982
Position: Power Forward
Other Position: Small Forward
Strengths: Great overall skills, defense
Weaknesses: In experience to play against bigger guys

- Selected out of the PCU Dolphins one of the most heralded player to came from College. Made History by becoming the 1st Rookie and MVP in the history of the NCAA. Lead his team the PCU Dolphins to its 1st year NCAA Championship.

His strengths are many, an excellent defender and ball handler he can control his offense and disrupt the opponents offense. He is a good shooter but is a little streaky (ie inconsistent) and must get better. His range easily goes to three point range. He is a master at breaking down the defense with his dribble and should have no trouble penetrating in the PBA. He has great basketball instincts. Espinas uses his wide body and wingspan in getting the ball. San Miguel chooses him as a replacement to Nic Belasco who was dealt to Alaska last year. He must fight for the position together wide Dorian Pena but he can play as the small forward sometime in the future.

Overall, Gabby is a special player. Like so many he is coming out way to soon and could use an extra year or two to mature as a person. Given some time he will be a star in the PBA for years to come.

6. Mark Gracier Isip – Sta. Lucia Realtors

Name: Mark Isip
College: FEU
Height: 6'4
Weight: 210 lbs.
Born: 1980
Position: Power Forward
Other Position: Small Forward
Strengths: Great leaper
Weaknesses: Not a true PF


Selected as the 6th Overall pick by the Sta. Lucia Realtors coming out of the FEU Basketball program. Don’t have to tell you how good a ballplayer he is, but his intangibles are one of his biggest strengths. While 21 years old, he 1st enter FEU as a Varsity player and quickly established himself as one of the greatest forward in his team. Quickly shows his brilliance at the Summer Camp and gain the trust of Coach Al Francis Chua. He led the FEU Tamaraws to its 2005 UAAP Campaign teaming him with Arwind Santos.

He has played with and against some former and future PBA players. He is a very tough minded and determined person, and I can say that also by knowing his brother and few of his friends. By going away to play in college he gave up a lot of money that he could has just been draft in 2003. He improves while playing for the Magnolia-Feu in the PBL and won some major awards there.


7. Aaron Aban- Alaska Aces

Name: Aaron Aban
College: Letran Knights
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 180
Born: 1982
Position: Point Guard
Other Position: None
Strengths: Slasher
Weaknesses: Inconsistent Scorer and defender


Aban is a tall point guard. I hate to list this as strength but it is a nice thing to have in a point guard (especially in the PBA ALL Filipino Conference) He has a nice shooting touch to go along with great ball handling skills. He is an older player (24 years old) This might be a plus. With rookies being able to bolt after only three years, a more mature rookie might be able to help more now instead of waiting for him to grow up. During his junior year, Aaron Aban won the Most Improve Player of the year. Alaska management selected him as the no. 7 pick overall as a back up for Mike Cortez. Aban is a great defender and scorer. I think he would be a shoe in sa Alaska Aces line up. He is the 1st Letran player selected in this year’s draft.

2006 Averages

GP Minutes Points Rebounds Assists Blocks Steals Turnovers Fouls
13 30.9 13 5.5 7.5 0.6 0.5 2.7 3.8

2006 Totals

GP Minutes Points Rebounds Assists Blocks Steals Turnovers Fouls
13 402 169 71 19 8 6




Triple A Aban-transition to PG this year probably made him a first
Round pick. The best defender to come out of college in ten years.
If he can't put up the offense he still sticks cuz of his offense.
Showed decent range the last two years and showed very underrrated
Passing and distribution skills. Great size for a PG, 6'1", can and
Will give the taller PG's in the league all they can handle with him
In their face. Will need a few more years to truly learn the PG role
Though.

Aban was overlooked at times throughout his career and usually made teams pay for the oversight. He is indeed became a solid player in the near future in the molds of a Jeffrey Cariaso or Freddie Abuda.


8. Mark Andaya- Talk N Texts Phonepals

Name: Mark Andaya
College: Letran Knights
Height: 6'7" (6'6.5")
Weight: 220 lbs.
Born: 1981
Position: Center
Other Position: None
Strengths: Power Play and Defense
Weaknesses: Speed and Mobility



- Selected by the TNT Franchise as the no. 8th overall pick as a back up for aging Center Asi Taulava. He is the tallest player on this draft besides JR Reyes of the Welcoat Dragons. Andaya’s established himself as a top-flight and at times Dominant Center in the UAAP during the 2004 and 2005 Seasons yet lingering questions regarding his attitude, the circumstances of his early departure from Letran, and overall talent level make him a major x-factor in the 2006 draft. Andaya’s strength is in his overall shot blocking abilities and decision-making at the Center Position. , and a substantial amount of muscle, He was able to easily penetrate into the paint at the college level, but while his size will still be slightly above average for a PBA Center , what was a major advantage in college should be all but neutralized at the next level. He is 6 ft 6 probably 6 ft 7 with Basketball Shoes and one of the exciting Centers to come out of Letran since the days of Kerby Raymundo.


9. Boyet Bautista – Purefoods Chunkee Giants

Name: Boyet Bautista
College: Letran Knights
Height: 5’’5
Weight: 140 lbs.
Born: 1983
Position: Point Guard
Other Position: Shooting Guard
Strengths: Great ball handler, shooting
Weaknesses: Tries to do to much and too small

- Selected as the 2nd Point Guard in this draft does not be deceived by his size and height. Boyet is a great scorer and passer in the PBL and NCAA. Little Bastard as he is often referred to, is a true point guard whose biggest asset is his tenacity and drive. He stepped into the starting position in this past year after Ronjay Enrile’s departure and silenced his critics with solid game after another. He is a great passer who does not really like to shoot, but he can hit the three when needed shooting a 37% clip from the arc. As said before, his tenacity is his biggest asset, as he played most of the NCAA as the starting Guard of the knight. He currently is second in scoring with an average of 15.8 PPG.

10. Aby Santos- Welcoat Dragons

Name: Abby Santos
College: University of the Philippines
Height: 6'3”
Weight: 180 lbs.
Born: 1980
Position: Power Forward
Other Position: Small Forward
Strengths: Great overall skills, defense
Weaknesses: Bit undersize for the 3-4 Pos.



- Played for the UP Maroons and one of its leading scorer and rebounder. He is a very agile and athletic big men and should be put in the starting line up either as a Small Forward or undersize power forward. Aby would be a great role player in the PBA in the years to come.

2nd Round Pick

Name: Jireh Ibanez
College: University of the Philippines
Height: 6'0
Weight: 165 lbs.
Born: 1981
Position: Shooting Guard
Other Position: Point Guard
Strengths: Great overall skills, defense
Weaknesses: Inconsistency


11. Jireh Ibañez- is a very athletic guard from the University of the Philippines fighting maroons, he stood at 6 ft 0 and he is a very nice defender for his size.

[The Other Kevin]

First, wrong forum, second, who gives a flying fuck about the PBA anyway?

[Fresh8]

Shit... i should go to the PBA... 5'5".... man...

[Null17]

First, wrong forum, second, who gives a flying fuck about the PBA anyway?

Some of us actually, I'm not that big of a fan but still. Anyway, wrong forum. Besides, the draft was a while ago so why start the thread now.

[Andreas Dahl]

Moved to Other Basketball Leagues.

[J@3]

I seriously hope you're not who I think you are.

[---]

judging by the shitload of useless information, i think it is

[keem21]

First, wrong forum, second, who gives a flying fuck about the PBA anyway?

i should tell you that you should never underestimate the pba.some of our players are being considered in the nba.remember also that the philippine team are ahead of the us team on some occasions in the fiba championships