[ad_1]
WITH the resumption of the PBA upon us, some players will make their league debuts in unusual conditions as the Philippine Cup makes its long-awaited resumption within the bubble in Pampanga.
A total of 23 rookies made it to the 12-team lineup as they embark on their first season as a pro that will see them play for up to two months if their clubs are lucky enough to make it to the finals.
These are the SPIN.ph rookies, one for each team, who might deserve to be followed in the bubble. [Note: Phoenix has no rookie in the line-up]
Mike Ayonayon, NLEX
Continue reading below ↓
Recommended Videos
The third pick in last year’s PBA draft will enter the pro-league battle proven having played an integral role in the San Juan Knights title race in the MPBL, and NLEX coach Yeng Guiao, has made no secret of the fact that Ayonayon was impressive on the Road Accumulation of Warriors before the pandemic. During the recent season that was postponed, Ayonayon averaged 12 points per game for the Knights, a performance that he is capable of contributing to the Road Warriors.
MORE OF SPIN
Roosevelt Adams, Terrafirma
Adams’ teaming with his number one colleague in the overall pick, CJ Perez, is something worth following. Terrafirma coach Johnedel Cardel expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with Adams which brought 3-point shooting, speed and defense to the Dyip team eager to make noise in the bubble. Once compared to the Marcio Lassiter shooting, Adams already has vast experience in high-level basketball before entering the PBA when he was part of Mighty Sports at the Dubai International Championships last year.
Maurice Shaw, Blackwater
Bouncing around various countries, including a stint with the Harlem Globetrotters, Shaw takes his act to the next level by bringing his 6ft 8in frame to Blackwater. The second pick in the PBA draft, Shaw is a story worth following as he makes his PBA debut at age 35. Blackwater head coach Nash Racela admitted that taking Shaw into second place is a gamble that hopefully pays off.
Arvin Tolentino, Barangay Geneva
Of the three rookies on the team, Tolentino has the best impression in the eyes of Barangay Geneva coach Tim Cone, who describes the former Far Eastern University cager’s skills as “off the charts.” In his final season at UAAP, the 6-foot-5 Tolentino averaged 12.8 points and had 29 3-pointers for the Tamaraws.
SEE ALSO
Aaron Black, Meralco
Rarely does a father-son tandem occur in a team in the PBA, and this season, we get to witness it as Aaron Black plays for his father Norman at Meralco on the Bubble. The youngest black man came to the PBA prepared for the toughest battles. He saw action during 14 games with Quezon City Capitals in the MPBL Lakan season and averaged 11.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists.
Aris Dionisio, Magnolia
No longer an unknown talent, Dionisio finally brings his act into the PBA after playing at the University of Philippine School of Business Administration and St. Clare College. Dionisio produced solid numbers for the Manila Stars in the MPBL, recording 12.7 points and 7.0 rebounds in the Lakan Season. With Marc Pingris not being part of the bubble due to injury, Dionisio is a useful player who will bring depth to the Hotshots’ frontcourt inside the bubble.
Sean Manganti, NorthPort
After his college career ended, Manganti wanted to be remembered by Adamson as the guy who gave his all for the team. And that’s exactly what NorthPort will get when Manganti plays for the Batang Pier inside the bubble. Manganti actually has a chip on his shoulder as he failed to meet the minimum number of PBA D-League games to be eligible for the 2018 draft. One year of experience in the PBA D-League and the MPBL definitely they have prepared Manganti even more for the professional league.
Barkley eboña, Alaska
With Nonoy Baclao moving to Meralco and Sonny Thoss opting out of the bubble, the Alaskan frontcourt has gotten younger for the bubble. One of the players that could stand out for the Aces is Eboña. The Far Eastern University rookie has been doing the dirty work for the Aces, and with assistant coach Danny Ildefonso under his wings, Eboña could be an integral part of Alaska’s rotation at this conference.
Vince Tolentino, rain or shine
It was difficult to choose who the rookie is to consider for the Elastopainters, as the team chose solid first-year players who are capable of making an impact. We settled on Tolentino because of his reputation as one of the toughest players in the amateur rankings, an attribute that fits the Rain or Shine mantra.
Kib Montalbo, TNT
The Tropang GIGA’s only rookie in the bubble will have to earn his spot in the rotation, but expect the former La Salle standout to show the defensive strength he became known for when he steps onto the floor for his new team.
Daniel de Guzman, San Miguel
De Guzmán earned a spot in Beermen’s rotation despite being San Miguel’s fourth rover in the 2019 draft. Last year’s 42nd overall pick was the lowest pick to break the lineup in the PBA bubble. De Guzman played college ball with the Nueva Écija University of Science and Technology before bouncing off different MPBL teams.
MORE OF SPIN
___
Twist fans unite in the Spin Viber Community! Join the growing community now and complete the experience subscribe to the Spin Chatbot.
