Chris Banchero, Jerrold Asaytono join PBA D-League Rookie draft

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Chris Banchero, Jerrold Asaytono join PBA D-League Rookie draft

ONE of the most sought Fil-foreign players in the country today as well as the son of a PBA great are among those who made themselves available for the first-ever PBA D-League Rookie Draft.

Chris Banchero joins PBA D-League Rookie draft

Fil-Italian Chris Banchero and Jerrold Nielsen Asaytono, son of many-time All-Star and Mythical Team selection Nelson Asaytono, head the 10 early applicants who signed up for the September 19 event.

Also on the list are Fil-Australian Hibelito Timothy, Mark Anthony Lopez of Jose Rizal University, Kenneth Agustin of PSBA, Arellano’s Rodan Reducto, Marlon Angeles of TUP, Fil-Ams Alexander Austria and Medel Bencito, and Vince Anthony Fran, son of former UST stalwart Raymund Fran.

The 24-year-old Banchero, however, stands head and shoulders above the rest.

The 6-foot-1 point guard out of Seattle Pacific University played a key role in San Miguel Beer’s breakthrough championship in the Asean Basketball League and was named Finals MVP when the Beermen completed a three-game sweep of the Indonesia Warriors.

His two-year stint with the Beermen easily makes him a potential top pick in the league’s maiden draft proceedings.

The first six picks belong to the league’s founding members with Cafe France taking the first crack in the drafting order, followed by Cebuana Lhuillier, Boracay Rum, Big Chill, Blackwater Sports, and NLEX.

Cagayan Valley takes its turn at No. 7, while Hog’s Breath and Jumbo Plastic select at No. 8 and No.9, respectively.

The order of selection for the new teams this season will be determined by lottery.

All incoming players are now required to apply for the draft to become eligible to play in the 2014 D-League season set to start on October 24 at the Ynares Sports Arena.

A new player who has been included in the list of “varsity players” by a “school-based team” need not join the draft. However, he loses his right to play in the event the “school-based team” changed its status anytime during the tournament.

A team should have at least six “varsity players from a given school in its lineup to be classified as “school-based” team.

A player who joins the draft but is not drafted by any PBA-D League teams automatically becomes a rookie free agent. He is free to sign up with any team.

Likewise, a player who is drafted but not given the required tender offer within five days after the draft shall be considered a free agent and can sign up with any team.