Best 5 rookies of PBA 2021 Draft
The most recent selection brought the league a new energy, fantastic highlights and potential. Some have the capability to take over the league and one is showing it now early on but before the list, we need also to give honor to those individuals whom couldn’t crack the 5.
Honorable Mentions
Ben Adamos
With Alaska needing an enforcer after the retirement of Sonny Thoss, the Aces paraded Ben Adamos as a back-up slotman of Abu Tratter. Adamos’ potential as a stretch big was evident during his inaugural season but his inconsistencies are still present also hampering his minutes on the court.
Joshua Munzon
An unfortunate hand injury sidelined Munzon the entire conference. A high caliber scorer, Joshua’s up and down production derailed his should’ve been great start. Aside from his scoring, the 6'3 guard salivates fans with his playmaking but so far it wasn’t translating into the pro ranks.
Jerrick Ahanmisi
The younger Ahanmisi is a pure shooter serving as a off the bench gunner for the Magnolia Hotshots. His role maybe is not yet clear for now but surely a shooter will not be left out and be utilized in any team.
5. Alvin Pasaol (7.9PPG 3.8RPG 0.4STL, 43% 3P% 44% FG%)
A well known scorer in college ranks and a colorful character in 3x3, Pasaol slowly but surely is creating a mark for the Meralco Bolts. A steady contributor off the bench, the 6'3 at most forward provides unending energy and bucket generating moves.
4. Santi Santillian (6.09PPG 4RPG 0. 55APG, 38% 3P% 44% FG%)
Santillian earned his way in Rain or Shine’s rotation, practically opening the conference as a backup for a few games into a starting PF at the end. The 6'5 Forward rewards his team’s trust and continually adjusts as the minutes and production rise up. Santi’s rebounding and peculiar skillset as a stretch 4 will surely be a problem for opposing teams.
3. Calvin Oftana (9.27PPG 4.64RPG 0.55BPG, 29% 3P% 43% FG%)
An oversized wing as Yeng Guiao uses him, Oftana’s scoring prowess and natural athleticism has potential to become a prominent stalwart for NLEX Road Warriors. The rookie recently broke Allen Caidic’s 3Pt made by a rookie, finishing with 8 salvo. His explosion is much needed as their lead guard Keifer Ravena transfers to Japan for Shiga Lakestars in B League.
2. Jamie Malonzo (13.18PPG 9RPG 1.82BPG, 33% 3P% 43% FG%)
The 6’6 forward dazzled viewers with amazing dunks and all around defense during the elimination round for NorthPort Batang Pier. Malonzo is posting an incredible and intriguing skill set for PBA standard, being compared to the likes of Gabe Norwood, Malonzo was expected to become a reliable wing defender for Pido Jarencio-led squad but the La Salle standout proved that he is more than defense. His 33% 3P% is much needed especially as NorthPort is parading newly-acquired Greg Slaughter and comebacking Robert Bolick.
Malonzo may not be capable of the primary option on his team’s offense but his versatility and height mix well with NorthPort’s timeline and utility.
- Mikey Williams (18.4PPG 3.8RPG 3.7 APG, 37% 3P% 42% FG%)
Williams already proved his worth with PBA fans in his first season in the league. The 6'2 combo guard is second behind Calvin “The Beast” Abueva in Best Player of the Conference(BPC) Race. Mikey’s skillset smoothly translates in PBA and with Coach Chot’s dribble drive system.
The 29 year old gunner will become the face of the TNT Franchise alongside RR Pogoy and Troy Rosario for a long while, a replacement for Japan-bound Bobby Ray Parks Jr. enchanted fans with his killer crossovers, athletic finishes, great dimes and booming triples. With him leading the way, the Katropa sits at the top of the standing with 10–1 win loss record and rightfully earned a twice-to-beat advantage in the Quarterfinals.
STATS FROM PBA.PH
