Nonoy Baclao, First Pick in the Recent PBA Draft

Air21 now has the pieces to become a contender again, but first has to do some mollifying on a slighted ego.

In an unexpected move that highlights a proceeding filled with twists and turns, the Express made Nonoy Baclao the top overall pick over former Ateneo teammate Rabeh Al-Hussaini in Sunday’s PBA Rookie Draft at the Market! Market! Place. Air 21 has also their third pick of Rey Guevarra.

Alaska also caught everybody by surprise by trading shooting guard Larry Fonacier to Talk ‘N Text for the rights at No. 4 and using that on Elmer Espiritu. The Aces also traded their rights at Nos. 10 and 15 to Meralco and Rain or Shine for Bonbon Custodio and a 2011 second round pick, respectively.

Cone then used his last pick, No. 21 overall, on Marvin Hayes, a known hard-nosed forward whom the coach described as “developable.”

Picking at Nos. 5 and 15, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters opted for forward Joshua Vanlandingham and RJ Jazul, the latter a sort of a bonus since few expected the former Letran star guard to be a second-rounder.

The Express actually also had the No. 6 pick and used that on Sean Michael Anthony. But reports are rife they have traded the Fil-Canadian and the rights to Ren-Ren Ritualo to Powerade in exchange for the Tigers’ 2012 first round pick and and another future Draft pick.

Barangay Ginebra shored up its wings by using its picks at Nos. 7 and 8 on Jimbo Aquino and John Marion Wilson and then tabbed Robert Labagala at No. 12.

B-Meg Derby Ace used its No. 9 pick on bulky forward Narciso Llagas and then chose versatile forward Hezy Val Acuna at No. 13.

Meralco was as busy, choosing four. The Bolts got point guard Shawn Weinstein at No. 10, wingman Riego Gamalinda at 11th, center Ford Arao at 14th and another wingman Khazim Mirza at 16th.

Barako Bull used its lone pick at No. 17 on off-guard John Carlos Hermida, but coach Junel Baculi said he can fill up his need for big men through some of the 41 of the 60 hopefuls who were not picked and thus became automatic free agents.