The 2018 Gatorade PBA Rookie Draft will be held on Sunday at Robinsons Place Manila. Most of the applicants attended the Rookie Combine where they were able to showcase their skills and talent in front of numerous PBA coaches and scouts. Here's how we at ESPN5.com think the first round of the PBA draft will go.
1. Columbian Dyip - CJ Perez (6-1, PG/SG)
The safest pick in the draft, and luckily for Columbian, the best. CJ Perez is the type of player that can turn a franchise around and get more eyeballs on the team. He'll immediately make an impact with his motor and ability to push the ball in transition. He'll slot in perfectly alongside Jerramy King in the backcourt. With Rashawn McCarthy on the wing, the Dyip should have a fun squad to watch next season, especially with the Baby Beast on the prowl. - Chuck Araneta
2. Blackwater Elite - Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. (6-4, PG/SG)
It's been a long time coming, but Bobby Ray Parks Jr. is finally heading to the PBA. And at 25-years-old with a ton of experience playing professionally both locally and abroad, he won't be coming in as a wide-eyed rookie. He has the talent and skill set to immediately make an impact on a team like Blackwater Elite. Scoring has been his calling card ever since his days with the NU Bulldogs but he has become an elite defender with San Miguel Alab Pilipinas. Though he already said he is committed to finishing the rest of the ASEAN Basketball League season, he is worth the wait if you're the Elite. - Yoyo Sarmenta
3. NorthPort Batang Pier - Robert Bolick (6-1, PG/SG)
This pick is the easiest to make as the top three players in this draft are a cut above the rest. Robert Bolick, who was a Mythical Five member in the Draft Combine, and Stanley Pringle can form a deadly guard combination for NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio. Bolick is a proven winner who has transitioned from shooting guard to point guard. He and Pringle can take turns attacking and playing off the ball. A talented guard like Bolick will shine under the guidance of Jarencio. - Carlo Pamintuan
4. NLEX Road Warriors (via Phoenix) - Javee Mocon (6-3, PF)
After letting go of Allex Mallari and Dave Marcelo in the trade with Phoenix, NLEX may opt to go with San Beda's Javee Mocon. The jury's still out if he can play power forward in the PBA, but he'll definitely be able to hold his own against small forwards. He could also be a nice small-ball option if the Road Warriors want to space the floor. Mocon, who earned a Mythical Five selection in the Draft Combine, is a winner and he'll carry that over to NLEX in the PBA. - Chuck Araneta
5. Meralco Bolts - Abu Tratter (6-6, PF/C)
Abu Tratter is one of the few available big men in this guard-heavy batch of PBA draft applicants. The 6-foot-6 forward can be a good fit for the Bolts, who are looking to beef up their frontline. Tratter's rebounding and athleticism will be a welcome addition to a Meralco squad that mostly relies on Cliff Hodge to man the glass. The 25-year-old slotman won a championship with the Green Archers in 2016 and played for Gilas Pilipinas in the second window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers against Australia in Melbourne. - Charmie Lising
6. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (via TNT) - Bong Quinto (6-2, SG/SF)
Bong Quinto may be a tad bit short to play forward in the PBA, but he can flat out play. He was a consistent force for the Letran Knights as he posted 15.1 points and 8.1 rebounds in his final year. Even more impressive, he expanded his game and became an efficient passer with 6.5 assists per contest. If the Elasto Painters do decide on Quinto, there will be a number of veterans that can help him adapt his playing style into the pros. He'll learn from guys like Gabe Norwood, Jay Washington, or James Yap to figure out how to further improve his game. If Quinto can harness a consistent perimeter shot, he'll become a reliable weapon for Rain or Shine. - Yoyo Sarmenta
7. NLEX Road Warriors - Trevis Jackson (6-1, PG/SG)
NLEX has had stop-gap measures in the absence of Kiefer Ravena and Kevin Alas by signing guys like Philip Paniamogan and Bong Galanza. Drafting Trevis Jackson can give them someone who can carry the offensive load while waiting for Ravena, and then be an off-the-bench threat when their lineup is back at full strength. Jackson is a streaky shooter who will be a good fit in NLEX's free-flowing offense. Coach Yeng Guiao hates it when his players pass up open shots. That won't be a problem for Jackson. - Carlo Pamintuan
8. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters - Paul Desiderio (6-0, SG)
Paul Desiderio finished his stint with the UP Fighting Maroons on a high note. Desiderio PBA Draft stock rose after he guided his alma mater to the finals for the first time in 32 years. At number eight, Rain or Shine can pick the 21-year-old guard, who averaged 13.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in his final UAAP season. Desiderio can partner with Maverick Ahanmisi in the backcourt and help replace Chris Tiu if Tiu follows through on plans to retire. The Cebuano standout's scoring mentality will be a vital asset to the Elasto Painters, who have been struggling with their offensive production ever since Paul Lee and Jeff Chan left the team. - Charmie Lising
9. Alaska Aces - Jjay Alejandro (6-1, SG)
The former NU Bulldog will provide the ability to play both backcourt positions for the Aces, and he comes at a perfect time when the team is starting to invest playing time in their young backcourt players. Alejandro could also be a good shot in the arm for a team that struggles to shoot from beyond the arc and will get a lot of mentoring from veterans like Jvee Casio and Chris Banchero. - Chuck Araneta
10. Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots - Michael Calisaan (6-4, F)
The performance of his team in the recent NCAA competitions might have affected his stock but his last stint in the PBA D-League should be enough proof that Michael Calisaan belongs in the PBA. He played as four in the collegiate ranks but he should fill in nicely as a small forward in the PBA. A multi-talented player with defensive chops, Calisaan can fill multiple roles for any squad. He performed well in the Draft Combine and earned a Mythical Five selection. - Carlo Pamintuan
11. Columbian Dyip (via SMB) - Jorey Napoles (6-3, F)
A virtual unknown before last week, Napoles turned heads at the Rookie Combine with his length, athleticism and range. He suited up for TIP-Marinerong Pilipino in the PBA D-League, but was still unfamiliar to many of the coaches present. Having him come off the bench as an energetic 3 or 4 would be a big plus for the Dyip. - Sid Ventura
12. Phoenix Fuel Masters (via Ginebra) - Matt Salem (6-3, SG/SF)
Fresh from his impressive showing in the PBA D-League, Matt Salem proved that he can be a reliable outside shooter. He can stroke it from pick-and-pop situations or sometimes even off handoffs or screens. More than the offense, however, the defense is a huge plus for Salem. He is 6-foot-2 but won't wow you with speed and athleticism. He instead relies on smarts to defend quicker and taller opponents. Salem was the 3-point champion in the Draft Combine and was a member of the team that won the title. - Yoyo Sarmenta