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BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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Tuesday, October 17, 2017
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MANILA – Despite rumors saying otherwise, Kia Picanto insisted it will not trade its No. 1 pick in the PBA Rookie Draft on Oct. 29 at Robinson’s Place in Ermita.
Picanto head coach Chris Gavina said they plan to keep the draft right and use it to get 6-foot-8 Filipino-German center Christian Standhardinger in their bid to recover from their dismal performance this season.
“With his experience, demeanor on the court, skill set, (Standhardinger) can easily turn this franchise around, so we are eyeing on him as our top overall selection,” said Gavina.
Picanto team manager Eric Pineda, for his part, said the team is looking to draft Standhardinger as they aim to follow the model of San Antonio Spurs when they rebuilt around Tim Duncan in 1999.
“Parang San Antonio Spurs lang. They invested in Tim Duncan by making him the top rookie pick and then surrounding him with good players. That’s what we plan to use as model,” said Pineda.
But Pineda also said they are open to negotiating with other teams for the top overall selection if they get the needed personnel in exchange.
“It’s possible. We’re not closing the door. The important thing, of course, is whatever is best for the team, that’s what we’ll do,” Pineda said. “But for now, nothing is final. We will still talk with our coaching staff.”
Sources told Panay News at least two teams – TNT KaTropa and Star Hotshots – are currently trying to woo Picanto for its No. 1 pick in exchange for veteran players.
Meanwhile, Gavina said he also considers Filipino-American Jason Perkins, Filipino-Swede Andreas Cahilig, Davon Potts, or Raymar Jose in their succeeding picks.
“All those guys are so versatile they really remind me of Joe Devance, a tough guy [with] multiple skills and great basketball IQ,” Gavina said. “So, hopefully, all of these guys land our way.”/PN
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