The only son of a PBA great. A player named after NBA royalty. A model/actor. An OFW’s son. This year’s PBA draft has a few interesting characters.
A total of 128 applicants beat the August 29 deadline for the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft that will take place this Sunday at the Mall of Asia Music Hall.
The final list of applicants will be known by this weekend after the Commissioner’s Office combs through each applicant’s submitted requirements. But assuming there’s no major purge, then expect the likes of Jason Brickman, Geo Chiu, Juan Gomez de Liaño, Will Gozum, and Dalph Panopio to be among the first picks in the first round.
But aside from the blue-chip prospects, a few names stood out among the 128 hopefuls. Specifically, there are four players who, although they are not guaranteed to be signed up, let alone drafted, could raise some eyebrows for various reasons.
Jude Emmanuel Codiñera
The surname of this 25-year-old is enough to elicit questions about who his dad might be. And if you’re wondering, yes, he’s the only son of PBA great Jerry. Big shoes to fill, for sure, and if we’re being honest, a cursory look at this basketball background hints that he likely won’t have anywhere near the same career as his dad (few people have).
“Manu” stands around four inches shorter than his 6’6” dad. He recently graduated from the UST Institute of Physical Education and Athletics, although he never suited up for the Growling Tigers in the UAAP, instead spending time in Team B during the tenure of Aldin Ayo. He did play in the NBL and eventually played four seasons in the MPBL, playing a total of just 33 games and never averaging more than 3.1ppg in a season.
Jacey Cruz
The youngest draft applicant at only 21 and one of the shortest at just 5’9”, Jacey first drew the attention of local media five years ago when, as a 16-year-old son of Filipino expats in Qatar, he played against pros in that country’s pro league and more than held his own.
He has been a regular fixture in the Qatar Basketball League ever since, although his numbers from last season don’t exactly stand out: just 2.7ppg in seven games for Qatar Sports Club Doha. Like many other players these days, Jacey has also dabbled in 3×3 basketball, suiting up for Qatar University in a few Doha 3×3 tournaments.
Now, Jacey is returning to the land of his birth to pursue his dream of playing in the PBA.
Cole Micek
He’s one of the most well-known applicants because of his work in showbiz, and his application was met with snickers from some fans, but make no mistake: Cole Micek can actually play. This isn’t some actor chasing his childhood dream of playing in the pros; Micek played two seasons (although a total of just five games) of US NCAA Division 1 ball with the St. Francis (Illinois) Fighting Saints, averaging a respectable 11ppg. He then transferred to the University of St. Francis Red Flash in the NAIA, where he averaged 12.8ppg in 28 games.
Cole also played extensively in the 3×3 circuit in the US before coming over here to pursue an acting career. He was most recently seen on the hardcourt (although very briefly) as a member of the Macau Black Bears during their tune-up game against Gilas Pilipinas last July. The biggest question on fans’ minds now is if rumored partner Chelsea Manalo will show up on Draft Day.
Kobe Bryant Pableo
Talk about a tough name to live up to.
Kobe Bryant Pableo (you can just imagine commentators saying his full name every time he has the ball) stands two inches shorter than his late idol and plays center. Of course, he has worn no. 24 (at least in the MPBL). He’s also played extensively here and abroad, although he hasn’t exactly stood out at any of his stops.
In six games for Ho Chi Minh City Wings of the Vietnam Basketball Association earlier this year, Kobe put up modest numbers of 6.3ppg and 4.7rpg. His most recent stop in the MPBL was with the Val City Magic, where he managed 2.0ppg and 3.8rpg in four games. He’s also suited in the NBL and PSL, aside from hitting the 3×3 circuit.
If Pableo makes a team roster next season, then it can finally be said that Kobe Bryant played in the PBA.
Banner image (of Cole Micek) by Kieran Punay/KLIQ Inc.