The Petron Blaze Boosters got a big consolation from a very disappointing year as they are set to pick this year’s No.1 and No.3 overall in the 2012 PBA Rookie Draft. The final 2 spots were decided at half-time of Game 1 of the 2012 Governor’s Cup Finals between Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and B-Meg Llamados. Actually, the winner of the lottery was Air 21 but apparently the rights for their first round pick in this year’s draft was acquired by Petron in a previous trade. Set to pick 2nd is the Alaska Aces.
Many pundits are now waiting for the next move of the big man from Pinamungahan, Cebu Junmar Fajardo. The former star of the University of Cebu Webmasters told reporters a month ago that he will only enter the draft if Petron gets the No.1 pick this year. Well, his prayers were answered last Sunday. After a year of seasoning in the ABL playing for the San Miguel Beermen that finished runners-up in their inaugural season, Fajardo could be another key player for the Petron team that did not get finals slot in all 3 conferences this year despite of its star-studded line-up. Fajardo’s ceiling is quiet high and he could be the next dominant big man in the PBA but some quarters also feel that he could just be a shade better than Samigue Eman if he falls to the wrong team.
The 2012 Annual Rookie Draft will be held at the Robinsons Midtown Mall in Manila on August 19.
Here is the 2012 PBA draft order:
1st Round
1. Air21 Express (to Petron Blaze Boosters)
2. Alaska Aces
3. Barako Bull Energy (to Petron Blaze Boosters)
4. Meralco Bolts
5. Petron Blaze Boosters (to Barako Bull Energy)
6. Powerade Tigers (to Barangay Ginebra Kings)
7. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
8. Barangay Ginebra Kings
9. B-MEG Llamados
10. Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters (to Powerade Tigers)
2nd Round
1. Air21 Express
2. Alaska Aces
3. Barako Bull Energy
4. Meralco Bolts
5. Petron Blaze Boosters
6. Powerade Tigers
7. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
8. Barangay Ginebra Kings
9. B-MEG Llamados
10. Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters
