Top prospects, unheralded hopefuls join combine

For the likes of Juan Gomez de Liano, Will Gozum, Jason Brickman, Geo Chiu and Dalph Panopio, it will be the final chance for them to show why they are among the projected top picks.

For the unheralded and the unknown, it may be their only opportunity to gain notice from those looking at diamonds in the rough.

READ: PBA: Geo Chiu among 128 hopefuls in Rookie Draft

All 128 applicants will undergo a series of tests and games before the Rookie Draft when the PBA holds its two-day combine starting Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Draft hopefuls are required to take part in the combine, which will see them go through measurements and biometrics, followed by an orientation of the league’s Uniform Players Contract before the group is split into 12 teams for a mini-tournament that runs into Friday.

Brickman will be in Team A-2 (Barangay Ginebra), Gomez de Liano is with Team C-1 (NorthPort), Gozum and Chiu suit up for Team B-3 (NLEX) while Panopio leads Team D-3 (TNT).

READ: PBA: Cole Micek, Jack Cruz-Dumont, Kascius Small-Martin enter draft

The five players are seen as potential selections of No. 1 pick Terrafirma, No. 2 Phoenix, No. 3 Blackwater and No. 4 NorthPort, which will take part of the proceedings while the sale of its franchise to Pureblends Corporation is being reviewed by the league.

Picking fifth is NLEX, followed by Magnolia, Meralco, Converge, San Miguel Beer, Rain or Shine, Barangay Ginebra and Rain or Shine (from TNT) in the first round.

Applicants can skip the combine, provided it has informed the league a legitimate reason in advance. Otherwise, their names will be stricken off the final list.