70 aspirants submit names for PBA Season 49 rookie draft

A total of 70 aspirants have submitted their names for the PBA Season 49 Rookie Draft, a significantly fewer number than last year's 128.

Notable applicants include former NBA G-League player Sedrick Barefield, Taiwan import Caelan Tiongson, and collegiate stars like Justine Baltazar, RJ Abarrientos, Dave Ildefonso, and Kai Ballungay.

Other familiar names vying for a spot in the pro league are Jerom Lastimosa, Ben Phillips, Evan Nelle, CJ Cansino, Jonnel Policarpio, Paolo Hernandez, Mark Nonoy, and Brandon Ramirez.

The PBA Rookie Draft is set to take place on July 14 at Glorietta in Makati City.

The draft applicants will undergo a Draft Combine on July 10 to 11 at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, after which their requirements will be screened.

Converge holds the first pick in the draft, followed by Blackwater, Terrafirma, Phoenix, NorthPort, NLEX, Rain or Shine, Magnolia, Barangay Ginebra, Meralco, and San Miguel Beer.