Barangay Ginebra picks RJ Abarrientos third overall

Barangay Ginebra selected RJ Abarrientos with the third overall pick in the PBA Rookie Draft, believing he has the potential to become an elite player like his uncle Johnny Abarrientos.

Coach Tim Cone compared RJ's potential to his uncle, a former PBA MVP who was also coached by Cone at Alaska.

Ginebra acquired the third pick through a trade that sent Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle to Terrafirma.

Cone recalled a similar situation in 1993 when he drafted Johnny Abarrientos for Alaska after Vic Pablo was taken.

Despite initially considering adding size to their frontline after trading Standhardinger, Ginebra ultimately prioritized Abarrientos' unique talent.

Cone expressed confidence that Abarrientos will be an elite player, a decision made after intense deliberation among the coaching staff.