Barako Bull solidifies line-up in 2011 PBA Rookie Draft

August 29, 2011
by Josef Ramos

Franchise owner Bert Lina, George Chua and head coach Junel Baculi got all the players they need in the 2011 Philippine Basketball Association Rookie Draft on Sunday at the Robinson Place Manila to boost their line-up for the 37th season.

Barako Bull, for its first move, traded the rights to its third overall pick together with 6’7 Carlo Sharma, veteran guard Dondon Hontiveros to Petron Blaze in exchange for three-pointer Sunday Salvacion, center Mick Pennisi and the eighth overall pick.

Petron used the third overall pick to get Chris Lutz after fellow Smart Gilas Pilipinas playmaker JV Casio was picked first by Powerade and Rain or Shine followed to select Paul Lee of University of the East.

Barako Bull selected the best remaining available talents in the draft by choosing D-League PBA MVP Allain Maliksi for its eight pick and Smart Gilas Pilipinas guard Dylan Ababou for tenth pick. Barako picked up also Ken Acibar and Joseph Sorongon in the second round.

“We believe these rookies and the new players in our roster will deliver this season,” said Lina, hoping the rookies and the other new players will blend well with the system together with Danny Seigle, Dorian Pena, Wynnie Arboleda, Willie Miller and Leo Avenido, among others.

Manny Alvarez, the team governor, said the team will have a practice on Wednesday at the Reyes Gym in Mandaluyong City.

Experienced coach Junel Baculi, who has a successful stint from various teams in the amateur as head coach, will coach the team after coach Bong Ramos agreed to become assistant coach.

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