Maierhofer, Ross likely candidates as Purefoods' draft pick
07/07/2009 | 07:45 PM
MANILA, Philippines – Purefoods seeks to bolster its lineup and looking at the prospects from the amateur ranks, coach Ryan Gregorio could name two likely candidates for its No. 2 pick in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Annual Rookie Draft.
With hot draftee Japeth Aguilar expected to be tabbed No. 1 overall by Burger King, the Giants are considering Rico Maierhofer or Fil-Am Chris Ross for their choice. A third prospect - Jervy Cruz - is also on Gregorio's radar.
“It’s really hard to make a choice, but definitely there’s Maeirhofer, Ross and possibly Jervy Cruz will be there," Gregorio said.
“But it still depends on what we need. We have seven players with expiring contracts and we will see whom we’re going to sign up (again)," he added.
The 6-4 Maiefhofer is a prototype of a do-it-all swingman, who can provide energy on any team. The Giants are in need of an intense defender and rebounder after they were forced to ship Marc Pingris to San Miguel last year and Maierhofer can fill in that void.
Ross, on the other hand, is a versatile 6-0 guard. The Most Valuable Player of the recent Philippine Basketball League while playing for Pharex, Ross could provide some stability to Purefoods’ backcourt rotation.
Seeking another first-round pick?
Aside from making use of its No. 2 pick, Purefoods is exploring different options to improve its lineup, including a possible trade in order to get another first-round pick.
“Maraming ongoing negotiations involving other teams pero nothing has been finalized. But looking at the team’s needs, anything is still possible. We just have to sit down with the coaching staff regarding the composition of the team," Purefoods governor Rene Pardo said.
The Giants’ roster this season is actually talent-laden with Gregorio describing it as the most talented he’s handled in five years with the team. Still, Purefoods failed to make it to the semifinals of the ongoing Fiesta Conference, losing to upstart Rain or Shine.
“Talent alone is not enough to win games. Players must know their roles on the team. Otherwise, we will not succeed," Gregorio said. – GMANews.TV
With hot draftee Japeth Aguilar expected to be tabbed No. 1 overall by Burger King, the Giants are considering Rico Maierhofer or Fil-Am Chris Ross for their choice. A third prospect - Jervy Cruz - is also on Gregorio's radar.
“It’s really hard to make a choice, but definitely there’s Maeirhofer, Ross and possibly Jervy Cruz will be there," Gregorio said.
“But it still depends on what we need. We have seven players with expiring contracts and we will see whom we’re going to sign up (again)," he added.
The 6-4 Maiefhofer is a prototype of a do-it-all swingman, who can provide energy on any team. The Giants are in need of an intense defender and rebounder after they were forced to ship Marc Pingris to San Miguel last year and Maierhofer can fill in that void.
Ross, on the other hand, is a versatile 6-0 guard. The Most Valuable Player of the recent Philippine Basketball League while playing for Pharex, Ross could provide some stability to Purefoods’ backcourt rotation.
Seeking another first-round pick?
Aside from making use of its No. 2 pick, Purefoods is exploring different options to improve its lineup, including a possible trade in order to get another first-round pick.
“Maraming ongoing negotiations involving other teams pero nothing has been finalized. But looking at the team’s needs, anything is still possible. We just have to sit down with the coaching staff regarding the composition of the team," Purefoods governor Rene Pardo said.
The Giants’ roster this season is actually talent-laden with Gregorio describing it as the most talented he’s handled in five years with the team. Still, Purefoods failed to make it to the semifinals of the ongoing Fiesta Conference, losing to upstart Rain or Shine.
“Talent alone is not enough to win games. Players must know their roles on the team. Otherwise, we will not succeed," Gregorio said. – GMANews.TV
