Ginebra gets 1st overall pick on 2013 PBA Draft

MANILA, Philippines – For the first time in 17 years, the most popular ball club in the Philippines will get first overall pick in the PBA draft.

In the draft lottery held at halftime of Game 1 of the PBA Governor’s Cup finals between the Petron Blaze Boosters and the SanMig Coffee Mixers, Air 21 Express wins the first pick of the 2013 PBA Draft — Barangay Ginebra acquired Air 21’s pick in an earlier trade that sent forward KG Canaleta and guard John Wilson to the Express.

SanMig Coffee, who owns the rights to the 1st round draft pick of Globalport Batang Pier, will pick 2nd overall.

PBA statistician Fidel Mangonon III tweeted Ginebra’s previous top overall picks are “The Skyscraper” Marlou Aquino (1996) and Noli “The Tank” Locsin (1994). 

Headlining this year’s draft class are standout big men Greg Slaughter and Ian Sangalang. 

Caguioa wants Slaughter

Ginebra superstar Mark ‘The Spark’ Caguioa said on Twitter that if it were up to him, he would use the pick on 7-foot center Greg Slaughter. 

For me i like G. Slaughter ksi parang gagaling rin yan parang si Thoss. Thoss wasnt as dominating back when he started but look at him now.

— Mark Caguioa (@officialMC47) October 7, 2013

But the reigning PBA MVP is also quick to say his preference of Slaughter over Sangalang shouldn’t take anything away from the 6’7″ agile big.

Dont get me wrong i love the way Sanggalang plays he's a tough kid he looks like he doesnt back down from anyone. Its a tough choice(cont)..

— Mark Caguioa (@officialMC47) October 7, 2013

Ginebra playmaker LA Tenorio agrees with Caguioa that the Kings should draft Slaughter.

"@officialMC47: Lets ask @LA_Tenorio Greg or Slaughter hehe i mean Ian Sanggalang?" Lets win the draw first then lets get Slaughter! 🙂

— L.A Tenorio (@LA_Tenorio) October 9, 2013

Who do you think should Ginebra take as the first overall pick in the 2013 draft? Let us know in the comments below.

– Rappler.com