By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA
MANILA — As anticipated, CJ Perez headlined the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rookie Draft, as he was formally named the first overall pick by Columbian Dyip on Sunday night at the Robinsons Place Manila’s atrium.
Perez, who led Lyceum to the NCAA men’s basketball finals for the past two seasons, was chosen ahead of 46 other aspirants, who formally declared for the draft.
The Dyip are looking to make Perez the cornerstone of a franchise that has been struggling since it came to the league in 2014.
Also as expected, Ray-Ray Parks became the second-overall pick of the draft as formalized by Blackwater.
Parks, who is currently playing in the ASEAN Basketball League for Alab Pilipinas, will quickly join the Elite right after his stint in the said league.
Robert Bolick was selected third overall by NorthPort.
Bolick is expected to backstop Stanley Pringle in the guard position for the Batang Pier, who are looking to climb their way back up after letting go of Terrence Romeo.
