The road to the PBA’s 50th season officially kicked off as rookie hopefuls took center stage in the league’s traditional Draft Combine, a two-day showcase of talent and determination held at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
From September 5 to 6, 128 applicants—dreamers aiming to become the next stars of Asia’s first play-for-pay league—were put through a series of rigorous tests. Coaches, scouts, and team executives watched closely as prospects underwent physical, athletic, and medical evaluations before stepping onto the hardwood to prove their worth.
Because of the sheer number of participants, the rookies were grouped into 12 squads. After the initial measurements and biometrics, the players attended an orientation on the Unified Players’ Contract—giving them a glimpse of life inside the league. Then came the real test: back-to-back scrimmages that would stretch over two days, highlighted by fast-paced games, a three-point shootout, and ultimately, a championship clash that will determine the Combine MVP and Mythical Selection.
The spotlight is firmly on some of the country’s most promising talents. San Beda’s versatile forward Yukien Andrada and 6-foot-9 Ladis Lepalan from CSB headline Team A-1 (Blackwater), while the exciting duo of Tony Ynot (CSB) and veteran playmaker Jason Brickman reinforce Team A-2 (Ginebra). Team A-3 (Converge) offers a sentimental storyline as Emmanuel Codinera, son of PBA great Jerry Codinera, joins Fil-Am Geremy Robinson, Kyle Tolentino (Letran), and Ximone Sandagon (FEU) in a stacked roster.
Other teams boast their own star power. Arellano’s Lorenz Capulong and Letran’s Vince Cuajao lead Team B-1 (Magnolia), while Qatar-based Jacey Kleon Cruz pairs with Adamson standout Aaron Flowers for Team B-2 (Meralco). NLEX’s Team B-3 shines with big man Geo Chiu and NCAA MVP Will Gozum.
NorthPort’s Team C-1 parades explosive guard Juan Gomez de Liano, while Phoenix’s Team C-2 banks on Ateneo’s Chris Koon and EAC’s King Gurtiza. Former UE captain Jack Cruz-Dumont carries Team C-3 (Rain or Shine), while San Miguel’s Team D-1 counts on La Salle’s CJ Austria, UST’s Christian Manaytay, and FEU’s LJay Gonzales.
Meanwhile, Terrafirma’s Team D-2 taps into the energy of former Batang Gilas guard Harvey Pagsanjan and Ateneo’s John Quiteves, while TNT’s Team D-3 showcases the backcourt of Fil-Italian playmaker Dalph Panopio and San Beda’s Gabriel Cometa.
As the PBA Draft looms on September 7 at the Mall of Asia Music Hall, the Combine is more than just an audition—it’s a stage where dreams hang in the balance, legacies can be born, and young athletes fight for the chance to etch their names alongside the legends of Philippine basketball.