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2008 PBA DRAFT
August 31, 2008 @ Market! Market! (Taguig)

As expected, versatile swingman Gabe Norwood became the first pick of the 2008 PBA Annual Draft. Rain Or Shine tapped the George Mason University standout to reinforce their lineup and improve their last place finish in last season’s Smart Fiesta Cup. The Talk & Text Phonepals on the other hand, maximized the talent of this year’s draft and made the most significant picks in this year’s pool. The Phonepals picked versatile forward Jarred Dillinger for the second overall pick.

The ‘MVP’ owned franchise then set up a trade with San Miguel Beer and exercised their draft rights to Jason Castro for the third overall pick. San Miguel gets Jay Washington from the Phonepals in return. The Phonepals also picked Rob Reyes on their next pick to close their selection in the first round. Alaska used their 5th pick to recruit flashy guard Solomon Mercado. Air 21 Express selected Mark Borboran for their sixth overall pick. In their efforts to strengthen their frontline, Purefoods picked Beau Belga. San Miguel used its eighth pick in the first round on Bon Bon Custodio to reinforce their aging backcourt. Red Bull used their lone pick in the first round and selected hardworking forward Larry Rodriguez. Sta. Lucia closed the first round by picking Kelvin Gregorio, good for 10th overall in this year’s annual draft.

The 2008 Annual PBA Draft was only limited to two rounds. As a result of their previous trade deals, the Ginebra Gin Kings and Coca Cola Tigers did not participated in this year’s annual event. The complete list of draftees for this year’s PBA Draft are as follows:

FIRST ROUND

1. Rain Or Shine - Gabriel Norwood (George Mason)
2. Talk N Text - Jared Dillinger (University of Hawaii)
3. Talk N Text (via San Miguel) – Jason Castro (Philippine Christian University)
4. Talk N Text (via Air21) – Robert Reyes (Flagler College)
5. Alaska – Solomon Mercado (Biola)
6. Air 21 (via Ginebra) – Mark Borboran (University Of the East)
7. Purefoods – Beau Belga (Philippine Christian University)
8. San Miguel - Bon-Bon Custodio (University Of The East)
9. Red Bull – Larry Rodriguez (Philippine Military Institute)
10. Sta. Lucia – Kelvin Gregorio (University Of The East)

SECOND ROUND

11. Talk N Text – Pong Escobal (San Beda)
12. Rain Or Shine – TY Tang (De LaSalle University)
13. Air 21 – Pocholo Villanueva (De LaSalle University)
14. Sta. Lucia – Chito Jaime (AMA Computer College)
15. Alaska - Kelvin De La Pena (Mapua Institute of Technology)
16. Purefoods – Jonathan Fernandez (National University)
17. Red Bull – Jeff Chan (Far Eastern University)
18. Red Bull – Mark Anthony Cuevas (LA Community College)
19. Sta. Lucia – Christian Cabatu (College of St. Benilde)

NOT SELECTED

Juan Luis Abad (St. Benilde)
Lawrence Bonus (Las Pinas)
Patrick Cabahug (Adamson)
Ian Tayag (Adamson)
Andrew Catigan (Langara College-Canada)
Jan Anthony Coching (St. Benilde)
Dennis Concha (Holy Cross College of Davao)
Rene Cunanan (Jose Rizal)
Kevin Dulafu (Vanguard University)
Nestor David (University of the Philippines)
Michael Dizon (Florida College)
Anthony Espiritu (University of Sto. Tomas)
Michael Gonzales (San Sebastian)
Ismael Juinio (Letran)
Nizar Kiram (St. Francis)
Ferdie Melocoton (Emilio Aguinaldo)
Franklyn Nailon (University of Cebu)
Ricky Natividad (PSBA)
Leimar Navarro (Philippine Christian University)
Angelus Raymundo (University of the East)
Ryan Regalado (University of Manila)
Unik Christian Reyes (St. Benilde)
Earn Saguindel (University of the East)
Eder Saldua (Far Eastern University)
Mark Yee (San Sebastian College Cavite\University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos)
Eian Yu (UCLA)