Norwood heads cast of future PBL stars

By Jasmine W. Payo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
09/08/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- There will be no shortage of stars after all.

Amateur sensation Gabe Norwood heads the cast of foreign-born Filipino players expected to fill in the spots left by several PBL stalwarts who crossed over to the professional league just recently.

Norwood expressed his intention to join the PBL after suiting up as a second-string wingman for the San Miguel-RP squad in the FIBA Asia championship recently in Japan.

Along with the 6-foot-5 Norwood--who starred for George Mason University in the US NCAA--several collegiate standouts are also keen on joining the rookie draft on Sept. 28 at the PBL office in Pasig.

"The league lost a great number of its marquee players but I'm confident a new batch of exciting players will rise and take the spotlight," said league commissioner Chino Trinidad.

He noted that several foreign-born Filipinos have signified interest to see action in the Invitational Cup set to start Oct. 20.

Also lured to sign up for the draft are UAAP and NCAA standouts such as James Martinez of the University of the East, Ateneo's Jai Reyes, Eric Salamat and Ken Barracoso, La Salle's Peejay Barua, Far Eastern's Mac Baracael, University of the Philippines' Woody Co and Migs de Asis, San Beda's Garvo Lanete and Jose Rizal's John Wilson.

"There are lots of talents around, so I'm confident we can discover new ones," said Trinidad, who downplayed the departure of trop draws from the league, including Fil-Am center Joe Devance, picked first in the recent PBA draft, Samigue Eman, Ryan Reyes, JC Intal and Ken Bono.

Players from the Visayas and Mindanao may submit their application forms before the rookie camp on Sept. 26. Applicants must not have reached 27 years old on opening day.

Unlike in past seasons, the league will start conducting the draft only once a year.

"Failure to join the coming draft, [players] will have to wait for another year before they can play in the league," said PBL executive director Butch Maniego.