Seven products of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) were a step closer towards their dreams of playing in the PBA after they were picked in the 2015 PBA D-League Draft yesterday at the league’s office in Pasay.
Leading the crop was Far Eastern University (FEU) sniper Al Francis Tamsi, who suited up for the University of Cebu (UC) before trying his luck in the UAAP.
Former Adamson guard Joseph Nalos was also selected by Tanduay in the third round. The former Southwestern University (SWU) Cobra logged in the best numbers of his collegiate career this past season, where he averaged 11.92 points, 4.15 rebounds, 4.23 assists and 1.54 steals in 13 starts for the Falcons.
“Of course I’m happy because I didn’t expect to be selected to the D-League,” Nalos said. “I hope I will be given the chance to play with my new team.”
Also selected was the University of the Visayas’ (UV) veteran forward Rhaffy Octobre, who was tabbed by Wang’s Basketball in the 7th round.
University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) star Kevin Villafranca was picked in the 8th round by Café France while ex-Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) standout Kris Porter was nabbed by Tanduay in the 9th round.
UV’s fiery guard Franz Arong and ex-USJ-R ace James Regalado were also picked by Café France in the 10th and 12th rounds, respectively.
“It feels good to know I got drafted but it doesn’t end here. I still have to double my effort in practice so I can improve,” Regalado said.
The PBA D-League is considered to be a significant steppingstone for PBA aspirants. Cebuanos who have played here before making their way to the PBA include Eliud Poligrates, Alfred Batino and Joseph Sedurifa.