Looking back at the 2019 PBA Draft, I still remember the palpable excitement surrounding Ginebra's selections—a mix of strategic foresight and what some might call classic Ginebra flair. As someone who’s followed the PBA for over a decade, I’ve seen how draft picks can either make or break a team’s momentum, and Ginebra’s choices that year were no exception. They entered the draft with clear needs, particularly in shoring up their frontcourt and adding youthful energy to an aging roster. But what struck me most was how these picks would eventually intertwine with the league’s disciplinary landscape, especially when you consider the suspension of Tropang Giga’s head coach Chot Reyes around that time. Reyes’ automatic suspension after his fifth technical foul wasn’t just a sidebar; it subtly shifted the competitive dynamics, giving teams like Ginebra a psychological edge. Let’s dive into how Ginebra’s draft strategy played out and why I believe it was one of their smarter moves in recent years.
First off, Ginebra’s top pick, Arvin Tolentino, was a no-brainer in my book. At 6’5", he brought much-needed versatility to their forward line, and his college stats—averaging around 14.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game—hinted at his potential to contribute immediately. I’ve always appreciated how Ginebra balances raw talent with players who fit their "never-say-die" culture, and Tolentino embodied that. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, hitting roughly 38% from beyond the arc in his rookie season, gave Ginebra an offensive weapon they’d been missing. But it wasn’t just about numbers; his presence allowed the team to experiment with lineups, especially when key players were resting or injured. From my perspective, this pick was a calculated risk that paid off faster than many expected, as he logged an average of 18 minutes per game in his first season, contributing to a 5% improvement in the team’s bench scoring efficiency.
Then there’s Kent Salado, a guard who, honestly, I thought would have a bigger immediate impact. Drafted in the second round, he was seen as a sleeper pick with his quick handles and playmaking skills, but injuries hampered his early development. I recall watching him in practice sessions and thinking he had the hustle to become a fan favorite, yet the transition to the pros proved tougher than anticipated. Salado’s limited playing time, just under 10 minutes per game in his debut season, meant Ginebra had to rely more heavily on veterans like LA Tenorio, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, this reliance on experienced players might have been a blessing in disguise, as it stabilized the team during a period when other squads, like the Tropang Giga, were dealing with coaching disruptions. When Chot Reyes got suspended, it highlighted how volatile team leadership can be, and Ginebra’s depth—partly built through this draft—helped them capitalize on such moments. I’ve always argued that a deep bench is a team’s best insurance policy, and in the 2019-2020 season, Ginebra’s roster depth contributed to them winning 12 out of 18 games, a solid 67% win rate that positioned them well for the playoffs.
Beyond individual performances, the collective impact of these picks on team chemistry can’t be overstated. Ginebra has a history of fostering a family-like atmosphere, and integrating rookies like Tolentino and Salado required a delicate balance. Coach Tim Cone’s approach, which I admire for its patience, allowed these young guns to grow without the pressure of carrying the team. This contrasted sharply with the chaos in other camps, such as Tropang Giga’s sideline issues, where Reyes’ absence led to inconsistent strategies. In my experience, a stable coaching environment often translates to better player development, and Ginebra’s 2019 draft class benefited immensely from that. Over the next two seasons, the team saw a noticeable uptick in their defensive ratings, moving from around 98.5 to 95.2 points allowed per game, which I attribute partly to the fresh legs and adaptability of their new additions. It’s these subtle shifts that define a successful draft, not just the flashy stats.
Wrapping it up, I’d say Ginebra’s 2019 draft was a win, albeit with a few bumps along the way. Tolentino emerged as a key rotational player, while Salado’s journey reminded us that not every pick pans out immediately. What stands out to me, though, is how these moves reinforced Ginebra’s identity as a resilient squad, capable of adapting to league-wide shifts like coaching suspensions. If I had to nitpick, I’d wish they’d taken a chance on another big man, but overall, this draft strengthened their core and set the stage for future successes. As the PBA evolves, I’ll be watching to see if Ginebra can replicate this balanced approach, blending youth with veteran savvy to stay ahead of the curve.
