For the first time in franchise history, the Powerade Tigers earned the rights for the top pick in the PBA Annual Rookie Draft. The highest pick the Tigers previously had was Rafi Reavis, who was drafted 2nd overall in 2002, the Tigers' inaugural year. While Reavis only stayed for 4 years with the franchise, he was a vital component of Coke's championship squads.
Now, with the top pick, Powerade has a chance to acquire a player who could potentially turn things around for the team, and with a handful of very talented young hotshots joining this year's draft, there just might be someone among them who is destined to bring this wounded pack back to the peak of glory.
Who will that player be?
While any player has a chance to go number 1, let's narrow down to 2 potential top prospects and make a case for each of them.
JV Casio
Born: August 7, 1986
Height: 5'11''
Weight: 175 pounds
College: De La Salle University
Achievements:
** UAAP season 67 rookie of the year
** UAAP season 70 mythical selection
** UAAP season 70 Finals co-MVP
** UAAP season 71 mythical selection
The starting guard for the Smart Gilas national team, JV Casio is arguably the most talented young guard in the country today. Casio was already good in college, but he showed tremendous improvement in his game when he was tapped to play for the national team. While he was more of a shoot-first, high volume shooter during his time in La Salle, he had since developed into a more efficient and complete player after spending the last couple of years with the national squad.
PBA comparison: Jimmy Alapag
Strengths: Casio has always been a very good shooter. He is never afraid to take big shots when the game is on the line. He is also a high-IQ player, and had since improved his shot selection. He can shoot given the smallest of space off picks and screens. He can also drive and dish. He likewise possess a good floater which he uses to score in the paint. He also developed his passing and playmaking skills during his time with Gilas. He has solid leadership skills and is not afraid to take over the game when needed. Although he is a pointguard, he can score in bunches and is capable of big scoring nights. His international exposure also helped his game tremendously, and although he will be entering the PBA as a rookie, he essentially is very much a veteran already experience-wise.
Weakness: There aren't really too many weaknesses with JV's game. His size could be a factor, but it hasn't really been much of an issue given Casio's skills. He may have problems defending against bigger and stronger guards, but his craftiness and hustle makes up for what he lacks in size.
Marcio Lassiter
Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
Born: May 16, 1987
Height: 6'2''
Weight: 185 pounds
College: Cal-State Fullerton
Achievements:
** Co-Most Valuable Player of the Coast Conference North in 2006-07
** Played for NCAA Div. 1 school Cal-State Fullerton
** Lyle Parks, Jr., Hustle Award from the Titan Athletics Club
** Andrew Awad Toughness Award (Cal-State)
** Three-time All-Academic Athletic Association honors in high school (Washington High School)
There is no doubt that Marcio Lassiter is a multi-talented player. Seldom do you come across a 2-way young player who can get things done both in offense and defense. Marcio's pedigree includes playing under an NCAA division 1 program in Cal-State, and he's not just any player there, he was a vital part of the team and was considered the leader in his last year with the team. He was a #1 pick in the 2009 PBL draft and was picked up by the Smart Gilas national team later that year, where he became an important piece in coach Toroman's system. A proven winner who led his college team to the NCAA tournament for the 1st time in 30 years.
PBA comparison: Ronald Tubid
Strengths: Lassiter's primary skill is his shooting. He can light it up from the outside and can also mix it up with drives and penetrations to the basket. His college coach acknowledged him for being a good wing defender. Lassiter is also an all-around player, capable of playing multiple positions, and as a matter of fact, he actually played power forward in his senior year in high school where he averaged 20 points and 9 rebounds with Washington High. Lassiter has also proven to be quite a durable player, and had not missed significant time with the national team due to injuries. When Gilas played as a guest team in the PBA last year, Marcio led the league in minutes, averaging 38 minutes/game. While known as a set-up shooter, he is very much capable of creating his own shots and scoring off the dribble. He has a great feel for the game and is a very efficient player. At 6'2'', he's got good size for a wing man in PBA standards. He doesn't need the ball in his hands to be effective.
Weakness: Just like Casio, Lassiter has no glaring weakness. He tends to become a bit of streaky though as most shooters do. May need to be more assertive when he plays in the PBA.
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So, there you have it, it's probably tougher to choose now after reading this one, but one thing is for sure, here are 2 guys very much deserving of the top pick.
Who's your top pick? Casio or Marcio? Your call.
Roar out!
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