ALL-STAR Mock 2027 PBA Draft 3.0
Midway through the month of August, the PBA took a break to give way to two international tournaments: the Asian Qualifiers for the FIBA World Cup and the 2026 Asian Games. But, for the prospective selections in next year’s PBA Draft, the grind never stopped.
In the collegiate scene, the UAAP and NCAA seasons have tipped off, giving graduating players a grand stage to showcase what they have to offer. Prior to that, some UAAP teams got the chance to test their mettle against university squads from East Asia as their mother schools competed in international tournaments last month. Now that was an interesting sight.
Speaking of East Asia, we found out in August that the MPBL’s Abra Weavers will be the Philippines’ representative in the upcoming EASL season. That team, of course, has a few PBA prospects who can take advantage of this distinct opportunity to strut their stuff.
Before the defending MPBL champions could even dive into EASL action, they’ve had to ward off the challenge of all those other MPBL teams that are raring to knock them off the mountaintop. Many of these teams are led by young stallions who want to make a name for themselves in the pambansang liga one day.
So much basketball action is happening in the country, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Amid all these happenings, we have some mock draft picks to debate, taking into consideration these prospects’ performance in August and September.
Round 1
#1 NIC CABAÑERO – NLEX Road Warriors (from Blackwater)
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Pay attention to Nic Cabañero tearing it up at the professional level. Sure, there are arguments to be made about “ceiling” and “potential” when it comes to other members of this draft class. But Cabañero has proven that he’s more than just a big name—he’s an all-around athlete who can make a huge splash right away for a team like the Road Warriors. And no, this isn’t recency bias caused by that crazy 53-22-10 stat line on Sept. 10. This MPBL season, Cabañero is averaging 19.1 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 3.0 apg, and 1.4 spg.
#2 KYMANI LADI – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (from Terrafirma)
The best way to characterize Kymani Ladi right now is “efficient scorer.” Between his 28-point, 75.0% FG shooting night on Aug. 27 and his 17-point performance on a 5-for-12 shooting clip last Sept. 15, Ladi is maximizing the touches that he’s getting for Batang Kankaloo. On top of this, Ladi’s athleticism and versatility should make him a great fit with Tim Cone’s system, which has historically thrived on the all-around play of skilled forwards.
#3 JACOB CORTEZ – Titan Ultra Giant Risers
Back in August, how did La Salle go 6-0 in that grueling three-day gauntlet known as UTL? They checked several boxes, but the best thing they had going for them was the playmaking of Jacob Cortez. Whether it’s finding shooters on the weak side or demoralizing defenders with that middy, there’s a different groove in the Green Archers’ offense when their finest court general is calling the shots. In the first three games of the defending UAAP champions, Cortez has done Cortez things in the clutch, finding open teammates and getting to the foul line to help his team build momentum. Sounds like a go-to guy that Titan Ultra could use right now.
#4 DJ FENNER – Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters
While we’re talking about international tournaments, let’s bring up last month’s Jones Cup as well. Strong Group asset DJ Fenner has made it clear that he’s eyeing the PBA Draft next January—which was a good reason for him to represent the country in the annual Taiwan meet. Amidst the controversy surrounding the format of the Jones Cup, Fenner did his thing, constantly scoring in double-digits and stuffing the stat sheets like he usually does for the Abra Weavers. Are we going to see Charles Tiu pick SGA’s Swiss Army Knife to beef up his PBA team?
#5 MASON AMOS – Terrafirma Dyip (from Converge)
It seems like Mason Amos is adding new elements to his game with each passing month. When DLSU competed at the UTL in August, Amos displayed his playmaking at the high post, finding La Salle’s cutters off backdoor plays. Then, when the UAAP season tipped off, the Fil-Aussie big man took on the challenge of providing single-coverage defense against Collins Akowe—and he looked pretty good doing it, too. Amos, however, goes down a few spots on our mock draft as his scoring hasn’t quite picked up yet: In DLSU’s first three games, Amos averaged just 6.0 ppg on 7-for-19 FG shooting.
#6 – CEDRICK MANZANO – NLEX Road Warriors
The Road Warriors have plenty of firepower in their guard and wing rotation, so why not acquire a young big man who’s been humbling veteran centers in the shaded lane? This MPBL season, Cedrick Manzano is averaging 12.1 points and 8.4 rebounds per game for the Quezon Huskers. The idea of an even more balanced NLEX lineup under Jimmy Alapag—with an old-school big like Manzano and an explosive wing like Cabañero—is a scary thought.
#7 ALLEN LIWAG – Magnolia Timplados Hotshots
CSB active consultant Charles Tiu has stated that Allen Liwag “is not out for the season” after reports circulated that the two-time NCAA MVP would miss Season 102. Interesting. With Magnolia needing more size in their frontcourt, he’ll be an interesting prospect midway through the first round. At his finest, Liwag is a solid presence in the paint, helping his team control the boards and drawing fouls from opposing bigs with his rim runs.
#8 JD CAGULANGAN – Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
We have yet to see JD Cagulangan make his comeback from his ACL injury, but his body of work in the KBL cushions his fall in our mock draft proceedings. As loaded as the Elasto Painters’ backcourt is, a point guard of Cagulangan’s caliber is difficult to pass up. Throw in the fact that the ex-UP stalwart is comfortable with physicality on the defensive end—plus his penchant for endgame heroics—and you have a ready-made weapon for coach Yeng Guiao’s system. Now, if only Beau Belga could stick around to play pick-and-pop with JD…
#9 JAKE FIGUEROA – Meralco Bolts
The Bolts are—surprise, surprise—loaded in the backcourt, so a wing selection makes sense here. Jake Figueroa’s scoring has taken a bit of a hit at the pro level, but he’s contributing to the Abra Weavers in other ways. On Aug. 6, he grabbed 12 rebounds in a game against 1Bataan; six days later, he posted seven assists, five steals, and a block in a matchup with Bulacan. That versatility would be a great fit in an athletic lineup bannered by Chris Newsome.
#10 HAROLD ALARCON – San Miguel Beermen
Here’s another guy who’s been throwing his weight around and contributing on both ends of the floor. Harold Alarcon made a name for himself as a scorer with the Fighting Maroons, but with the San Juan Knights, he’s been expanding his game as he looks to attract the attention of—how do I say this—scouts. In a three-game stretch from Aug. 10 to 22, Alarcon averaged 11.0 ppg, 11.0 rpg, 5.3 apg, and 2.3 spg. Then, on Sept. 9, he put up a triple-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. These do-it-all numbers would find a home on the most loaded team in the PBA, yes?
#11 KEAN BACLAAN – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
Kean Baclaan is on a roll in his professional career, and he continues to strengthen his case as a first-round pick in next year’s draft. When Batang Kankaloo squared off against GenSan on Aug. 11, Baclaan was a different level of aggressive, taking 12 free throw attempts and going 100.0% from the charity stripe. Meanwhile, on Sept. 15, Baclaan’s playmaking took over when he dished six assists in a game against Batangas City.
#12 DOMINIC ESCOBAR – Blackwater Bossing (from TNT)
Honestly, I’m curious to see how Dominic Escobar’s skill set would fit within the system that Pat Aquino is building in the Blackwater camp. Escobar can shoot from the outside, facilitate plays, and make life difficult for smaller guards on the perimeter. The former Ateneo Blue Eagle struggled to shoot in September (7.8 ppg on 33.3% FG shooting), but with the Bossing making a late first-round selection, Escobar is definitely worth a look.
Round 2
#13 JOMEL PUNO – NLEX Road Warriors (from Blackwater)
Jomel Puno drops to the second round for now, but once he gets his groove in San Beda’s Season 102 campaign, I expect this high-flying stud to boost his stock. Imagine Robert Bolick—yes, the former Red Lion who recently signed an extension with NLEX—running the break with Puno waiting in the wings for a lob. That’s a highlight waiting to happen.
#14 REY REMOGAT – Terrafirma Dyip
The distinction of “Terrafirma’s point guard of the future” sounds dubious, but if they’re looking for a young court general to define their offense for the next three to five years, Rey Remogat would be a great choice. During the Fighting Maroons’ stint in the AUBL, Remogat put up 14.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. He continued to make things happen on offense when UP opened up Season 89 with two straight wins. Remogat’s contributions in those games: 12.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, and 5.0 apg.
#15 RAVEN GONZALES – Converge FiberXers (from Titan Ultra)
It’s been an uphill climb for the FiberXers as they try to live up to the hype as the next PBA powerhouse. One way to ensure consistency in winning is beefing up rim protection, which is exactly what Raven Gonzales provides. Gonzales is averaging 1.6 blocks per game for the Abra Weavers, and he’s chipping in 7.6 ppg and 6.4 rpg as well.
#16 PATRICK SLEAT – Converge FiberXers (from Phoenix)
What else can Converge do to become consistent playoff contenders? Add size at every position. Patrick Sleat would be a great pick midway through the second round, as his huge frame, physicality, and playmaking offer a nice complement to the FiberXers’ high-octane scorers. Sleat isn’t too shabby on the scoring end, either: In September, he put up 11.3 points per game on 44.0% FG shooting for San Juan.
#17 GANI STEVENS – Titan Ultra Giant Risers (from Converge)
If the Giant Risers go with a playmaker like Cortez in the first round, they can take a serious look at frontcourt pieces in Round 2. Gani Stevens—who’s giving the Fighting Maroons 7.0 points and 9.7 rebounds per game—can strengthen Titan Ultra’s big man rotation with his toughness and rebounding. Plus, the UP center can run pick-and-roll with Cool Cub all night long.
#18 JUSTINE SANCHEZ – Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters (from NLEX)
Remember that Aug. 23 matchup between CSB and Ateneo in the Pinoyliga Big Dance? Though the Blazers fell short in that thriller at Blue Eagle Gym, Justine Sanchez continued to give a good account of himself, scoring 11 points and contributing on the defensive end. Sanchez had a lackluster opening game against San Beda on Sept. 13, but he woke up in CSB’s second win, dropping 12 points and eight rebounds to torment Lyceum.
#19 RC CALIMAG – Magnolia Timplados Hotshots
There’s no doubt that RC Calimag has the green light from coach Yuri Escueta to shoot. In the Red Lions’ Sept. 28 loss to the Mapua Cardinals, Calimag finally went off, putting up 18 points on 4-for-4 shooting from beyond the arc. Look for Calimag to boost his stock with some more explosive outings this NCAA season.
#20 PJ PALACIELO – Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
This is another reason for Beau Belga to stick around in PBA Season 51. The lineage of Extra Rice Inc. needs to continue, and if the Elasto Painters find themselves in a position to draft NU’s PJ Palacielo, they should absolutely go for it. As far as Belga’s successor goes, you can’t go wrong with Palacielo—girth, perimeter shooting, physicality, and all. With the mentorship of the PBA and Gilas kuya, Palacielo can thrive as a young, high-IQ center for RoS.
#21 KEVIN SANTOS – Meralco Bolts
I’m sticking to this Kevin Santos pick for Meralco, as I’m convinced that the Bolts need a spark on the defensive end. With the Letran Knights carrying a chip on their shoulder as they seek to dethrone longtime rivals San Beda, Santos will be extra motivated to shut down opponents left and right this season. In the Knights’ 84-77 victory over the Perpetual Altas on Sept. 13, Santos got it done on the offensive end as well, putting up 15 points while also turning in eight rebounds and one block.
#22 TERRENCE FORTEA – Titan Ultra (from San Miguel)
If Terrence Fortea wants to prove that he can be a reliable shooter in the PBA, improving the efficiency of his 3-ball in the MPBL is a must. To his credit, the San Juan guard has made some progress: In his first three games with the Knights in September, Fortea went 12-for-21 (57.1%) from deep. He has also been making headway as a facilitator, dishing out five assists against Negros on Aug. 4 and seven dimes against Batangas on Aug. 26.
#23 FORTHSKY PADRIGAO – Barangay Ginebra
Forthsky Padrigao is the type of point guard that doesn’t need to score at a high volume in order to make a huge impact on the game. His court vision, passing skills, and commitment to defense help ensure that his team stays in control. With that said, the Zamboanga Sikat playmaker can build a better case for early second-round or late first-round selection if his shooting improves. Hitting just 21.2% of his 3-point shots this season isn’t going to help his cause.
#24 TRAVIS ROBERTS – Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (from TNT via Blackwater)
Just like Kymani Ladi and Dom Escobar last year, Travis Roberts will be looking to generate buzz in his lone season with Ateneo. In the Blue Eagles’ first three games, the 6-foot-6 wing put up 9.3 ppg on 47.4% FG shooting, along with 4.0 rpg. Roberts isn’t a well-known commodity in the Philippines at this point, but by the time UAAP Season 89 comes to an end, a team like the Elasto Painters could be eyeing him with keen interest.
