Lastimosa, Torres among other standouts joining 2024 PBA Draft
A handful of notable amateur standouts are entering the 2024 PBA Draft with the potential to shake up the selection process.
According to sports agent Edgar Mangahas of EM Sports Management, his players Jerom Lastimosa, Abdul Sawat, Kurt Reyson, Paolo Hernandez, JP Maguilano, Pao Javillonar, Michael Malonzo, Martin Enriquez, and Xyrus Torres plan to turn pro in Asia’s oldest basketball league.
Lastimosa is the headliner of the crew. The former Adamson Falcons superstar had a decorated collegiate career in the UAAP highlighted by a Mythical 5 selection, Final Four appearance, and a collection of late-game heroics.
He is expected to make his recovery from a knee operation by September and will be ready to play.
Torres earned a reputation as a solid shooter with the FEU Tamaraws and Quezon Huskers while Reyson and Javillonar were mainstays for the Letran Knights in the NCAA over the last few seasons.
Hernandez helped propel Mapua to the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball finals where they forced eventual champion San Beda to a third and deciding game. Sawat was one of UE’s reliable veterans in the UAAP over the last few seasons.
Maguilano is a steady presence who helped turn the fortunes of EAC around in the Generals’ last NCAA campaign, while Enriquez, a Filipino-American, displayed his potential in the MPBL and PSL. He is the brother of PBA player Brian Enriquez.
Malonzo was a steady option at the wing and in the frontline for National University as they made their comeback to the UAAP Final Four picture the last few seasons.
All players were able to submit their necessary documentation in time prior to the deadline on Thursday, July 4.
