Looking back at the 2019 PBA Draft, I still remember the palpable excitement surrounding Ginebra’s selections—a mix of cautious optimism and genuine curiosity. As someone who has followed the PBA for over a decade, I’ve seen how draft picks can either reshape a franchise or fade into the background. Ginebra, being one of the league’s most popular teams, always operates under a microscope, and that year was no exception. Their picks weren’t just about adding talent; they were about sustaining a culture of grit and resilience, something the team has proudly embodied for years. But what really caught my attention, beyond the draft itself, was the context provided by the suspension of Tropang 5G’s head coach Chot Reyes. It’s one of those moments that reminds you how off-court dynamics can ripple through the league, influencing matchups, team morale, and even how new players adapt. Reyes’ automatic suspension after his fifth technical foul—accumulated just days before the draft—sent a clear message about the PBA’s stance on discipline, and it subtly shifted the competitive landscape Ginebra’s rookies would step into.
Let’s dive into Ginebra’s actual picks, starting with Arvin Tolentino, whom they snagged in the second round. I’ll be honest: I thought this was a steal. Tolentino brought versatility as a forward who could stretch the floor, and his college stats—averaging around 12.5 points and 6 rebounds per game—showed flashes of potential. But what stood out to me was his fit within Ginebra’s system, which emphasizes ball movement and defensive intensity. In his rookie season, he played roughly 15 minutes per game, contributing 5.8 points and 3.2 rebounds on average. Those numbers might not jump off the page, but if you watched him closely, you’d see how his energy off the bench often sparked runs. Contrast that with Kent Salado, another pick who, sadly, didn’t pan out as hoped due to injuries. Salado’s case is a reminder of how unpredictable the draft can be; his pre-draft projections had him as a solid backup guard, but he only appeared in 7 games, averaging just 2.1 points. It’s these kinds of gambles that define a team’s draft strategy—sometimes you hit gold, other times you learn hard lessons.
Now, tying this back to the broader league dynamics, Chot Reyes’ suspension was a subplot that I believe indirectly benefited Ginebra. Reyes is a tactical mastermind, and his absence forced Tropang 5G to adjust their game plan, particularly in matchups against Ginebra. I recall one game where Ginebra’s rookies, including Tolentino, capitalized on this, exploiting defensive mismatches that might not have been there with Reyes on the sidelines. In that specific matchup, Ginebra won by 8 points, and Tolentino chipped in 9 points off the bench. It’s a small sample, but it highlights how external factors—like a rival coach’s suspension—can amplify the impact of new players. From my perspective, this isn’t just about luck; it’s about preparedness. Ginebra’s coaching staff, led by Tim Cone, did a fantastic job integrating their draftees into high-pressure situations, and it showed in their overall performance that season. The team finished with a 9-2 record in the elimination round, and while the rookies weren’t stars, they provided depth that proved crucial in tight games.
Beyond the stats, what I appreciated most was how Ginebra’s draft choices reinforced their identity. They’ve always been a team that values chemistry and hard work over pure talent, and Tolentino embodied that. I remember chatting with fans after games, and many echoed my view—he wasn’t the most polished player, but his hustle resonated with the crowd. On the flip side, the missed potential with Salado stung a bit, as I’d hoped he’d develop into a reliable playmaker. In the grand scheme, though, Ginebra’s 2019 draft class contributed to a slight uptick in team efficiency; their average points per game increased from 95.6 the previous season to 98.3, and while you can’t credit that solely to the rookies, their role in the rotation mattered. Wrapping this up, I’d say Ginebra’s approach that year was a blend of smart risk-taking and leveraging league circumstances. The Reyes suspension served as a timely reminder that in the PBA, success isn’t just about who you draft—it’s about how you navigate the entire ecosystem. For Ginebra, that meant building a foundation that could withstand shifts in the competitive landscape, and in my book, they largely succeeded.
