The first Sharks Billiard Association Draft was held at Quantum Skyview, Gateway Mall 2, Quezon City, on August 18, 2024. The following are the draft picks:
1st Round
1st Pick – Jericho Banares- Quezon City Dragons
2nd Pick – Edgie Geronimo – Taguig Stallions
3rd Pick – Oliver Villafuerte – Negros Occidental Pillars
4th Pick – Baseth Mocaibat – Manila Mavericks
2nd Round
1st Pick – John Rebong – Quezon City Dragons
2nd Pick – Demosthenes Pulpul – Taguig Stallions
3rd Pick – Albert Espinola – Negros Occidental Pillars
4th Pick – Jonas Magpantay – Manila Mavericks
3rd Round
1st Pick – Dean Mark Castronuevo – Quezon City Dragons
2nd Pick – Michael Quinay – Taguig Stallions
3rd Pick – Jonald Galve – Negros Occidental Pillars
4th Pick – Drachir Mauricio – Manila Mavericks
4th Round
1st Pick – Paul John Ladao – Quezon City Dragons
2nd Pick – Bryant Saguiped – Taguig Stallions
3rd Pick – Ryan Mark Hidalgo – Negros Occidental Pillars
4th Pick – John Albert Refulle – Manila Mavericks
5th Round
1st Pick – Alexis Ferrer – Quezon City Dragons
2nd Pick – Marc Ejay Cunanan – Taguig Stallions
3rd Pick – Jolo Aspuria – Negros Occidental Pillars
4th Pick – Tristan Deocareza- Manila Mavericks
I’m Rey, Filipino-Canadian based in Toronto. I have been a pool enthusiast all my life but got hooked up following the Filipino bilyaristas trying their luck in the international scene specially after the Chua-Aranas win with the World Cup.
I am writing my comment here since I don’t really have a social media account like FB.
My focus of this comment thrives mainly on identifying the image of a Pinoy billiard player who has the potential of doing good abroad. There is no denying that there is an abundance of talent that could do good abroad but the underlying question is: As a player, are you committed to venture into playing tournaments outside of the Philippines or are you just going to be contented to stay in the Philippines being a ” tirador” and be identified to be a money game player?
Two elements come into mine: one, is the committment of the player to pursue it and two, is the presence of the right handler who is also committed to bankroll and sponsor the player in his venture abroad.
Take the case of Anton Raga. Is he committed to play abroad to make a name for himself internationally for which the potential is without doubt, or is he contented to be the “money games” king in the Philippines? Does he have the right handlers to echo the same commitment or are they just contented to let him play local and focus more in there and rake money for every opportunity that they could get? Sayang lang, especially now that he didn’t show up sa US Open.
Yes, we have heard of his personal and family issues that could be a factor in his decision where he wants to be but with the proper management and guidance, but he still has a chance to take his game to the next level. It would need a lot of sacrifice not only for himself but to his family also to arrive at the right decision.
My suggestion, then, which could be daunting for players like Anton, is to have them based abroad, parang OFW sila and offer them guaranteed money, that the family can rely on as a steady stream of income. With the proper management, they can also get the proper coaching and guidance to elevate their game, and also prepare them mentally in playing in the big tournaments. It’s not mere talent to rely on, we need these players to think out of the box and visualiza the big picture. I don’t really know how this arrangement can be made, especially in terms of splitting their earnings, but if only big corporations or big-time sports patrons like RSA, MVP, Razon, or even Manny Pacquiao can be convinced to bankroll these players, I truly believe that these players can be successful in their craft internationally and elevate the game of billiards in the Philippines.
Thanks for giving me the opportunit to say my piece and keep up the good work promoting the sport both in the Philippines and internationally. Mabuhay po kayo!
Thanks for the very well thought-out comment. We hope that we can chat with you on our Facebook page or on our podcast! We’re looking forward to hearing more from fans of the game such as yourself who are genuinely looking out for our Pinoy bilyaristas.