Let me be honest with you - when I first looked at Ginebra's draft picks back in 2019, I had my doubts. The team was coming off a disappointing conference, and frankly, I wasn't sure if their selections would address their immediate needs. But sitting here now with the benefit of hindsight, I can confidently say their draft strategy was nothing short of brilliant, especially considering the coaching situation they were dealing with at the time.
Remember that crucial moment when head coach Chot Reyes received his automatic suspension? That was Wednesday, October 23, 2019, to be precise - his fifth technical foul that season. The timing couldn't have been worse for Tropang 5G, but for Ginebra, it highlighted exactly why their draft approach made so much sense. They weren't just drafting for talent; they were building a system that could withstand unexpected disruptions. I've always believed that championship teams aren't built solely on star power but on depth and adaptability, and Ginebra's front office clearly shared this philosophy.
Their first-round pick, Arvin Tolentino at seventh overall, was initially seen as a reach by many analysts. I'll admit I raised an eyebrow too. But looking back, his versatility at the forward position gave them exactly what they needed - a player who could stretch the floor and create mismatches. The kid averaged 12.3 points and 5.8 rebounds in his final college season, numbers that don't jump off the page until you watch how he moves without the ball. What impressed me most was his basketball IQ, something that became crucial when coaching changes or suspensions disrupted practice routines. He adapted to Tim Cone's system faster than I expected, and that's saying something considering how complex the triangle offense can be for young players.
Then there was their second-round selection - Kent Salado at 13th overall. Now this pick I absolutely loved from day one. Salado brought something Ginebra desperately needed: backcourt depth and defensive intensity. I remember watching him in the PBA D-League where he put up 16.4 points and 4.2 assists per game, but what the stats don't show is his pesky defense that disrupted opposing guards. In a league where guard play often determines playoff success, having a reliable backup who could step in during crucial moments was invaluable. The way I see it, Salado represented insurance - the kind of depth that becomes essential when teams face coaching suspensions or unexpected lineup changes.
What really stood out to me about Ginebra's draft strategy was how they balanced immediate needs with long-term development. They didn't chase the flashy names that might sell more jerseys initially. Instead, they identified players who fit their system and culture. In my years covering the PBA, I've noticed that the most successful franchises draft for fit as much as talent. Ginebra understood that their core of LA Tenorio, Japeth Aguilar, and Stanley Pringle needed specific types of complementary pieces rather than just accumulating talent.
The suspension of Coach Reyes during that period actually highlighted why Ginebra's approach worked so well. While other teams might struggle when their head coach gets suspended, Ginebra's system and the type of players they drafted meant they could maintain their identity regardless of who was drawing up plays. Tolentino's basketball intelligence and Salado's defensive fundamentals weren't dependent on constant coaching during games - these were skills that translated regardless of situation.
I've always maintained that the true test of a draft class isn't how they perform in their rookie year, but how they develop over seasons. Looking at where these players are today, it's clear Ginebra nailed their 2019 selections. Tolentino has become a reliable rotation player, appearing in 42 games last season and shooting 38% from three-point range. Salado, while taking longer to develop, has shown flashes of being exactly the kind of backup guard every contender needs.
The lesson here, in my view, extends beyond just player evaluation. Ginebra demonstrated that successful drafting requires understanding your team's ecosystem - from coaching philosophy to existing roster construction. They considered factors like potential coaching disruptions and built a roster that could withstand them. In a league where technical foul suspensions, injuries, and other unexpected events can derail a season, that forward-thinking approach separates good teams from great ones.
If there's one thing other PBA teams should learn from Ginebra's 2019 draft, it's that sometimes the best picks aren't the most talented players, but the right players for your specific situation. They identified two players who not only filled immediate needs but represented the kind of depth and versatility that championship teams require. In a league where the margin between winning and losing is often razor-thin, that type of strategic drafting can make all the difference.
