Barako Bull Dispersal Draft - Who's in, out

As you may already know by now, the disgraced franchise known as the Barako Bull Energy Boosters have taken a leave (most hope for good) from the Philippine Basketball Association beginning the 2nd conference-- their slot now reserved for the Smart Gilas Pilipinas National Team.

And while we've heard nothing but cheers and sighs of relief from basketball afficionados who have grown tired (and disgusted) of BB, you have to feel sorry for its personnel-- from the coaching staff, players all the way to the water boys.

Good to know that then BB head coach Junel Baculi and one-time captain Alex Crisano have moved on to the ABL with the Philippine Patriots (where they'll contend for the championship), but the rest of the players left under contract are up for a "one-conference" dispersal draft-- that is, if you could hold BB to its word that they'll come back stronger than ever in the third conference (which I doubt).

According to the grapevine, Powerade gets to pick first (I guess they're going with the Philippine Cup rankings) and are reportedly keen on getting the services of 38-year-old center Marlou Aquino (must be team manager Kenneth Duremdes' decision then owing their Santa Lucia ties). That being said, let's see who are still on the table, and who's left to pick:

BB players:

1. Vaughn Canta - 6'3 SF
- Haven't seen this kid play enough to remember.

2. Lordy Tugade - 6'3 G/F
- Never really blossomed into the superstar he once was in the amateurs.

3. Marlou Aquino - 6'9 C
- Penciled by most to be Powerade's top pick. Question is, "why?!"

4. Khasim Mirza - 6'4 SF
- Goodbye PBA, hello ABL.
5. Pong Escobal - 5'11 PG
- See above.

6. Mark Andaya - 6'7 C
- Frankenstein finally played with some fire last conference, but is it enough to get him another contract? Perhaps. Maybe Alaska needs a crash test dummy for Sonny Thoss and Samigue Eman?

7. Rob Wainwright - 6'5 SF
- Can shoot lights out, but will he be willing to play off the bench for a loaded team? Or will he pack his bags and go to the ABL where he'll be a surefire hit?

8. Ken Bono - 6'5 F/C
- I've given up on Bono. Hasn't lost weight, hasn't learned to play defense.

9. Marvin Cruz - 5'8 PG
- SG trapped in a PG's body. Great guy to have coming off the bench as a spark plug, but often left undersized.

10. Paolo Hubalde - 5'9 PG
- Should just pack his bags and try to get into showbiz.

11. Jason Misolas - 6'3 F
- Bruiser who plays with spunk. No basketball skill whatsoever.

12. Borgie Hermida - 5'9 PG
- Kid has potential, needs to sharpen either playing behind great PGs or going the D-league/ ABL route.

13. Richard Alonzo - 6'3 F
- Undersized power forward who I won't be surprised if he lands with Yeng Guiao, B-Meg or in the ABL.

14. Dennis Daa - 6'5 F/C
- Arguably the best player on the entire Barako Bull roster. Dennis Espino minus the elbows and defense.

15. Bruce Viray - 6'3 SF
- I'd go with Jim.

16. Richard Yee - 6'5 F/C
- Back-up big, maybe Ginebra should call him up.

17. Aries Dimaunahan - 5'11 PG
- Slow footed, third string point guard moreso because of age rather than skill.

Who do you think gets who?

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