Applicants storm WNBL’s first-ever draft

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

The first-ever professional women’s basketball league in the Philippines is taking the hoop scene by storm after getting overwhelmed with a huge number of draft applicants for the October 30 ceremony.

After a few days of posting the draft mechanics in their official Facebook page, the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) draft already received a total of 327 applications and counting.

“We already have three hundred twenty-seven applicants for the draft after two days of posting the draft form,” said NBL’s executive vice-president Rhose Montreal.

According to vice-president Montreal, the WNBL will be accepting applicants until September 30 and screening will follow from October 1-10.

Also, Montreal revealed that once all the draftees are already screened, a draft combine will take place from October 20-22 in the same concept with their Pampanga bubble-concept.

“Basically po, after we finish the championship sa men’s, we’ll also apply the same safety protocols that we submitted to GAB and IATF in conducting our Draft Combine,” Montreal added.

With all mapped out plans fortunately falling into place, Montreal said that the 10 to 12 participating teams will have the freedom to watch and choose their picks under strict safety guidelines.

“To give equal opportunities, we’re looking at a minimum of 10, maximum of 12 teams for the inaugural season of the pro league.  It’s about time. For all female ballers this has always been a dream, to have a pro league,” Montreal shared.