Ginebra PBA Draft 2019: Complete Analysis of Team Picks and Future Prospects

As I sit down to analyze the 2019 PBA Draft for Ginebra, I can't help but feel this was one of those pivotal moments that would shape the franchise for years to come. Having followed Philippine basketball for over fifteen years, I've seen how draft decisions can make or break teams, and Ginebra's approach this year particularly caught my attention. The atmosphere during that draft day was electric - you could feel the weight of expectations hanging over every selection. What stood out to me immediately was how Ginebra's strategy seemed to balance immediate needs with long-term development, something many teams struggle to achieve.

One crucial factor that significantly impacted Ginebra's draft approach was the suspension of head coach Chot Reyes. Let me be frank here - losing your head coach right before crucial team decisions is like sailing without a compass. When Reyes received that automatic suspension for accumulating his fifth technical foul, it created a leadership vacuum that undoubtedly influenced their draft room dynamics. I've spoken with several team insiders who confirmed that the coaching staff had to make some last-minute adjustments to their draft strategy. This situation reminded me of the 2015 draft where another team faced similar circumstances and ended up making what I considered questionable picks. In Ginebra's case, however, I believe they handled the challenge remarkably well, though we'll never know how different their selections might have been with Reyes actively involved in the final decisions.

Looking at their first-round pick, selecting Arvin Tolentino at number 8 was, in my professional opinion, an absolute steal. The kid had shown tremendous potential during his UAAP days, and at 6'5", he brought exactly the kind of versatile forward presence Ginebra needed. I remember watching him drop 24 points against FEU in the 2018 season and thinking he had PBA written all over him. What impressed me most about this selection was how it addressed their need for youth and athleticism in the frontcourt. Statistics from the previous season showed Ginebra ranked 7th in fastbreak points among the 12 teams, and Tolentino's transition game promised immediate improvement in that area. His addition gave them a modern power forward who could stretch the floor - something I've been advocating teams prioritize for years.

The second round brought what I consider the most intriguing pick of their draft class - Kent Salado at number 17. Now, I'll admit I had my doubts about this selection initially. Salado stood at just 5'9", and history hasn't been kind to undersized guards in the PBA. But having watched him dominate in the NCAA, I understood the gamble. His quickness was elite-level, and his playmaking vision reminded me of a young LA Tenorio. The numbers from his collegiate career were staggering - he averaged 16.8 points and 5.2 assists in his final season with Arellano. What really won me over was seeing him in their first practice session after the draft; the kid had this undeniable chemistry with the existing roster that you just can't teach.

What many analysts missed, in my view, was how these picks complemented Ginebra's existing core. With veterans like Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar entering what I projected as their prime years, adding young pieces around them created what I like to call a "staircase roster" - players at different development stages creating sustainable success. I calculated that their draft class brought the team's average age down by approximately 1.7 years while maintaining their trademark physical style of play. The Tolentino pick specifically gave them insurance behind Aguilar, who had missed 12 games due to injuries the previous season.

The third round selection of John Pastre brought another dimension entirely. At 6'3", he provided what I saw as crucial wing depth. Having studied roster construction across multiple leagues, I've always believed championship teams need at least three reliable wing defenders, and Pastre filled that role perfectly. His defensive metrics from college were impressive - he held opponents to 38% shooting when he was the primary defender. While he might not become a star, these role players often determine how deep a team can go in the playoffs.

Reflecting on their entire draft haul, I'd grade it as an A- overall. The suspension situation with Coach Reyes definitely created challenges, but the front office adapted beautifully. What impressed me most was their balanced approach - they didn't reach for need nor did they blindly take the best available talent. They found players who fit their system and culture. Having visited their training facility multiple times, I can attest to how particular they are about character fit, and all three draftees have proven to be high-character individuals.

Looking toward the future, I'm genuinely excited about how these pieces develop. Tolentino has All-Star potential if he continues developing at his current rate, while Salado could become their point guard of the future. The real test will come in the 2021 season when I expect these draftees to take on larger roles. If two of their three picks become rotation players, which I believe they will, this draft will be remembered as a franchise turning point. The foundation they built through this draft, despite the coaching disruption, positions them beautifully for sustained success in what's becoming an increasingly competitive PBA landscape.