MARK Franco became first pinoz drafted into the inaugural Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) D-league rookie draft this month.
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By MARCO SELORIO
Franco, 23, a 5ft11in point guard of the Bankstown Bruins and a new recruit of the Fab Red Eagles under the newly formed Filipino Australian Basketball association, was ninth pick of Jumbo Plastic Linoleum Giants in the draft’s fourth round.
The PBA D-league rookie draft was held at the PBA office in Libis, Quezon City.
Out of 111 registered aspirants, Franco was one of only 58 players picked over a span of 15 rounds. Twenty-seven non-Filipino citizens had applied for the draft, with prized Filipino-Italian guard Chris Banchero picked first overall by Boracay Rum Waves.
The PBA D-league currently has 14 teams. The new season starts on October 24 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
In our exclusive telephone interview Franco said: “It’s a dream come true. I am so excited. I can’t wait to go there and show them what I can do. This is the first step in my professional basketball career.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting some of the PBA stars whom I look up to, including Jimmy Alapag and LA Tenorio. I definitely want to play in the PBA.”
Franco played for representative team Bankstown Bruins last season in the Waratah League. He also suited up in the Hoopdreamz Allstar East v West pre-game of the Sydney Kings in February 2013. Franco is a member of the Fab Red Eagles of fledgling Filipino Australian Basketball (FAB) association in Sydney.
Fellow hoop player Gil De Mesa will accompany Franco when he leaves for Manila on Tuesday, September 24. De Mesa, also a player for the Fab Red Eagles, will follow in Franco’s footsteps next season and try his luck in the 2014 draft.
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PICTURE:
Mark Franco breaking through the defence.
