PBA: Fajardo is number one pick, Abueva second

The Petron Blaze Boosters chose 6-9 June Mar Fajardo with the first pick in the 2012 PBA Draft held at the Robinson's Midtown Mall in Manila, Sunday. Calvin Abueva was chosen second by Alaska, while Alex Mallari went to the Boosters with the third pick. Meralco chose big man Cliff Hodge at fourth, while FEU's Aldrech Ramos was chosen by the Barako Bull Energy with the fifth pick. Ramos didn't stay with Barako for long, as he was traded to B-MEG for Sean Anthony and Dave Marcelo.

Three more D-Leaguers were chosen in the first round, as 6-6 swingman Chris Ellis was chosen by the Barangay Ginebra Kings. Commissioner's Cup champions Rain or Shine Elastopainters went with former Gilas and Ateneo Blue Eagle guard Chris Tiu, while Ginebra used its eigth pick to pick up 6-4 Charles Jensen. For the complete list, click here. B-MEG traded the ninth pick to Global Port along with Val Acuna for Sean Anthony, leaving Batang Pier to choose Vic Manuel. Rounding up the first round was Global Port Batang Pier choosing 6-6 Jason Deutchman. Save for Chris Tiu who stands six feet, all of the top ten draftees are at least 6-4 in height. Of all the teams, it was B-MEG who added most to their ceiling, picking three men listed at least 6-5 in Manuel, former San Beda standout Dave Marcelo, and NU alumnus Jewel Ponferada. The Llamados also acquired 6-9 Gian Chiu with the ninth pick in the third round. Barako Bull, on the other hand, will have a revamp in the pointguard position, drafting Lester Alvarez and Emman Monfort with the fifth and sixth picks in the secound round. The Energy also picked up forward Woody Co and 5-11 Fil-Am Ryan Boado. - RAF/OMG, GMA News