PROJECTED top PBA Draft prospect Mac Belo proved just why he deserves the acclaim as he towered over a crop of rookie hopefuls topping two skills test during the first day of the 2016 Gatorade-PBA Draft Combine.
The former University Athletic Association of the Philippines Finals Most Valuable Player showed his leaping abilities while Fil-am guard Ryan Arambulo flaunted his blistering speed at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong, setting the bar high for the rest of the 55 PBA aspirants.
Belo recorded the best tally in the standing vertical leap (33.7 in) and the maximum vertical leap (43.5 in) while Arambulo breezed through the ¾-Court Sprint registering 2.82 seconds, as well as in the Shuttle Run, with 47.22 seconds.
The 26-year-old Arambulo also made it to at least the top five of every skill test which acts as barometer for the team scouts in attendance.
Meanwhile, Jammer Jamito ruled the lane agility drill with a 11.31-second record. Raffy Banal’s 11.3-meter best in the maximum medicine ball throw was enough to secure him an individual achievement before the applicants showcase their team play with scrimmages sponsored by Under Armor on day 2.
Twelve players will be selected for the special Gilas draft to take place before the regular draft on Sunday, October 30 at Robinsons Ermita.
Belo represented the Philippines during the 2013 and 2015 Southeast Asian Games, the 2015 SEABA Championship, the 2016 SEABA Cup and the 2016 FIBA Asia Challenge.
He played for the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the UAAP. He skipped UAAP Season 79 to focus on his career with the Philippine national basketball team.
Belo converted a buzzer beating winning shot against the Ateneo Blue Eagles 76- 74 to bring FEU to the finals of UAAP Season 78. He was named finals MVP after leading FEU past the UST Growling Tigers to win the title.