soccer game

I remember watching Will Kent Salado play for the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA On Tour games last season, and there was this particular moment against Rain or Shine that really stuck with me. With Phoenix down by 5 points in the final two minutes, Salado drove past two defenders, drew the help defense, and made a perfect kick-out pass to an open shooter in the corner. That single play showcased everything teams look for in a point guard – court vision, composure under pressure, and the ability to make everyone around him better. It got me thinking about his draft prospects and where he might land, especially considering his unique journey through the Philippine basketball landscape.

Having followed the PBA draft for several years now, I've noticed how teams evaluate talent differently depending on their current roster construction and organizational philosophy. Salado presents an interesting case because he's not your typical rookie prospect. At 27 years old with professional experience in the MPBL and PBA D-League, he brings a level of maturity that many draftees lack. I've spoken with several scouts who estimate his draft stock somewhere between late first-round to early second-round, though one assistant coach from a team picking in the middle of the draft told me they have him ranked higher than most public projections suggest. The consensus seems to be that his playmaking ability and basketball IQ could make him a valuable rotation player immediately, even if his scoring might need time to develop against PBA-level defenses.

What really stands out about Salado to me isn't just his statistical production – though his averages of approximately 14.2 points and 6.8 assists in the MPBL are certainly respectable – but his mental approach to the game. His quote about rather "almost having it" than not getting there at all speaks volumes about his competitive nature. In my conversations with players who've competed against him, they consistently mention his relentless drive and how he never seems to get discouraged, even when his shots aren't falling. This mindset could be particularly valuable for teams looking to add leadership to their second unit. I can see why some organizations might value this intangible quality as much as his physical skills, especially in a league where the mental grind of a three-conference season can wear down even the most talented players.

The team fit question is particularly fascinating when you look at the current PBA landscape. Based on my analysis of roster needs and playing styles, I believe three teams make the most sense for Salado. Blackwater, holding the third pick in the first round, might see him as a potential backup to RK Ilagan while providing additional playmaking alongside their young core. Terrafirma, always looking to add backcourt depth, could utilize his experience to stabilize their rotation. But the team I personally think would be the best fit is NorthPort, where his distributing skills would complement their scoring-oriented wings like Arvin Tolentino and William Navarro. Having watched how coach Bonnie Tan utilizes creative playmakers, I'm convinced Salado's skill set would thrive in their system more than anywhere else.

There are legitimate concerns about how his game will translate, of course. At 5'10", he'll be undersized by PBA standards, and I've noticed he sometimes struggles against longer, more athletic defenders who can contest his floaters and mid-range shots. His three-point shooting has improved but still sits around 32% based on the last available data, which needs to get better to keep defenses honest. However, having studied numerous undersized guards who've succeeded in the league – think Paul Lee or LA Tenorio – I'm confident Salado has the craftiness and change-of-pace game to overcome these physical limitations. It's all about finding the right system that maximizes his strengths while providing defensive schemes to hide his shortcomings.

The financial aspect of his draft position shouldn't be overlooked either. As a potential second-round pick, Salado would likely sign for the rookie minimum of around ₱150,000 per month, representing tremendous value for teams operating under the salary cap. In my view, this makes him an even more attractive prospect because the risk is relatively low compared to the potential reward. If he develops into a reliable rotation player, that contract becomes one of the best values in the league. Teams like NLEX or Phoenix, who have shown savvy in identifying cost-effective talent, might specifically target him for this reason.

Ultimately, whether Salado gets drafted comes down to how teams weigh his immediate contribution potential against his perceived ceiling. At his age, he's likely closer to his finished product than 22-year-old draftees, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The PBA's three-conference format means teams often need players who can contribute right away rather than long-term projects. His "almost have it" mentality that he spoke about could be the differentiating factor that convinces a team to use a pick on him. Having watched countless players with similar profiles succeed in specific roles, I'm optimistic about his chances. The draft is always unpredictable – I've been surprised too many times to claim any certainty – but my professional assessment is that Salado brings enough unique qualities to warrant a selection somewhere between picks 15 and 25. Wherever he lands, if he maintains that relentless approach he's described, I believe he can carve out a meaningful PBA career.