The 1988 PBA Draft is iffy but it’s understandable because of the events that transpired in Philippine history.
With most industries reeling because of political unrest, the last thing businessmen want at the moment is to waste their finances on local ballers and untested global basketball mercenaries.
League participation would dwindle down to six teams and to further entice the Purefoods Hotdogs to buy the slot vacated by original member Tanduay, the league was willing to give the team the rights to acquire Alvin Patrimonio, Jerry Codinera, Jojo Lastimosa, and Glenn Capacio. The team already has the core of the old Tanduay squad led by Ramon Fernandez, Padim Israel, Onchie Dela Cruz, and JB Yango so giving the team four future stars… and the top pick of the 1988 PBA Draft… is just insane.
Yes, they also had the right to select first in the draft. The team took in former FEU big man Jack Tanuan. Black Jack turned into a part-time starter – playing for a couple of teams in the 90s before shifting to the Negros Slashers. It was in the MBA wherein Tanuan transformed into an all-star but unfortunately, he would succumb to a lingering kidney ailment before the league disbanded in 2002.
The best player of the draft class is no question, Ronnie Magsanoc. The Point Laureate from the University of the Philippines brought his championship goodness to the squad with his three-point bombs and precision playmaking. Alongside his San Beda, RP Team, and UP teammate Benjie Paras, they would form a formidable Mutt and Jeff combo. Add super import Bobby Parks to the mix, Shell would then transform into a PBA powerhouse during the late 80s and early 90s.
And then there’s Dong Polistico. Low-key, this 6’6 behemoth with a big, scary tattoo on his shoulders is a force on the inside. Sure, he’s not an offensive threat… but he’s a rebounding ace – amassing 2000+ rebounds within a decade stretch as part of Alaska and San Miguel. Polistico even got the vote to play for pride and country in the San Miguel-backed RP Team in 1994.
ROUND ONE
RANK | TEAM | PLAYER | CAREER AVERAGES |
1 | PUR | JACK TANUAN | 6.7PPG 386 GAMES |
2 | SHE | RONNIE MAGSANOC | 12.7PPG | 5.2APG | 1.0SPG 618 GAMES 1X MYTHICAL 5 3X MYTHICAL 10 5,000 POINTS 2,000 ASSISTS 1,000 3-PTS MADE 500 STEALS |
3 | GIN | TOBY POBLADOR | 3.6PPG 25 GAMES |
4 | ALA | DONG POLISTICO | 3.0PPG | 5.0RPG 433 GAMES |
5 | GT | ERIC ALTAMIRANO | 4.3PPG 131 GAMES |
ROUND TWO
RANK | TEAM | PLAYER | CAREER AVERAGES |
6 | PUR | JOEL SANTOS | 2.6PPG 57 GAMES |
7 | SHE | EPOY JALMASCO | 8.3PPG 31 GAMES |
8 | ALA | REY YNCIERTO | 6.7PPG 26 GAMES |
ROUND THREE
RANK | TEAM | PLAYER | CAREER AVERAGES |
9 | SHE | DEMETRIO ANTONIO | 2.0PPG 11 GAMES |