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1988 PBA DRAFT

Updated: Jun 26, 2022



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


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