Yoyo Sarmenta 5y

Top players to watch in the PBA D-League (Part 2)

The PBA D-League is set for another season of exciting basketball action. This season a total of 20 teams, 15 of which are school-based squads, will be competing in the tournament scheduled to open on Thursday.

ESPN5 writers Jutt Sulit and Yoyo Sarmenta list down 10 players who people should keep tabs on in the PBA D-League. This is Part 2. Read Part 1 here.

THIRDY RAVENA

  • Team: Cignal-Ateneo

  • Age: 22

  • Height: 6'2"

  • Position: SF

A two-time UAAP champion and a two-time Finals MVP, Thirdy Ravena sits on top of UAAP basketball. His complete package of athleticism, scoring ability, defensive prowess, and basketball smarts, makes him an immediate candidate as one of the top picks in next year's PBA draft.

Ravena is king of the UAAP but it'll be interesting to see how he fares against upcoming PBA players.

ARVIN TOLENTINO

  • Team: Wangs Basketball

  • Age: 23

  • Height: 6'5"

  • Position: SF/PF

Arvin Tolentino solidified himself as one of the top prospects out of college after his stellar final year with the FEU Tamaraws in UAAP Season 81. Though the season was marred with unsportsmanlike fouls and suspensions, the stretch big man emerged as his team's top scorer and go-to-guy in the clutch. In a way, he rewrote his season with his late game heroics.

Tolentino's scoring prowess and his penchant for making clutch baskets make him a must-watch in the PBA D-League.

SANTI SANTILLAN

  • Team: Marinerong Pilipino Skippers 

  • Age: 22

  • Height: 6'5"

  • Position: PF

In his two-year stay with the DLSU Green Archers, Santi Santillan established himself as a consistent low-post threat and a hustle player. He had a knack of getting offensive rebounds and providing second-chance opportunities for his squad especially when reinforcement Taane Samuel was sidelined with an injury. In Season 81, he averaged 10.8 points and 8.6 rebounds.

Santillan's recent stint with Mighty Sports Philippines also makes him a noteworthy addition to Marinerong Pilipino.

DAVE ILDEFONSO

Team: SMDC-NU

Age: 18

Height: 6'0"

Position: G

At 18, Dave Ildefonso is one of the youngest participants in the 2019 PBA D-League season. The son of PBA legend Danny Ildefonso had a rookie season to remember for the NU Bulldogs. He led the team in scoring with 15.2 points per game on 40 percent shooting to go along with 5.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists.

Ildefonso is an all-around playmaker and born scorer. His height and ball-handling skills make him a tough cover for anyone. Facing against older and bigger foes in the PBA D-League should be a good challenge for him.

JAMES CANLAS

  • Team: Metropac Movers - San Beda

  • Age: 20

  • Height: 6'1"

  • Position: G

Six-time PBA D-League champion and four-time NCAA title-holder Boyet Fernandez said last collegiate season that James Canlas is the future of the San Beda Red Lions.

Canlas, who uses his father's last name of Kwekuteye in the official lineup, is an athletic two-way guard. With the departure of Javee Mocon and Robert Bolick, the Fil-Canadian standout will have his chance to strut his stuff for San Beda.

His Season 94 numbers don't jump out of the stat sheet, but he provides a little bit of everything for his squad. He can become a bonafide star for the Red Lions in the D-League.

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