The NCAA has produced a lot of notable PBA stars over the years.
Calvin Abueva (San Sebastian), Scottie Thompson (Perpetual), Raymond Almazan (Letran), Baser Amer (San Beda), Robert Bolick (San Beda), and last year's top pick CJ Perez (Lyceum) are just a few of the active PBA stars who came from NCAA schools.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to bring uncertainties to amateur and semi-pro leagues in the country, many players opted to turn pro and chase their PBA dream, making the Season 46 draft one of the most loaded in recent memory.
Here are ESPN5.com's top five NCAA players in the upcoming draft.
1. Calvin Oftana
Calvin Oftana is arguably the most versatile frontcourt prospect in the Season 46 draft. The 6'5" forward from San Beda finished his collegiate career on a high note, winning the NCAA Most Valuable Player award. He powered the Red Lions to an immaculate 18-0 record in the elimination round before losing to rival Letran in the finals.
Oftana, who is currently training with Gilas Pilipinas Men for the third window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, decided to skip his final season in college. Showing flashes of brilliance on the international stage in the last FIBA window, Oftana seems to be a shoo-in for one of the spots in the Gilas special draft.
A big man who can contribute on both ends of the floor, Oftana can score, rebound, and dish assists. His size, length, and all-around capabilities will make him an asset to any PBA team.
2. Larry Muyang
Larry Muyang, a 6-foot-6 center from Letran, also chose to forgo his final NCAA playing year. After moving from La Salle, he made the most out of his brief stint with the Knights, earning a Rookie of the Year award in his first season and a championship in his second.
Muyang was a vital cog in Letran's stellar title run that halted the reign of three-time defending champ San Beda. He also showcased his skills in the semi-pro ranks, playing for San Juan and Pampanga in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).
While he's about to face bigger competition in the pros, Muyang has the potential to be an inside force, banging bodies for rebounds and draining putbacks. Once drafted, Muyang will join a growing list of Pampanga-born PBA stars that include Abueva, Japeth Aguilar, Jayson Castro, Arwind Santos, and Ian Sangalang.
3. Ben Adamos
Perpetual Help standout Ben Adamos will not return for the Altas next season, joining the PBA draft instead to support his family in Albay. The 6'6" big man spent two years in San Beda -- where he won back-to-back championships -- before transferring to Perpetual.
Adamos knew how to embrace his role in the teams he played in. He can show up as the main man in the middle or a stretch four posing a threat inside and outside. He's not afraid to take shots from anywhere on the floor. His defensive abilities also make him a worthy prospect, as he's capable of protecting both the rim and the wings.
4. RK Ilagan
San Sebastian gunner RK Ilagan is one of the best shooters in the upcoming rookie draft. Ilagan made a name as a gutsy sniper, steering the Stags to the Final Four in what turned out to be his final NCAA season.
At 5-foot-7, Ilagan's height may put him at a disadvantage compared to bigger guards. But his scoring prowess, which he also proved during his PBA D-League stints, may just be enough to help him earn a ticket to the premier pro league.
5. Reymar Caduyac
Reymar Caduyac is an underrated playmaker who flourished under the system of Lyceum's former head coach Topex Robinson. The 6-foot guard was a key piece that made the Pirates competitive in the last three years, reaching the finals twice in that span.
While there are more high-profile guards in the stacked draft list, Caduyac's impressive court vision and leadership potential make him deserving of a second look, especially for teams in search of a backup backcourt player.
MORE DRAFT COVERAGE: All the players in the PBA Season 46 Rookie Draft