The PBA draft combine is an annual two-day event before the PBA draft. At the combine, rookie prospects undergo biometrics and perform various athletic tests and shooting drills. Then they are divided into teams and play 5-on-5 against each other in a mini-tournament. At the end of the tournament, an MVP and the Mythical Five are named. Beginning in the Season 47 draft, rookies are also oriented on the Uniform Players Contract (UPC) during the combine. An athlete's performance during the combine can affect perception, draft status, and ultimately the player's career.
The athletic tests include both standing and running vertical jumps, three-quarter-court sprint time, reaction time, and lane agility time. Previously, other physical tests included bench presses, push ups, sit ups, and pull ups. Physical measurements include height, weight, reach, and wingspan.
Attendance is mandatory for all rookie prospects, with those who didn't attend removed from the list of eligible participants. However, those who have played for the Philippine national team are no longer required to participate, with an example being Javi Gómez de Liaño in the Season 47 draft. Players may be excused if they are in another country, are playing for another team at the moment, or are injured, provided they inform the league ahead of time.
The league previously held a rookie camp, a practice that began in 2003. From 2012 to 2013, no scrimmages were held as only biometrics were taken. In 2014, it was rebranded as the PBA draft combine, with scrimmages held once again. In 2021, the draft combine was cancelled due to COVID-19 safety reasons. It was brought back a year later.
Awards
Draft combine MVPs +DraftPlayerRef.2016Jio JalalonArellano / Caida Tile Masters2017Kiefer RavenaAteneo2018JP CalvoLetran / Wang's Basketball Couriers2019Roosevelt AdamsCollege of Idaho / Go for Gold ScratchersSeason 46Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemicSeason 47Encho SerranoDe La Salle / Pampanga (NBL) / Basilan (MPBL)Season 48Archie ConcepcionArellano / Pampanga G Lanterns (MPBL)Season 49Jonnel PolicarpioDe La SalleSeason 50Sonny EstilLetran / Pampanga Giant Lanterns (MPBL)
Draft combine Mythical Five SeasonsPlayersSchool / Club Team2015Norbert TorresDe La Salle / Cebuana Lhuillier GemsGlenn KhobuntinNU / Jumbo Plastic Linoleum GiantsKevin RacalLetran / Hog's Breath Cafe RazorbacksMichael MabulacJRU / Cagayan Rising SunsMike DiGregorioMcKendree / Keramix Mixers2016Jio JalalonArellano / Caida Tile MastersMike TolomiaFEU / Phoenix AcceleratorsJammer JamitoSt. Clare / AMA Online Education TitansJoseph EriobuMapúa / Caida Tile MastersReden CeldaNU / Tanduay Light Rhum Masters2017Kiefer RavenaAteneoRaymar JoseFEU / Cignal HD - San BedaJason PerkinsDe La Salle / Caida Tile MastersJeron TengDe La Salle / Flying V ThunderRobbie HerndonSan Francisco State / Marinerong Pilipino Skippers2018JP CalvoLetran / Wang's Basketball CouriersRobert BolickSan Beda / Cignal HD - San BedaJavee MoconSan Beda / Cignal HD - San BedaMichael CalisaanSan Sebastian / Che'Lu Bar and Grill - SSC-RC. J. IsitMapúa / Batangas-EAC2019Roosevelt AdamsCollege of Idaho / Go for Gold ScratchersRey SuerteUE / Che'Lu Bar & Grill RevellersMike AyonayonPhilippine Christian / Marinerong Pilipino SkippersRey PublicoLetran / Go for Gold ScratchersChris BitoonSt. Clare / Go for Gold Scratchers2020No draftSeason 46Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemicSeason 47Encho SerranoDe La Salle / Pampanga (NBL) / Basilan (MPBL)Kurt LojeraDe La SalleShaun IldefonsoNUAto UlarLetran / Marikina Shoemasters (MPBL)Jay-R Dela RosaAMA UniversitySeason 48Archie ConcepcionArellano / Pampanga G Lanterns (MPBL)Ralph CuDe La SalleAdrian NocumMapúa / San Juan Knights (MPBL)Jayson ApolonioLetran / Pampanga G Lanterns (MPBL)Warren BonifacioMapúaSeason 49Jonnel PolicarpioDe La SalleJustine BaltazarDe La Salle / Pampanga Giant Lanterns (MPBL)Brandon RamirezYork / Pampanga Giant Lanterns (MPBL)Kurt ReysonLetran / Pampanga Giant Lanterns (MPBL)Jordan BartlettDe La SalleSeason 50Sonny EstilLetran / Pampanga Giant Lanterns (MPBL)Dalph PanopioCal State Baskersfield / Mumbai Titans (India)Edrian RamirezImmaculate Concepcion / Bataan Risers (MPBL)Jun RoqueLetranMario BarasiAdamson / Basilan Starhorse (MPBL)
References