Will Amores Make the Cut in the PBA Draft? Latest Updates and Predictions

As I sit here reviewing the latest PBA draft projections, one name keeps popping up in conversations among basketball analysts and fans alike: Brandon Amores. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've seen countless prospects come through the draft process, but Amores presents a particularly fascinating case study. The question on everyone's mind is whether this promising talent will hear his name called on draft day, and if so, where he might land in the selection order.

Looking back at last year's draft provides some valuable context that I believe many are overlooking. Remember when the 6-foot-5 Santos joined the league in Season 48 after being selected in the second round at No. 14 overall in the 2023 draft? That pick turned out to be an absolute steal for the team that selected him. Santos has developed into a reliable rotation player, averaging about 8.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in his rookie season. This precedent makes me wonder if teams might be more willing to take a chance on raw talent in the second round this year, particularly on someone like Amores who shows tremendous upside despite some question marks about his consistency.

From what I've observed watching Amores' college games and reviewing game footage, the young forward possesses exactly the kind of athleticism that could translate well to the professional level. His vertical leap measured at 38 inches during combine testing, and he demonstrated impressive defensive versatility during scrimmages. However, I've noticed his shooting percentages tend to fluctuate – he shot 45% from the field in his final college season but only 28% from beyond the arc. These numbers concern me slightly, as the modern PBA game increasingly values spacing and three-point shooting. Still, I'm convinced his defensive potential alone makes him worth a roster spot.

The draft landscape this year appears particularly deep in the frontcourt positions, which could work against Amores' chances of being selected early. Teams I've spoken with indicate they're prioritizing proven scorers and experienced players who can contribute immediately. This strategic approach might push developmental prospects like Amores further down draft boards than their talent alone would suggest. Personally, I think this would be a mistake – having seen how Santos developed after being given time to adjust to the professional game, I believe Amores could follow a similar trajectory with proper coaching and patience.

My prediction, based on conversations with team officials and my own assessment of team needs, is that Amores will indeed be selected, though likely in the late second round. The teams picking between positions 10 and 12 seem most likely to take a chance on him, particularly those with established veterans who can mentor a developing player. I'd estimate his chances of being drafted at around 65%, with the possibility increasing if he performs well in private workouts scheduled over the next two weeks. The team that selects him would be getting a project, but one with considerable upside that could pay dividends in 2-3 seasons.

Ultimately, the PBA draft represents more than just talent acquisition – it's about finding players who fit organizational cultures and long-term visions. Amores strikes me as the type of player who could thrive in the right system, much like Santos has with his current team. While nothing is guaranteed in the unpredictable world of professional sports drafts, I'm cautiously optimistic that we'll see Amores' dream realized come draft day. His journey serves as a reminder that success isn't always about being the first pick, but about finding the right opportunity to grow and prove yourself at the highest level.