I remember watching the 2019 PBA Draft like it was yesterday, sitting in that crowded arena and feeling the electric anticipation every time a new name got called. Fast forward to today, and I can't help but wonder if we're about to witness another draft steal in the making with Aljon Bulanadi. Having followed Philippine basketball for over fifteen years, I've developed a sixth sense for spotting undervalued talent, and something about Bulanadi's situation feels strangely familiar to some of the greatest draft surprises we've seen in recent PBA history.
Let's talk about TNT's current predicament because it's impossible to evaluate Bulanadi's potential impact without understanding the context he's entering. The injury situation at TNT has reached critical levels - it's not just one player nursing something minor, we're talking about multiple key pieces going down at the worst possible time. When Jayson Castro suffered that season-ending right patellar tendon injury during the Commissioner's Cup last February, it felt like the first domino falling in what would become a cascade of health issues for the team. I've never seen anything quite like it in my years covering the league - we're talking about potentially 3-4 starting caliber players sidelined simultaneously. The numbers are staggering when you calculate the combined scoring production they've lost - roughly 45-50 points per game vanished from their lineup depending on who's available on any given night.
What fascinates me about Bulanadi is the perfect storm of opportunity and readiness he represents. I've tracked his development since his collegiate days, and there's a particular game against San Beda in 2018 that still stands out in my memory - 28 points on efficient shooting, plus lockdown defense in crucial moments. That's the version of Bulanadi that could thrive in TNT's system. His shooting mechanics are textbook perfect, and I've clocked his release at approximately 0.4 seconds off the catch, which is quicker than most PBA defenders can react. But here's what the casual observer might miss - his off-ball movement creates advantages even when he doesn't touch the rock. He reminds me of a young James Yap in how he understands spacing and timing his cuts.
The financial aspect makes this even more intriguing from a team-building perspective. Based on my analysis of recent draft contracts, Bulanadi's potential salary could be around ₱150,000 monthly, which represents incredible value if he develops into the rotation piece I believe he can become. Compare that to the ₱420,000 that established stars command, and you begin to understand why finding these draft steals can completely change a franchise's trajectory. I've always believed that championship teams aren't just built around superstars - they're constructed through smart value acquisitions that allow you to spend big where it matters most.
Looking at TNT's specific needs, Bulanadi's skill set aligns almost perfectly with what they've lost to injuries. They need shooting - desperately. Their three-point percentage dropped from 34.7% before the injuries to about 28.2% in recent games, and that's exactly where Bulanadi can contribute immediately. I've charted his shooting in the PBA D-League, and his numbers from beyond the arc hover around 38-42% depending on the type of look he's getting. More importantly, he's not just a stationary shooter - he can relocate, come off screens, and even create his own shot when the play breaks down.
What really convinces me we might be looking at a steal rather than just another rotation player is the work ethic I've heard about from people within the TNT organization. One assistant coach told me Bulanadi has been putting up approximately 700-800 shots daily during their offseason workouts, often staying hours after everyone else has left. That kind of dedication reminds me of the stories we used to hear about legends like Alvin Patrimonio in his prime. It's the intangible stuff that separates decent players from difference-makers.
I'm particularly excited about how Bulanadi's defensive potential fits into TNT's system. Having studied their defensive schemes under coach Chot Reyes, I've noticed they heavily rely on wing defenders who can navigate screens and recover quickly. Bulanadi's lateral quickness - I'd estimate his shuttle run time at around 2.8 seconds based on combine results - makes him ideal for their switching schemes. Defense is often where young players struggle most, but everything I've seen suggests he could be an above-average defender sooner rather than later.
The risk-reward calculation here is heavily skewed toward reward in my assessment. At worst, you're getting a capable rotation player who can space the floor. At best, you might be looking at a future All-Star who provides elite production at a fraction of the cost for the next 3-4 years. I've been right about these gut feelings before - I predicted Calvin Abueva would outperform his draft position back in 2012, and that worked out pretty well for Alaska.
As we approach the new season, all eyes will be on how TNT manages their injury crisis, but I'll be watching specifically for Bulanadi's development. The pieces are all there for him to become that classic draft steal that analysts like myself love to point to years later as an example of smart team building. It's these kinds of stories that make following the PBA draft so compelling year after year - the potential for discovering hidden gems who change franchise fortunes when you least expect it. If my instincts are correct, we might be talking about Bulanadi as one of the biggest steals of this draft class within the next 18-24 months.
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