SBA Draft: QC, TAGUIG, NEGROS & MANILA PICKED TOP POOL SHARKS

Finally, after almost two years of comprehensive preparation, the dream became a reality.

Professional billiards was born in the Philippines, the first in the world.

Yesterday marked the historic event as drafting of the cream of the crop pool players were drafted by teams respectively. The Quezon City Dragons chose Jericho Bañares in the inaugural Sharks Billiards Association (SBA) players' draft at the Quantum Skyview in Gateway Mall 2, Quezon City on Sunday night.

Joining him are Alexis Ferrer, Denmark Castronuevo, John Paul Ladao and John Rebong.

"I felt very honored to be included in the team," said Bañares, who was runner-up to Ko Pin-yi of Chinese-Taipei in the 2008 World Junior Pool Championshup in Reno, Nevada.

Also selected in the first round were Rodrigo Geronimo (Taguig Stallions), Oliver Villafuerte (Negros Pillar) and Baseth Mapandi (Manila MSW Mavericks). The SBA First Conference is set on September 12 at the Sharks Billiard Hall along Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

From Left to Right: Sharks Billiards Association CEO John Galahad Mariano, GAB Chairman Atty. Francisco J. Rivera, and GAB Professional Sports and Games Division Chief Dr. Jesucito Garcia. (Photo by Menchie Salazar)

Pool legend Efren 'Bata' Reyes (middle) with GAB Chairman Atty. Francisco J. Rivera and GAB Professional Sports and Games Division Chief Dr. Jesucito Garcia, during the Sharks Billiard Association (SBA) Draft Pick Event yesterday, August 18, 2024, at Quantum Skyview, Gateway Mall 2, Araneta, Cubao, Quezon City. (Photos by Menchie Salazar)

"The SBA aims to give millions of Filipino billiards enthusiasts the opportunity to hone and showcase their skills, and promote the love of the game -- by ensuring integrity and fairness for professional billiards in the Philippines," said SBA chief executive officer and founder Hadley Mariano." Sa wakas, andito na tayo.Salamat players sa patience. Salamat sa GAB, dahil sa inyo, meron na tayong unang professional billiards league sa bansa".

Other members of the teams are Demosthenes Pulpul, Bryant Saguiped, Marc Ejay Cunanan and Michael Quinay (Taguig Stallions); Albert Espinola, Jonald Galve, Jolo Aspuria and Mark Ryan Hidalgo (Negros Pillars); and Jonas Magpantay, John Albert Refulle, Drahcir Mauricio and Tristan Deocareza (Manila MSW Mavericks).

Efren "Bata" Reyes, widely regarded as the greatest pool player of all time, and prominent players Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, Jeffrey "The Bull" De Luna, Antonio "Nikoy" Lining and Warren "Warrior" Kiamco attended the event.

Also present were Games and Amusement Board (GAB) chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera Jr. and sportsman, billiards godfather Ceferino "Perry" Mariano.

Jericho 'Panday' Bañares is the first overall draft pick, joining the Quezon City Dragons in the inaugural Sharks Billiard Association (SBA) Draft.