MANILA, Philippines – 33 of the 79 players chosen in the 2023 PBA Rookie Draft have now entered the open market, marking the end of the five-day grace period given to PBA teams for tender offers. This is a noteworthy milestone after the 2023 PBA Rookie Draft.

The highest draft pick who did not receive a tender offer was Kim Aurin, who was selected as the 34th overall pick, among these players. Along with Aurin, Franz Abuda and Brandrey Bienes were also drafted by Ginebra, and as a result of this event, they are now both unrestricted free agents.

The omission of JC Cullar and Larry Arpia from Rain or Shine’s offer list is another noteworthy instance.

Tonton Peralta of Perpetual and the two big men from Mapua, Warren Bonifacio and Christian Bunag, were not signed by Magnolia in this case.

Joe Gomez de Liano, Daniel Atienza, John Lloyd Clemente, and Theo Flores’ rights were not invoked by Phoenix Super LPG.

Francis Guissani and Lorenzo Navarro were not signed by NLEX, and Meralco released Zach Huang and Jessie Sumoda to the open market.

To Jayson Apolonio, Jayvee Dela Cruz, Jamel Ramos, and JBoy Gob, San Miguel did not make an offer.

Enrique Caunan, Jeric Pido, and Kenneth Villapando were also declined re-signings by Terrafirma. In the meantime, Jan Sobrevega, Ian Herrera, Johnnel Bauzon, Joemari Lacastesantos, Nikko Paranada, or Regie Boy Basibas were not signed by Northport.

Converge made decisions about their roster as well, deciding not to keep Jonathan Del Rosario, MJ Garcia, Raymond Binuya, and Andree Flores.

But it’s important to remember that Patrick Maagdenberg, the 33rd pick overall, had a special circumstance. Maagdenberg’s rights were bought by Magnolia in the Abu Tratter deal, which required sending a box to Converge, and he was initially chosen by Magnolia in the third round. Since the exchange of picks after the second round is prohibited by league rules, the two teams came to a gentleman’s agreement, and Converge has now formally signed Maagdenberg.

These changes signal the start of a new path for these young players as they approach the open market in search of chances to establish their value and eventually help PBA clubs.