PBA Mock Draft 2.0: Kymani Ladi No. 1 ahead of Nic Cabañero, DJ Fenner

The 2027 PBA Draft is still more than two months away -- it is scheduled for January 2027 -- but the class is already shaping up to be one of the most talent-rich in recent league history.

From established collegiate stars in the UAAP and NCAA and players who spent a year in the MPBL, there is no shortage of players who can provide impact to teams. With the draft order to be finalized at the end of the Governors' Cup, these projections remain anything but straightforward.

Here's an early look at the possible two-round selections in ESPN's second 2027 PBA Mock Draft.

How is the 2027 PBA Draft Order decided?

The order is expected to be determined by the teams' weighted standings across the previous PBA season, rather than by a lottery. The basic principle is: Teams are ranked according to their finishes in the three conferences of the preceding season. The Philippine Cup carries the greatest weight, while the Commissioner's Cup and Governors' Cup carry lesser weights. The teams' weighted rankings are combined to produce an overall ranking. The team with the lowest cumulative ranking picks first, followed by the next-lowest, and so on. The order applies to each round, although teams can obviously trade draft picks, which can change who actually makes a selection.

We have used the weighted rankings as they stood at the end of the PBA Season Commissioner's Cup.

NB: Kai Sotto, Remy Martin, and Kihei Clark have been omitted from consideration in this draft, as they have signed with respective overseas professional clubs. JD Cagulangan, Allen Liwag, and Terrence Fortea remain in the bubble but long-term injuries have complicated their draft projections, leaving their availability and readiness for professional basketball as key factors in determining where they could land.

First Round

1. Kymani Ladi (NLEX Road Warriors)

Kymani Ladi offers NLEX a high-upside forward whose combination of size, athleticism, and scoring efficiency could give the Road Warriors another dimension on offense. For a team that lacks size in their All-Filipino crew, the former Ateneo Blue Eagle fits right in to provide length but can play in Jimmy Alapag's 5-out and transition heavy offense.

Across Caloocan's four MPBL playoff games, Ladi has shown encouraging progress as a perimeter shooter, hitting 55.6% from three on 4.5 attempts per game, primarily on catch-and-shoot opportunities and pick-and-pops. He has often been pushed into a traditional big-man role that has lowered his overall three-point volume for the season to 2.1 attempts per game, but his potential as a tweener makes him intriguing for NLEX.

If Ladi, a 6-foot-8 forward, can defend bigger players while stretching the floor and keeping pace in transition, he would be a valuable luxury for the Road Warriors.

]-- Caramoan

2. Nic Cabañero (Titan Ultra Giant Risers)

Titan Ultra could look to add firepower to its backcourt by selecting Nic Cabañero, whose scoring ability, shot selection, and knack for closing out games make him an intriguing prospect in the PBA.

Playing his rookie season with Biñan in the MPBL, Cabañero has shown that he can carry a team in crucial moments. In the division semifinals against Rizal, he drilled a buzzer-beater in Game 1 before finishing with an impressive double-double of 32 points and 10 rebounds to help his team advance to the South Division Finals for a rematch against Quezon.

Cabañero has also etched his name in the record books with a historic triple-double of 53 points, 22 rebounds, and 10 assists in a single game. If selected by the Giant Risers, the 6-foot-3 bulky guard would add an immediate scoring threat.

-- Marco

3. DJ Fenner (Barangay Ginebra)

Remember when Ginebra had a healthy wing duo of Jamie Malonzo and Jeremiah Gray? They can replicate that situation by adding DJ Fenner, who fits exactly the win-now timeline of the crowd favorites.

The 32-year-old forward boasts professional experience and his scoring versatility could give the team another player who can create his own shot, attack closeouts, and punish defenses that overcommit to their primary options. Within Ginebra's triangle offense, Fenner could be particularly valuable as a wing who can read defensive rotations, exploit openings, and generate points without requiring the ball on every possession.

Having gained experience in the Philippine basketball scene with Strong Group Athletics, and averaging 15.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists for Abra Weavers in the thick of the MPBL playoffs, Fenner has shown that he is ready to take the next step in his career.

-- Caramoan

4. Cedrick Manzano (Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters)

Phoenix already boast a collection of capable wings, and Cedrick Manzano would round out the roster by addressing a different need in the frontcourt. The 6-foot-5 former Adamson standout brings physicality, rebounding and interior defense, giving the Fuel Masters a young big who can do the dirty work while complementing the perimeter talent already in place.

Coming off an injury, Manzano has impressed in his stint for Quezon Huskers in the MPBL -- with 11.8 points and 8.1 rebounds on 56.7% shooting from the field in 21 games. His experience with Gilas Pilipinas, including the Philippines' gold-medal run at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, also gives him valuable exposure to a higher level of competition.

Having dynamic guards in Ricci Rivero and Gian Mamuyac, budding tweeners in Ken Tuffin and Kai Ballungay, and still having the veteran presence of Jason Perkins, the possible addition of Manzano could give Phoenix enough optionality on how they set up their offense, even in the half court.

-- Caramoan

5. Brandon Wilson (Terrafirma Dyip)

As Terrafirma got its foundational big man in Geo Chiu and the return of Juami Tiongson to pick up the cudgels offensively in their guard play, the addition of Brandon Wilson would be a bet on developing a physically gifted wing into another reliable scoring option.

From being a virtually unknown player, the 26-year-old player made his mark with the Zamboanga SiKat in this MPBL season with 14.6 points and 7.1 rebounds on 42/34/83 shooting splits in 21 games played. Zoom into his three-game playoff stretch against the Huskers, and Wilson put up 15.7 points and 7.7 rebounds on 53.6 true shooting percentage.

That combination of size and production makes him worth a look for a Dyip squad that needs more two-way options on the perimeter. Now, the challenge for Wilson will be turning that potential to translate against higher-level competition in the PBA.

-- Caramoan

6. PJ Palacielo (NLEX Road Warriors)

PJ Palacielo is making a strong case to be the UAAP best big PBA prospect.

Through nine games in Season 89, the NU big man is averaging 11.33 points, 6.22 rebounds and 4.33 assists while shooting 43.40% from the field on more than 11 attempts per game.

He may not be a floor spacer, hitting just 13% of his threes on two attempts per game, but Palacielo offers far more than scoring. At 6-foot-6 with a wide frame, he can serve as an offensive hub, connect teammates with timely passes, and threaten defenses from multiple levels in the post.

That versatile skill set could make him an appealing option for teams such as NLEX, which could use an all-around big man to anchor its frontcourt.

With his production under NU head coach Jeff Napa, Palacielo is positioning himself to hear his name called early in the upcoming draft.

-- Dongiapon

7. Jacob Cortez (Magnolia Hotshots)

If the draft had taken place in 2025, when Jacob Cortez's stock was at its peak, the La Salle guard could have cracked the top five, if not the top three.

Cortez remains the premier point guard coming out of the UAAP, but his recent struggles have raised questions about his potential as a franchise player.

The 24-year-old's production has dipped this season, averaging just 10.12 points, 2.25 rebounds and 4.88 assists per game. That is a significant drop from last year, when he averaged more than 15 points and led the Green Archers to the UAAP Season 88 championship.

His shooting numbers have also taken a hit. Cortez is converting just 32.91% of his field-goal attempts -- and an alarming 21.88% from beyond the arc. His 37.34% effective field-goal percentage further underscores his offensive struggles.

A move to Magnolia could give Cortez an environment to rediscover his form.

La Salle alumni Mon Jose and Juno Sauler, both assistant coaches with the Hotshots, and team governor Jason Webb could help bring out the best in the guard, who is also the son of former Green Archer Mike Cortez.

Despite his dip in production, Cortez's playmaking pedigree and championship experience remain valuable assets. The question is whether he can regain the form that once made him one of the most coveted guards in the collegiate ranks.

-- Dongiapon

8. Raven Gonzales (Rain or Shine Elasto Painters)

Raven Gonzales would give Rain or Shine an opportunity to add size, rim protection, and rebounding to a frontcourt that already has a number of stretch bigs. The former DLSU Green Archer big man has continued developing his interior game with Abra Weavers, and his shot-blocking and rebounding offer a foundation for a potential professional role.

In 22 games this season, Gonzales has posted 7.8 points and 6.1 rebounds on an efficient 66.4% shooting from the field in 19 minutes per game. The number that stands out, however, out is his 1.9 blocks per game; the Elasto Painters still lack that strength in their current composition.

With a system built around activity, ball movement\ and pressure, a dependable interior defender could offer another layer of versatility for Rain or Shine.

Gonzales' mobility in pick-and-roll coverage, timing as a help defender, and ability to defend away from the basket will determine whether he can become a reliable defensive anchor at the next level.

-- Caramoan

9. Mason Amos (Meralco Bolts)

Meralco has lacked a floor-spacing big since Reynel Hugnatan's PBA days more than five years ago.

Mason Amos could definitely fill that void, giving the Bolts' guards a frontcourt partner who can stretch the floor and open driving lanes.

The former Gilas Pilipinas player is shooting 30.30% from 3 on nearly four attempts per game while averaging 8.53 points, 5.56 rebounds and 1.89 assists through La Salle's first nine UAAP Season 89 games.

Amos has room to improve, but his shooting ability and national team experience give him a clear selling point.

Meralco also offers a fitting landing spot for the Filipino-Australian, who previously played in the Ateneo program that has deep ties to the PBA franchise.

Amos must show that he can defend quicker guards and hold his own against bigger interior threats, but he still could be a worthwhile target for Meralco at the point of the draft.

-- Dongiapon

10. Rey Remogat (San Miguel Beermen)

San Miguel has long searched for a young, dynamic point guard to steer its offense. Terrence Romeo once filled that role, though he was already more experienced when he joined the Beermen. For so long, Chris Ross, who is now 41 years old, has played that position.

Rey Remogat could bring Romeo's offensive edge and the steady playmaking that has defined Ross' game to San Miguel's backcourt.

The UP guard is averaging 10.44 points, 2.78 rebounds and 3.67 assists through nine UAAP Season 89 games. An offensively minded playmaker, Remogat can create his own shot, set up teammates and push the pace.

His shooting remains a concern, however. He is converting just over 32% of his field-goal attempts and 31.48% of his threes on six attempts per game. Still, his ability to handle the ball and create opportunities could give San Miguel another option alongside CJ Perez.

Remogat could also help to feed June Mar Fajardo in the post while controlling the tempo and taking pressure off the Beermen's other playmakers. At 24, he has shown considerable maturity since transferring from UE to UP in 2024.

He is yet to win a collegiate championship, but has shown the poise to take charge of an offense and make decisions with the ball in his hands during crucial moments. For a title-contending team like San Miguel, that kind of composure could be valuable.

Remogat's overseas opportunities could complicate San Miguel's pursuit, But, if available at the draft, the Beermen could find the dynamic floor general their backcourt has long needed.

-- Dongiapon

11. Gani Stevens (Barangay Ginebra)

Tim Cone, a self-proclaimed "big man coach", has built his reputation on maximizing such players, and Gani Stevens could give the Barangay Ginebra mentor another dominating presence to work with.

Standing 6-foot-7 with a bruising frame, Stevens has emerged as UP's top local big man over the past two years. Through nine UAAP Season 89 games, he is averaging 7.67 points and 7.11 rebounds while shooting 64.29% from the field.

Stevens can operate effectively at the pinch post, making decisions and connecting with teammates in ways that fit Cone's revered triangle offensive system. His interior game and decision-making have also improved significantly since transferring from UE to UP three years ago.

Ginebra has long needed a big man who can hold his ground and battle inside the paint. Undersized Troy Rosario has tried to fill that role, while veteran Japeth Aguilar is better suited to providing mobility and help defense than serving as a bruising interior presence.

Stevens could give Cone the physical frontcourt presence he has been missing. Pairing him with Aguilar or Rosario would allow the veterans to provide weakside rim protection while Stevens handles the physical work inside.

If Ginebra calls his name on draft day, Stevens could be the kind of rugged big man Cone would love to develop.

-- Dongiapon

12. Jake Figueroa (Blackwater Bossing)

Blackwater has the benefit of having two guards who can score points, in Sedrick Barefield and RK Ilagan, but rounding up the roster should be the priority to be in the playoff hunt next season. And the two-way presence of Jake Figueroa could be a huge boost to this cause.

In their recently concluded Governors' Cup campaign, the Bossing had the worst assist percentage of all 13 teams, at 37.7%, highlighting the reliance on self-creation in isolation possessions. The 3.2 assists of Figueroa with Abra Weavers in the MPBL isn't eye popping, but can expect him to be a high-IQ player who can scan and read the floor on the catch or even when driving to the basket.

As the former NU Bulldog is set to get more reps in the North Finals for Abra, an encouraging sign is starting to emerge: His production does not have to come at the expense of his teammates. Figueroa posted nine points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals in Abra's Game 2 semifinal clincher against Pasay, showing how he can influence a game across multiple categories that Blackwater can bank on.

-- Caramoan

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Second Round

13. Cholo Anonuevo (NLEX Road Warriors)

NLEX doubling down on versatile wings with Cholo Anonuevo would reflect its preference for players who can keep the offense moving rather than relying on a traditional positional structure. The 6-foot-5 forward has made encouraging contributions since joining Quezon Huskers, with averages of 7.8 points and 7.5 rebounds on 59.3% shooting from inside the arc.

To be more specific about his recent play, Anonuevo displayed great activity and intangibles with a two-game average against Cebu in their North semifinals series with 11.5 rebounds per game, and he had four stocks (two steals + two blocks) in their Game 2 clincher.

Those performances hint at the all-around impact NLEX could seek from a second-round wing: Rebounding beyond his position, creating opportunities in transition, and contributing defensively without needing a high usage rate. However, Anonuevo's injury history, which includes two ACLs, remains a significant consideration, with his health and ability to withstand the demands of a professional workload crucial to his outlook.

-- Caramoan

14. Harold Alarcon (Titan Ultra Giant Risers)

Titan Ultra, a team still looking to establish an identity, is the perfect destination for a developing on-ball creator like Harold Alarcon to achieve continuous growth.

The former UP Fighting Maroon has expanded his playmaking responsibilities with San Juan, averaging 8.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists in the 2026 MPBL season. Those numbers reflect a guard who can contribute across multiple areas rather than relying solely on scoring, with his rebounding and passing offering additional value beyond the box score.

Alarcon may not project as an immediate primary scorer, but the Giant Risers could benefit from a guard who values possession, keeps the ball moving, and contributes in several facets of the game. He must develop his overall shooting efficiency -- 38% from the field and 22.4% from beyond the arc -- if he is to keep defenses honest as he adjusts to the length and physicality of PBA defenders.

-- Caramoan

15. Landyn Jumawan (Titan Ultra Giant Risers)

Landyn Jumawan may not be the star or the go-to scorer UST initially envisioned, but he has a valuable skill set that includes shooting, floor spacing and the ability to contribute without dominating the ball.

The former NCAA Division I guard shot 40% from three in the 2024-25 season, yet he has struggled to adjust to the physicality of the UAAP.

Through nine games this season, Jumawan is averaging 10.67 points and 3.67 rebounds while shooting 33.57% from the field and 32.35% from beyond the arc on a high volume of nearly eight attempts per game.

Jumawan's game relies heavily on his shooting touch, which has been inconsistent this season.

His 46.88% true shooting percentage reflects those struggles, though his willingness to take 3-pointers at volume remains a useful asset.

His shooting pedigree should keep him on the radar of PBA teams, and he could provide Titan Ultra with another perimeter threat who helps to open the floor.

At this stage of the draft, teams are not necessarily hunting for stars. Rather, they are looking for role players who can contribute immediately. Jumawan's shooting and floor-spacing ability give him a clear path to that role at the next level.

-- Dongiapon

16. Justine Sanchez (Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters)

Justine Sanchez could find a familiar environment with the Phoenix Fuel Masters, reuniting with former CSB Blazers Will Gozum, Tony Ynot, and JC Cullar under head coach Charles Tiu, who also mentors him in the NCAA. Those ties extend to La Salle through former Green Archers Jason Perkins, Francis Escandor and Ricci Rivero.

Beyond those connections, Sanchez could bring an efficient perimeter threat to Phoenix, averaging 13.4 points and 7.2 rebounds through 10 games in Season 102 while shooting 49% from the three-point range.

With his production and familiarity under Tiu's system, Sanchez would be a great fit for the Fuel Masters as another versatile wing option who can stretch the floor and contribute on the boards.

-- Marco

17. T-Mc Ongotan (Titan Ultra Giant Risers)

T-Mc Ongotan is arguably one of the best guards in the collegiate scene.

The 5-foot-9 guard offers a high-volume scoring threat who can knock down perimeter shots and attack the paint fearlessly. A natural slasher, he averaged 19.0 points though eight games after the NCAA crossover round -- shooting 42.24% from the field on 6.13 made field goals per outing.

An injury midway into Season 102 has slowed his momentum, with Ongotan averaging just 6.5 points in his past two games for the Arellano Chiefs, but he could add an aggressive scoring option who can create his own shots and put pressure on opposing defenses.

-- Marco

18. Forthsky Padrigao (Converge FiberXers)

The MPBL numbers of Forthsky Padrigao highlight his playmaking abilities, with averages of 7.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.3 steals for Zamboanga.

His assists per game became his strongest statistical indicator, suggesting that he can facilitate the offense and create opportunities for his teammates.

For the FiberXers, the former UST Growling Tigers guard could provide additional playmaking behind established backcourt options such as Juan Gomez de Liano, Alec Stockton, and Mikey Williams. Padrigao could be effective in pick-and-roll situations, setting up a stacked Converge frontcourt and finding open shooters.

Padrigao projects as a developmental point guard who can contribute through his passing, decision-making, and defensive activity. While he could give Converge additional backcourt depth, he must also improve his scoring efficiency to earn consistent minutes in the PBA.

-- Marco

19. Patrick Sleat (Magnolia Hotshots)

Patrick Sleat has emerged as an intriguing young guard for the San Juan Knights, averaging 9.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists on 58.9% shooting from inside the arc in the MPBL. The 25-year-old can attack the paint, create his own shot and find teammates, giving him a skill set that could translate well to the PBA.

Sleat could provide the Hotshots with another ball-handler capable of breaking down defenses and creating scoring opportunities. His ability to penetrate and finish inside would give Magnolia another option in the half-court, while his playmaking could help ease the burden on the team's established guards.

With veteran playmaker Mark Barroca nearing the twilight of his career, Sleat could develop into a long-term backcourt option for Magnolia. Under head coach LA Tenorio, one of the PBA's most prominent guards, Sleat would also have an opportunity to learn from someone who understands the demands of running a team's offense at the highest level. Tenorio's experience could prove valuable as Sleat continues to develop his decision-making and playmaking.

-- Marco

20. Kean Baclaan (Rain or Shine Elasto Painters)

Kean Baclaan's style could be a natural fit for a Rain or Shine team that thrives on pace, defensive pressure, and turning stops into transition opportunities.

The former DLSU Green Archers guard has shown he can generate offense off the dribble while also creating opportunities for his teammates, averaging 9.9 points and 5.3 assists for the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo in their recently concluded 2026 MPBL campaign. His tally of 15 points and five assists against San Juan in Game 2 of their MPBL North semifinals series also showed his ability to shoulder more of the offensive responsibility when needed, especially against tough playoff defense.

With Baclaan's ability to run high ball screens, a staple in Yeng Guiao's offense, the team could definitely use that skill to add more dimension to their guard play. The challenge for him will be to overcome a significant size disadvantage at the professional level, but his quickness and ability to break down defenses could give the Elasto Painters another ballhandler who can pressure the paint and set the tempo.

-- Caramoan

21. Dominic Escobar (Meralco Bolts)

Meralco's system has long rewarded players who can contribute on both ends without needing the offense to revolve around them, making Dominic Escobar an intriguing fit for the Bolts. The 6-foot-5 former Ateneo Blue Eagle brings positional size, defensive versatility, and secondary playmaking, qualities that could help him slot into a rotation built around ball movement, spacing, and disciplined execution.

In Meralco, one immediate impact he can provide is wing defense, as the playoffs have exposed that the pressure points for the team has been finding one player to attack on mismatches.

Escobar would still need to establish himself as a consistent perimeter shooter, as he tallied only 23.4% in his stint with Caloocan in the MPBL, and adjust to the speed of the PBA. But he won't be tasked with being one of Meralco's main creators, and he offers value that could extend well beyond his scoring numbers.

-- Caramoan

22. Travis Roberts (Converge FiberXers)

Converge's frontcourt is already crowded, but Travis Roberts could still be a worthwhile addition to the FiberXers.

The 6-foot-6 Ateneo forward is the Blue Eagles' third-leading scorer this UAAP Season 89, averaging 8.56 points and 3.11 rebounds per game.

A former NCAA Division I player, Roberts brings versatile physical tools that could help him contest shots and disrupt passing lanes, even if defense is not yet his strongest suit.

His shooting has also been a pleasant surprise. Despite not being known for his touch from deep, Roberts is hitting 38.71% of his threes on 3.44 attempts per game. He is currently tallying a 53.44% true shooting percentage this UAAP season so far.

Roberts does not have a niche on the floor. He can give you a little bit of everything. His value lies in his versatility, though he still has plenty of room to grow.

Converge could give him that runway, even with Calvin Abueva, Jonel Policarpio, Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar already in the frontcourt mix. Roberts is not an immediate difference-maker, but he could develop into a useful rotation piece.

-- Dongiapon

23. Paul Francisco (Barangay Ginebra)

Ginebra's roster lacks the perimeter shooting that Tim Cone typically covets. Enter Paul Francisco.

At 6-foot-2, Francisco has emerged as one of NU's key contributors in UAAP Season 89. The starting small forward is averaging 9.67 points, 4.00 rebounds, 1.22 assists and 1.78 steals through nine games.

His efficiency stands out most. Francisco is shooting nearly 50% from the field on more than eight attempts per game while converting 34.29% of his threes. His 57.85% true shooting percentage is the highest among NU players averaging at least five minutes per game.

He brings value on the other end, too. Francisco regularly draws the assignment of guarding top perimeter threats yet averages just 1.67 fouls per game despite ranking third on NU in playing time at 26.58 minutes per contest.

Francisco's game has very little fat to trim. He is a high-floor, low-ceiling prospect whose efficient scoring, defensive discipline and ability to play within a system could make him a natural fit for Tim Cone's triangle offense.

He does not need to be a go-to guy to make an impact, just a reliable complementary piece who can simply knock down shots and defend on the perimeter.

-- Dongiapon

24. Monty Montebon (TNT Tropang 5G)

Nash Racela builds two-way players at Adamson, and Monty Montebon is one of his prime examples.

Racela, a former TNT head coach, has shaped Montebon into a capable defender without sacrificing his scoring. In Adamson's defense-first system, Montebon leads the Falcons with 10.78 points per game while adding 3.33 rebounds, 3.67 assists and 2.11 steals.

He is also a willing perimeter shooter, converting 30.77% of his threes on nearly six attempts per game.

Montebon may not be a headline-grabbing pick, but his two-way value might be hard to ignore as the final selection of the second round.

TNT could find a dependable bench piece behind the likes of Jayson Castro, Jio Jalalon, Jordan Heading, and Rey Nambatac.

-- Dongiapon