PBA: Did Alaska get a steal in Davon Potts?

Known as one of the sharp-shooting guards for San Beda, it was a bit of a surprise to see Davon Potts slide down to the second round of the recently concluded PBA Draft. The 24-year-old was one of the touted rookie prospects expected to go in the first round. Unfortunately, that did not happen.

Potts was taken in as the sixth overall pick by the Alaska Aces. Considering he was playing for a school backed by business mogul Manny V. Pangilinan, most were expecting him to be picked either by TnT KaTropa, the Meralco Bolts or even the NLEX Road Warriors. Instead, Potts joins a team which may have been surprised to find him available when it was their turn to select.

Potts was actually the second player for the Aces in the draft. They took in Jeron Teng, the fifth overall pick in the first round.

In an interview with Spin.ph, Potts did not hide his disappointment but believed it was Gods’ plan. And from the looks of it, the 6-foot-2 guard could be put to good use under the watch of Alaska coach Alex Compton.

In an interview with Manila Bulletin Sports Online, Potts had already sent feelers on which team he would best fit.

“I want to be on a team where I’m needed, not where I’m wanted,” said Potts. “I know a lot of teams that would want a player, but won’t use them. I don’t want to be in a position where I’m on the bench and not producing.”

He may have gotten that wish with the Aces still trying to get their act together. With the retirement of Dondon Hontiveros, Potts has a golden opportunity to fill in that spot and shine in the pro ranks.

After playing an important role as a rookie with the Red Lions in their back-to-back NCAA title conquest, the Fil-American player’s performance has dipped under coach Boyet Fernandez.

The dip in performance may have been a factor and Potts knows he needs to push himself to succeed in the PBA. With the Aces, he is in good hands and could eventually prove to be the big steal of the draft.