From the total number of 97 players from the initial list who applied for the draft, 10 Fil-foreign players and one local player were not able to join the loaded pool for this year’s draft.

Prospective first-round picks Jason Brickman, Jeremiah Gray, and Taylor Statham were among the Fil-foreign players who fell short to make it to the final list.

In addition, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Tyrus Hill, John Paul Gulfo, and Christopher Cancio also failed to submit their documents proving their Filipino citizenship before the deadline last March 5.

The documents required included certification from the Bureau of Immigration and recognition from the Department of Justice. 

Meanwhile, Fil-foreign applicants JJ Espanola, John Paul Zarco, and Ezra Ocampo, as well as Neilowen de Jesus of the University of Batangas withdrew their application for the Rookie Draft.

With the pool selection being trimmed down, this year’s list failed to beat the 2014 PBA Draft Class record of 91 applicants.

However, the pool remained loaded with a wide depth of players with Joshua Munzon and Jamie Malonzo bannering the 2021 Rookie draftees.

Moreover, 3×3 stars Alvin Pasaol and Santi Santillan, and reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player Calvin Oftana were also the few players boasting the selection which also are prospective first-rounders.

Jordan Heading, Jaydee Tungcab, Tzaddy Rangel, and William Navarro will be selected in a special round by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.