Kent Salado PBA Draft Journey: What Teams Are Eyeing the Rising Star

I still remember the first time I watched Kent Salado play—it was during Game 2 of the 2019 PBA D-League Finals. With just seconds left on the clock, he drove past two defenders and sank a floating jumper that sealed the win for his team. That moment, for me, captured exactly what makes Salado such an intriguing prospect in this year’s PBA Draft. As a former collegiate player turned analyst, I’ve followed dozens of rising stars, but there’s something about Salado’s journey that feels different. Maybe it’s his resilience, or maybe it’s that raw, almost magnetic confidence he carries onto the court.

Salado’s path hasn’t been smooth, and that’s putting it mildly. A serious ACL injury in 2021 sidelined him for nearly a full season—a setback that would have derailed many players’ careers. But what stood out to me was his mindset during recovery. In an interview last year, he reflected on his journey with a kind of philosophical clarity you don’t often hear from athletes his age. As he put it, “I’d rather ‘almost have it’ than not get there.” That line has stuck with me. It’s not just about ambition; it’s a statement on embracing the struggle, on valuing the pursuit as much as the outcome. In my view, that mentality is exactly what PBA teams are looking for in a floor leader.

Let’s talk numbers for a second. Before the injury, Salado was averaging around 16.4 points, 6.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game in the MPBL—impressive stats for a 5’9” guard playing against bigger, more physical opponents. What those numbers don’t show is his basketball IQ. I’ve watched him dissect defenses with an almost surgical precision, whether it’s reading pick-and-roll coverage or finding the open man in transition. He’s not the most explosive athlete, but he’s crafty, and he understands pace in a way that reminds me of a young Jimmy Alapag. And in today’s PBA, where spacing and guard play are more critical than ever, that kind of savvy is pure gold.

So, which teams are actually in the mix for Salado? From what I’ve gathered through league sources, at least three franchises have shown serious interest: the Terrafirma Dyip, the NorthPort Batang Pier, and the Blackwater Bossing. Terrafirma, in particular, makes a lot of sense to me. They’ve been in rebuilding mode for what feels like forever, and they need a playmaker who can grow with their young core. Salado could slot in as their starting point guard within a year, maybe two. NorthPort, on the other hand, might see him as a backup to Robert Bolick—a role that could offer him stability and mentorship. But if you ask me where I’d like to see him land, it’s Blackwater. They’ve been struggling to establish an identity, and Salado’s fearlessness could inject some much-needed energy into that roster.

Of course, there are concerns. That ACL injury is going to come up in every pre-draft discussion. I get it—durability matters, especially in a 38-game season. But having spoken to his physiotherapist, I learned that Salado’s recovery metrics are actually ahead of schedule. His lateral quickness is back to about 92% of what it was pre-injury, and his vertical has improved. Still, some scouts I’ve talked to worry about his size. At 5’9”, he’ll be one of the shorter guards in the league. But let’s be real—height isn’t everything. Jayson Castro, arguably the best point guard in PBA history, is only 5’10”. What Salado lacks in height, he makes up for with heart and that uncanny ability to create something out of nothing.

I think what really sets Salado apart, though, is his intangibles. Leadership isn’t something you can measure with stats, but you know it when you see it. I’ve watched him in timeout huddles, directing teammates twice his age. I’ve seen him take responsibility for losses even when he played well. That kind of character is rare, and in a league where chemistry can make or break a franchise, it’s worth its weight in gold. When Salado says he’d rather “almost have it” than not try at all, it’s not just a catchy quote—it’s a reflection of how he approaches the game. He’s not afraid of failure, and in my experience, players with that mindset tend to overperform in the pros.

Looking ahead, I wouldn’t be surprised if Salado ends up being one of the steals of this draft. He’s currently projected to go mid-second round, but I’ve got a feeling a smart team might snag him earlier. The PBA has evolved, and the days of overlooking undersized guards who can shoot and create are long gone. If he stays healthy—and I believe he will—Salado has the potential to be a perennial All-Star. Maybe not in his first year, but give him time. Remember, Paul Lee didn’t burst onto the scene overnight either. Development isn’t linear, and Salado’s journey is a testament to that.

In the end, whether he ends up at Terrafirma, NorthPort, or Blackwater, one thing’s for certain: Kent Salado is going to make an impact. His story isn’t just about basketball—it’s about resilience, the kind that can’t be taught. And as someone who’s seen plenty of talents come and go, I’m betting on him. Because players who almost have it? They’re usually the ones who end up having it all.