PBA coaches John Cardel of Terrafirma and Rain or Shine’s Yeng Guiao both agree that this year’s rookie draft pool is one of the deepest in years in terms of quality.

Both know their respective teams stand to benefit from the talented crop of incoming freshmen heading to today’s (September 17) 2023 PBA Rookie Draft at the

Market! Market! in Taguig.

The rookie prospects are filled with bigs led by Zavier Lucero, Keith Datu and Fil-foreigners like Brandon Bates, Ken Tuffin and Christian David, as well as Luis Villegas, just to name some.

But the biggest story is who will emerge as this year’s No. 1 overall pick.

Credentials-wise, all signs point to former Saint Mary’s guard Stephen Holt.

Terrafirma owns this year’s No. 1 pick following another disappointing three-conference performance this past season, followed by Blackwater at No. 2.

Again, the Dyip have a bevy of talent to choose from, considering they also own the 12th pick in the opening round, plus the first pick in the second round.

With these chances right in front of them, Cardel believes they have a huge opportunity to bring in the size and talent needed to finally become a playoff, and hopefully, title contender in the coming season.

“There are so many quality big men, potential wingmen and quality guards to choose from,” Cardel told The Manila Times in Filipino on Saturday.

Asked if he’ll be open to changing his mind and nab Holt for the overall pick, the amiable Terrafirma coach responded with a smile.

However, Cardel said Holt is a one-of-a-kind talent due to his extensive experience playing pro basketball in Europe, along with his high basketball IQ.

Guiao shared Cardel’s thoughts, which is why he isn’t expecting the 6-foot-4 Holt to land at Rain or Shine’s lap when the Elasto Painters have their turn in Nos. 3 and 4.