2025-11-15 16:01

I still remember the first time I watched Kent Salado play—it was during the 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup, and even then, you could tell there was something special about his game. Fast, creative, and fearless, he played with a kind of fire you don’t often see. Now, as the PBA Draft approaches, I can’t help but reflect on his journey and what makes his case so compelling. Teams aren’t just looking for talent; they’re looking for heart, and Salado’s got plenty of both.

When we talk about the PBA Draft, it’s easy to get lost in stats and projections, but Salado’s story stands out because it’s built on resilience. He didn’t take the most straightforward path—playing in the MPBL and the PBA D-League, honing his craft away from the brightest spotlights. Yet, every time he stepped on the court, he left a mark. I’ve followed dozens of prospects over the years, and what strikes me about Salado is his mindset. In an interview a while back, he said something that stuck with me: “I’d rather ‘almost have it’ than not get there.” That’s not just a catchy phrase; it’s a philosophy. It speaks to his willingness to chase greatness, even if it means falling short sometimes. In a league where mental toughness can be as important as physical skill, that attitude is gold.

Let’s rewind a bit. Salado played college ball for the Arellano Chiefs in the NCAA, where he averaged around 14.2 points and 5.1 assists per game in his final season. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers by some standards, but if you watched him play, you saw the intangibles—the way he controlled the tempo, made clutch plays, and lifted his teammates. I remember one game where he dropped 28 points against San Beda, a powerhouse team, and nearly pulled off an upset almost single-handedly. That’s the kind of performance that makes scouts take notice. Since then, he’s spent time in the MPBL, putting up solid numbers—something like 12.8 points and 4.5 assists per game—but more importantly, proving he can handle the physicality and pace of professional basketball.

Now, as we look at which teams might be eyeing his skills in the PBA Draft, a few names come to mind. Teams like Terrafirma Dyip and Blackwater Bossing, who are in rebuilding phases, could really use a guard who can create offense and bring energy off the bench. I’ve spoken to a couple of insiders, and the consensus is that Salado’s versatility is a big selling point. He can play both guard positions, drive to the basket, and isn’t afraid to take big shots. For a team like NLEX, which values guards who can push the ball in transition, he could be a perfect fit. But here’s my take: I think he’d thrive best with a squad that gives him room to grow, maybe a team like Magnolia, where he could learn from veterans like Paul Lee and gradually take on more responsibility.

What’s interesting is how Salado’s journey mirrors that of other PBA success stories—players who weren’t necessarily top picks but carved out meaningful careers through sheer determination. His quote about preferring to “almost have it” than not try at all reminds me of guys like Johnedel Cardel or even Jayson Castro early in their careers. They embraced the struggle, and it paid off. In Salado’s case, I see a player who’s not just chasing a roster spot; he’s chasing a legacy. And in today’s PBA, where teams are increasingly valuing grit over glamour, that could be his ticket.

Of course, there are questions. At 5'10", he’s not the tallest guard, and some scouts worry about his consistency from beyond the arc—he shot around 32% from three-point range in the MPBL, which isn’t terrible but could use improvement. Still, I’ve always believed that heart can outweigh height, and Salado’s ability to penetrate and draw fouls (he averaged roughly 4.2 free throw attempts per game) shows he knows how to compensate. Plus, in a league that’s becoming more positionless, his speed and basketball IQ could make him a valuable asset, especially in clutch situations.

As the draft day nears, I can’t help but feel excited for him. The PBA Draft is more than just a selection process; it’s a culmination of years of hard work, and for someone like Salado, it’s a chance to prove that the journey—the almosts and the setbacks—was worth it. I’ve seen too many players get overlooked because they didn’t fit a certain mold, but Salado’s mindset sets him apart. He’s not just waiting for an opportunity; he’s chasing it, and I have a feeling teams are starting to see that. Whether he ends up as a first-round pick or slips to the second, one thing’s for sure: whichever team drafts him will be getting a player who’ll leave it all on the court. And in my book, that’s what the PBA is all about.