I still remember watching Kent Salado play for the Arellano Chiefs back in 2019, and something about his game just stuck with me. There was this relentless energy he brought to the court—a kind of fearless playmaking that made you sit up and take notice. Now, as he enters the PBA draft, I can't help but feel excited about what his professional journey might look like. Salado's path hasn't been straightforward, marked by injuries and setbacks, but his mindset, captured in his own words, "I'd rather 'almost have it' than not get there," speaks volumes about his character. That phrase isn't just a throwaway line; it's a window into how he approaches challenges, and it's something I believe will define his career in the Philippine Basketball Association.
When I look at Salado's college career, the numbers tell part of the story—he averaged around 14.5 points and 4.2 assists per game in his senior year with Arellano University, but stats alone don't capture his impact. What stood out to me was his ability to take over games in clutch moments, even when the odds were stacked against him. I recall one particular match where he played through an ankle sprain and still managed to dish out eight assists, keeping his team in contention until the final buzzer. That kind of grit is rare, and it's exactly what the PBA needs more of. In my view, his playing style reminds me of a younger Jayson Castro—not in terms of raw talent, but in that fearless drive to create opportunities out of nothing. Salado's game is built on speed and court vision, but it's his resilience that sets him apart. He's had multiple injuries, including a knee issue that sidelined him for nearly a full season, yet he's always bounced back stronger. I think that's where his "almost have it" philosophy really shines; it's not about settling for second best, but about pushing boundaries and learning from near-misses.
As he steps into the PBA draft, I'm curious to see which team will take a chance on him. The draft pool this year includes around 75 applicants, with Salado likely going in the mid to late rounds, maybe pick 25 or so, based on my analysis of team needs and his profile. Some scouts I've spoken to worry about his consistency—he had games where he'd score 20 points but follow it up with a 5-point outing—but I see that as part of his growth curve. In the PBA, where the pace is faster and defenses are tighter, Salado's adaptability will be key. I believe he'd thrive in a system that values transition offense, like Ginebra or TNT, where his playmaking could complement established stars. His "almost have it" attitude, to me, means he's not afraid to take risks, and in a league that rewards bold moves, that could be his ticket to standing out. I've followed enough draft prospects to know that raw talent isn't always enough; it's the mental toughness that separates the good from the great, and Salado has that in spades.
Looking ahead, I expect his rookie season to be a mix of highs and lows—maybe averaging 8-10 points and 3 assists per game if he gets decent minutes. But what excites me most is his potential to evolve. In five years, I wouldn't be surprised if he's a starting point guard for a contender, known for his clutch performances. His journey reminds me of other late bloomers in the PBA, like LA Tenorio, who took time to find their footing but eventually became legends. Salado's willingness to embrace the "almost" moments—the near-wins, the close calls—is, in my opinion, what will fuel his growth. It's a mindset that turns setbacks into stepping stones, and I'm betting on him to make the most of it. As fans, we often focus on the highlight reels, but it's the behind-the-scenes grind, the times you almost make it, that build a lasting career. For Kent Salado, that journey is just beginning, and I, for one, can't wait to see where it leads.