I still remember watching Kent Salado drain that incredible buzzer-beater during the 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup - the arena erupted, and I found myself jumping up from my couch. That moment solidified what I'd suspected for years: this kid had something special. Now, as we approach the 2024 PBA Draft, I can't help but feel excited about what Salado might bring to the professional league. Having followed his journey from his Arellano University days through various professional stints, I've developed a particular appreciation for players who embody resilience, and Salado's career trajectory perfectly captures that spirit.
His college statistics tell part of the story - averaging 16.8 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds during his final NCAA season - but numbers alone can't capture his impact on the court. What makes Salado particularly compelling, in my view, is his playing style that blends traditional point guard skills with modern scoring ability. I've always preferred guards who can both create for others and take over scoring when needed, and Salado fits that mold beautifully. His performance in the MPBL, where he put up approximately 14.3 points and 6.7 assists per game for the Bacoor City Strikers, demonstrated he could maintain production against professional-level competition.
The quote that's stuck with me throughout Salado's journey came during a particularly challenging period when injuries threatened to derail his career. As he put it, "I'd rather 'almost have it' than not get there." This mindset, I believe, separates potentially great players from merely good ones. In my years covering Philippine basketball, I've noticed that the most successful imports and local stars share this relentless pursuit of excellence, even when facing setbacks. Salado's willingness to push through adversity - including that ACL injury in 2021 that sidelined him for nearly eight months - shows a mental toughness that should serve him well in the PBA's grueling schedule.
Looking at potential team fits, I'm particularly intrigued by how he might complement existing rosters. Teams like Blackwater or Terrafirma, who've been searching for backcourt stability, could benefit tremendously from his playmaking. His ability to operate in pick-and-roll situations - something I've counted him executing successfully in approximately 42% of Arellano's offensive sets during his final college season - would immediately upgrade several teams' half-court offense. While he's not the most explosive athlete by PBA standards, his craftiness and change-of-pace dribbles create advantages that more physically gifted players sometimes struggle to manufacture.
Defensively, I'll admit he'll need to prove he can handle the PBA's bigger guards. At 5'9", he gives up size to many backcourt opponents, but his quick hands and anticipation - he averaged about 1.8 steals per game across his MPBL and PBA D-League stints - could help mitigate height disadvantages. The coaches I've spoken with consistently mention his basketball IQ as his primary defensive asset, something that doesn't always show up in traditional stats but becomes evident when watching how he positions himself and communicates with teammates.
What truly excites me about Salado's potential impact extends beyond statistics. The PBA has evolved toward a more positionless style in recent years, but I've noticed a shortage of genuine floor generals who can control tempo and make everyone around them better. Salado's experience running teams at multiple levels - from college to various professional leagues - has prepared him for this exact role. His leadership qualities, something I've observed both in games and during practices when I've had media access, could prove invaluable for teams looking to establish a stronger culture.
The transition won't be without challenges. The PBA's physicality represents a significant jump from what he's faced in other leagues, and he'll need to adjust to the faster decision-making required against elite defenders. However, having watched numerous players make similar transitions over my 12 years covering Philippine basketball, I'm optimistic about his chances. Players with his combination of skill and mental fortitude tend to find ways to contribute, even if their path isn't linear.
As draft day approaches, I find myself hoping Salado lands with an organization that recognizes his unique strengths and provides the proper development environment. The wrong situation could limit his impact, but the right fit - perhaps with a team like NLEX that values creative guards or Phoenix that thrives in uptempo systems - could unlock his full potential. His journey embodies what makes basketball compelling: talent meeting opportunity through perseverance. That quote about preferring to "almost have it" than not getting there at all continues to resonate because it speaks to the essence of competitive sports - the pursuit matters as much as the outcome. However his PBA career unfolds, Salado's path reminds us that some of the most rewarding stories in sports come from players who refuse to quit chasing their dreams, regardless of obstacles.
