I still remember the first time I watched Kent Salado play—it was during the 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup, and his quick decision-making and fearless drives to the basket caught my eye immediately. Fast forward to today, and his journey to the PBA draft has become one of the most compelling narratives in Philippine basketball. Salado, a standout from the Arellano University Chiefs, didn’t just show up—he fought, adapted, and embraced every challenge along the way. His recent declaration for the PBA draft isn’t just another name on the list; it’s a statement of persistence. As he put it himself, "I’d rather 'almost have it' than not get there." That line, simple yet profound, captures the essence of his career so far—a blend of ambition and realism that resonates deeply in a league where opportunities can be scarce and competition fierce.
When you look at Salado’s stats, it’s hard not to appreciate the numbers behind the hustle. During his collegiate career, he averaged around 14.2 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game—solid figures that reflect his versatility as a combo guard. But what those stats don’t show is the resilience he displayed after a major ACL injury in 2021, which sidelined him for nearly eight months. Many wondered if he’d ever return to form, but Salado used that time to refine his outside shot and study game film obsessively. I’ve followed his recovery closely, and honestly, his comeback has been nothing short of impressive. He didn’t just heal; he evolved. In my view, that kind of adaptability is exactly what PBA teams need—especially those looking for guards who can contribute immediately without needing their hands held.
Salado’s draft journey also highlights a broader trend in Philippine basketball—the rise of undersized guards who compensate with heart and IQ. At 5’9”, he isn’t the tallest player on the court, but his court vision and ability to read defenses make him a constant threat. I’ve spoken with a few scouts who’ve noted that his playmaking reminds them of a young Paul Lee, though Salado brings a different kind of energy—more scrappy, more unpredictable. Still, the road ahead won’t be easy. The 2023 PBA draft is stacked with talent, including at least 12 other guards vying for limited roster spots. Teams like Blackwater and Terrafirma, which hold early picks, might prioritize size, but I believe Salado’s intangibles—his leadership and clutch performance in tight games—could sway their decision-makers.
What strikes me most about Salado’s mindset is how it mirrors the realities of professional sports. His quote about almost having it speaks to a philosophy I’ve seen in many successful athletes: the willingness to embrace near-misses as part of the process. In the PBA, where only around 40% of drafted players secure long-term contracts, that attitude isn’t just motivational—it’s survival. Salado isn’t dreaming of stardom overnight; he’s focused on incremental growth. I remember chatting with a former PBA coach who told me that players with this mindset often outlast those with raw talent alone. They’re the ones who stick around, because they treat every practice, every game, as a step forward—even when they fall short.
Looking ahead, Salado’s future in the PBA will likely depend on fit and opportunity. If he lands with a team that values pace and ball movement—say, Ginebra or TNT—I can see him thriving as a backup guard who injects energy off the bench. His experience in the MPBL and PBA D-League, where he played over 80 games combined, has given him a taste of physical, high-stakes basketball. Still, he’ll need to improve his three-point consistency; his current shooting percentage hovers around 32%, which isn’t terrible but isn’t elite either. Personally, I’d love to see him develop a more reliable pull-up jumper—it would open up his driving lanes and make him even deadlier in pick-and-roll situations.
In the end, Kent Salado’s draft story is about more than just making it to the PBA—it’s about what happens when talent meets tenacity. His journey reminds us that success isn’t always linear; sometimes, it’s built on almosts and what-ifs. As fans and analysts, we often get caught up in draft rankings and combine results, but it’s the intangibles—the heart, the mindset—that often determine who thrives. Salado may not be the top pick, but his approach to the game could make him one of the most valuable. After all, in a league where every possession counts, having a player who’d rather almost have it than not try at all? That’s a gamble worth taking.
