By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Aldave Canoy was the lone Negrense player to be selected in the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City on Sunday evening, September 7.

The Bacolod City native forward heard his name being called by the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the fourth round of the draft proceedings that lasted for 11 rounds.

The 6-foot-3 Canoy was a former member of University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers in the UAAP and has also played for the Colegio de Sta. Ana de Victorias.

“From Bacolod to the PBA! Aldave Canoy, our very own Bacolod Tubo Slasher, has been picked by the Phoenix Fuel Masters as the Round 4, Pick 37 in the PBA Draft,” the Bacolod Tubo Slashers wrote in a social media post.

“We couldn’t be prouder to see him take his game to the next level. Keep working hard, Aldave! #BacolodPride #BacolodTuboSlasher #PbaDraft2025,” he added.

Meanwhile, left undrafted are Bacolod City natives Jaycee Adjei, Miles Cañal, Jason Celis, and Alfred Sedillo and San Carlos City, Negros Occidental’s Kenneth Malazarte.

The five undrafted players, however, are now considered free agents and can try out for any of the 12 PBA squads in hopes of landing a roster spot./ASC, WDJ