PLG Top Prospect Wu Chih-Kai Falls Out of Top 3 Picks, Coach Hsu Chin-Che Worries About Drafting "Air"

(CNA reporter Chen Jung-chen, Taipei, June 30) Wu Chih-kai, a forward from National Chengchi University and considered a top prospect for the Taiwan professional basketball league P. LEAGUE+ (PLG) draft, was only selected with the 4th overall pick by the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots today. Taipei Fubon Braves head coach Hsu Chin-che frankly stated he worried about drafting "air."

The PLG league held its 2026 draft today. Wu Chih-kai, a forward from the University Basketball Association (UBA) championship team National Chengchi University, who was originally considered a top prospect for the No. 1 pick, unexpectedly fell out of the top 3 in the first round. He was only selected by the defending champions Pilots with the 4th overall pick. Meanwhile, Chengchi University's foreign student Boboka was not drafted.

Wu Chih-kai told reporters that he has an open mind and that being selected by any team is an affirmation. He will not be affected by the draft position and believes the Pilots have a complete roster and a good team environment. If he joins, he will do his best to help the team and "bring out his own weapons."

The Braves, holding the third pick, skipped Wu Chih-kai and Boboka, selecting Mosson, a foreign student from UBA Fu Jen Catholic University. Head coach Hsu Chin-che explained that Wu Chih-kai and Boboka indeed have good skills, but they are currently more inclined to re-sign existing players. Furthermore, two years ago they drafted Chiang Chun, and the result was a failure in terms of value, essentially drafting "air." "Wu Chih-kai also registered for the TPBL draft, but we don't want to get into a bidding war with others."

Hsu Chin-che added that if they had chosen Wu Chih-kai in the first round, they might not have been able to select Mosson in the second round as desired. "I would still worry about drafting air. If Wu Chih-kai were still available in the second round, I would pick him. I'd rather draft air in the second round than draft air in the first round."

Regarding the selection of foreign student Mosson, Hsu Chin-che mentioned that the team has plans to establish a 3x3 basketball team. Mosson possesses both height and outside shooting ability, making him a good candidate. Additionally, he holds Iranian nationality, which could allow him to play as an Asian foreign player in the East Asia Super League. "He can play in three capacities, and even help him improve. This was my initial idea." (Edited by Li Heng-shan) 1150630

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