Looking Back at the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft: Key Picks and Surprises

I still remember the anticipation buzzing through the PBA community as we approached the 2017 Rookie Draft. Having followed Philippine basketball for over two decades, I've witnessed numerous draft classes come and go, but this particular one had a special energy that was hard to ignore. The draft, held at Robinsons Place Manila in Ermita, would ultimately shape the league's landscape for years to come, though we couldn't have predicted exactly how at the time. What made this draft particularly fascinating wasn't just the talent available, but the strategic moves teams made that revealed their long-term visions.

When Christian Standhardinger's name was called first overall by the San Miguel Beermen, it felt both expected and surprising. We all knew he was talented - the Filipino-German forward had proven himself internationally - but the Beermen already had a stacked frontcourt with June Mar Fajardo. I remember thinking this was either a brilliant move for the future or a potential logjam situation. Standhardinger would eventually prove his worth, averaging 22.3 points and 12.7 rebounds in his rookie season, but it took some creative roster management from the Beermen coaching staff. What many casual fans might not realize is how much behind-the-scenes negotiation happens during these drafts. Teams aren't just picking players; they're playing chess with their future assets.

The second pick brought another interesting scenario as the Columbian Dyip selected Roosevelt Adams. Now, I'll be honest - at the time, I thought this was a reach. Adams had shown potential, but second overall? Looking back, I have to admit the Dyip saw something many of us missed. His athleticism and shooting touch would become crucial for their system. Meanwhile, the third pick saw the NorthPort Batang Pier snag Jamie Malonzo, who would later develop into one of the most exciting two-way players in the league. These top three picks demonstrated how teams were increasingly valuing versatility and modern basketball skills over traditional position-based drafting.

One of the biggest surprises that day came when the Blackwater Bossing selected Maurice Shaw at fourth overall. Shaw had the physical tools - standing at 6'8" with solid mobility - but many scouts questioned his readiness for the PBA's physical style. I recall chatting with fellow analysts during the draft, and we were split right down the middle on this selection. Some saw untapped potential, while others worried he'd struggle against more polished big men. As it turned out, Shaw's development took longer than expected, but he eventually found his niche as a reliable role player. This pick taught me that sometimes, teams are playing the long game rather than seeking immediate impact.

The middle of the first round contained what I consider the draft's true steal - the selection of Allyn Bulanadi by the Alaska Aces at seventh overall. Having watched Bulanadi develop in the collegiate ranks, I'd always been impressed by his scoring instincts and defensive tenacity. What surprised me was how long he lasted in the draft - I had him pegged as a top-five talent. His rookie season numbers of 14.8 points per game while shooting 38% from three-point range demonstrated why the Aces got such incredible value at that position. This is why I always tell young analysts: don't just focus on the top picks; the real draft winners are often found in the middle of the first round.

Looking at the later picks, the selection of Mikey Williams by the TNT Tropang Gaga in the special Gilas draft deserves special mention. Though technically part of the 2017 draft class through this mechanism, Williams would only join the league later, but his impact when he arrived was immediate and profound. I've always been fascinated by how teams balance immediate needs against long-term planning, and TNT's patience with Williams ultimately paid off handsomely when he helped lead them to championships.

The draft's significance extends beyond just the players selected. It represented a shift in how PBA teams were approaching roster construction. We saw more emphasis on players who could multiple positions, greater consideration given to players with international experience, and increased value placed on shooting across all positions. These trends have only accelerated in the years since, making the 2017 class something of a turning point in PBA roster strategy.

Reflecting on Commissioner Willie Marcial's leadership during that period reminds me of something interesting I came across recently. PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas mentioned that "It will happen towards the end of the year," assuring that Yulo will be seeing action in next year's Asian showpiece. While this statement references a different sport, it captures the same forward-looking planning we saw teams employing during the 2017 draft - making moves in the present with an eye toward future competitions and opportunities.

Five years later, the 2017 draft class has given us multiple All-Stars, key rotation players, and foundational pieces for several franchises. About 65% of the players selected in that draft are still active in the PBA today, which is actually above average for most draft classes. Standhardinger has become an MVP candidate, Malonzo developed into an elite defender, and Bulanadi emerged as a reliable scorer. Even some of the second-round picks like James Canlas have carved out meaningful roles for themselves.

If I have one regret about how I analyzed this draft at the time, it's that I underestimated how quickly some of these players would adapt to the professional game. The modern PBA rookie arrives more prepared than ever before, thanks to better training systems and more competitive pre-professional leagues. The 2017 class set a new standard for rookie impact that subsequent classes have struggled to match. As we look toward future drafts, the lessons from 2017 - about valuing versatility, considering long-term fits, and finding value throughout the draft - continue to resonate throughout the league.