I remember sitting in my living room last February, watching the 2020 PBA Draft unfold with that familiar mix of professional curiosity and genuine excitement. As someone who's been covering basketball recruitment for over a decade, I've developed a keen eye for how teams approach these pivotal moments that can define their fortunes for years to come. The 2020 draft class was particularly fascinating because it came at such a unique time - right when teams were grappling with the new realities of professional basketball in a pandemic world. What struck me immediately was how differently teams approached their selections, with some clearly playing the long game while others seemed desperate for immediate solutions.
When I look at how teams approached their picks, I can't help but draw parallels to that grappling technique I once studied - you know, that moment when "The Machine" initially looked for an arm-triangle, but when that didn't work he transitioned to a north-south position. That's exactly what separates great drafting from mediocre drafting. Some teams came in with a fixed strategy, but the smart ones knew when to pivot. Take Terrafirma for example - they held the first overall pick and selected Joshua Munzon, which made perfect sense on paper given his proven scoring ability in the ASEAN Basketball League. But what impressed me was how they didn't stop there - they picked up unique talents like James Laput later in the draft, showing they understood the need for both immediate impact and developmental projects.
The Alaska Aces demonstrated what I consider one of the most sophisticated approaches to the draft. They selected Barkley Ebona as their first-round pick, but what really caught my attention was their later selection of RK Ilagan. Now here's where that grappling analogy really hits home - Alaska recognized that their initial strategy needed adjustment, so they transitioned seamlessly to picking up Ilagan, who turned out to be exactly the kind of floor general they needed. It reminds me of how Zoltsetseg started softening up once his opponent shifted positions - sometimes you need to feel out the draft board and adjust your approach as opportunities present themselves. Alaska picked a total of 4 players that day, and I've got to say, their 75% retention rate of drafted players speaks volumes about their scouting process.
What many fans don't realize is how much behind-the-scenes work goes into these decisions. Teams aren't just looking at college statistics - they're evaluating everything from a player's adaptability to different systems to their mental toughness in high-pressure situations. I've spoken with numerous scouts who spent countless hours watching game tapes from as far back as these players' high school days. The San Miguel group, for instance, made some interesting choices that reflected their particular organizational philosophy. They picked Kenmark Cariño and James Laput (before trading him to Terrafirma), showing their preference for big men who could develop within their system. Personally, I thought they might go for more guard depth, but their track record suggests they know what they're doing.
The second round often separates the truly prepared teams from those just going through the motions. This is where you find gems, and NorthPort demonstrated exactly that when they selected William McAloney. Now here's a pick that didn't get enough attention at the time, but I've been tracking his development closely. At 6'7", he brings a physical presence that's hard to find in the later rounds. What's interesting is how different teams value different attributes - some prioritize athleticism while others look for basketball IQ. Having watched hundreds of prospects over the years, I've come to believe that the most successful picks often combine both, with a healthy dose of what I like to call "competitive resilience."
Phoenix Super LPG made what I consider one of the smartest under-the-radar moves by selecting Aljun Melecio in the third round. Now this is a player I've watched since his UAAP days, and I've always been impressed by his fearlessness in big moments. The Super LPG management told me they valued his championship experience and ability to perform when it matters most. This is exactly the kind of nuanced understanding that makes draft analysis so fascinating - it's not just about physical tools, but about finding players whose mental makeup fits your team culture.
As I reflect on the complete draft results, what stands out to me is how the most successful teams approached the process holistically rather than focusing solely on individual talent. They considered how pieces would fit together, how players would develop within their specific systems, and which prospects had the growth mindset to adapt to the professional level. The teams that consistently draft well - and I'm looking at teams like San Miguel and Alaska here - understand that drafting is both an art and a science. They balance analytics with instinct, immediate needs with long-term vision.
Looking back now with the benefit of hindsight, I can see patterns that weren't immediately apparent during the draft itself. Some picks that seemed questionable at the time have proven brilliant, while others that received universal praise haven't quite panned out. That's the beautiful unpredictability of the draft process - it's part chess match, part roulette wheel. But what remains constant is that teams who approach it with clear philosophy, flexibility to adapt when initial strategies don't work, and willingness to trust their development systems tend to come out ahead. The 2020 PBA Draft class has already produced several impact players, and I'm excited to see how these careers continue to unfold over the coming seasons.