I still remember sitting in front of the television that Sunday afternoon in October 2017, watching the PBA draft unfold with that peculiar mix of anticipation and skepticism that only true basketball fans would understand. The air was thick with speculation - everyone had their theories about which teams would make the smart moves and which would inevitably falter. Looking back now, what strikes me most about that draft class isn't just the talent that emerged, but how perfectly it demonstrated that in professional basketball, spotting potential is one thing, but nurturing it into greatness is where the real magic happens. And honestly, some teams absolutely nailed it while others, well, let's just say they missed opportunities that still haunt them today.
Christian Standhardinger going first overall to San Miguel didn't surprise anyone who'd been following his career trajectory. The German-Filipino big man had been turning heads since his UAAP days, and his selection felt almost inevitable. What many didn't anticipate was how quickly he'd adapt to the PBA's physical style of play. I recall watching his debut season where he averaged 22.3 points and 9.8 rebounds in his first conference - numbers that immediately justified the top pick. His game had this beautiful roughness to it, this European flair blended with Filipino heart that made him a nightmare matchup for traditional big men. Over the years, he's evolved into exactly what San Miguel needed - a reliable interior presence who can score in multiple ways and isn't afraid to mix it up defensively. His journey exemplifies how the right player in the right system can flourish beyond expectations.
Then there was Kiefer Ravena's selection by NLEX at number two - a moment that felt both dramatic and predetermined. The "Phenom" had been Philippine basketball's golden boy for years, and his transition to the pros carried the weight of enormous expectations. What impressed me most about Ravena wasn't just his obvious skill, but his basketball IQ that seemed several steps ahead of everyone else on the court. I've had the privilege of watching numerous PBA players throughout my career, and Ravena's court vision remains among the most exceptional I've witnessed. His rookie season averages of 16.1 points and 6.4 assists don't fully capture how he controlled games, how he dictated tempo like a seasoned conductor. The way he reads defenses reminds me of vintage Jason Williams but with more discipline - it's truly special to watch.
The draft's third pick brought us Raymar Jose to Alaska, a selection that many considered safe but unspectacular. Yet watching his development over the seasons has been one of my personal favorite narratives from this draft class. Jose didn't have the flashy offensive game of his draftmates, but his relentless energy and rebounding prowess made him invaluable. I remember specifically a game against Ginebra where he grabbed 18 rebounds despite being undersized for his position - that kind of heart can't be taught. His career path demonstrates that not every success story needs to be written in scoring numbers; sometimes, it's about mastering the less glamorous aspects of the game.
What fascinates me about evaluating drafts years later is seeing how players develop beyond their initial projections. Take Sidney Onwubere, selected 12th by Phoenix - he's carved out a respectable career as a reliable rotation player despite being drafted outside the lottery. Or Robbie Herndon, who went 13th to Star but has since become a valuable two-way player for multiple franchises. These later picks often tell the real story of a draft's depth, and 2017 had several gems found in the rough. From my perspective, the most underrated selection might have been Jio Jalalon at number 9 by Star - his defensive intensity and playmaking have made him a cornerstone for his team in ways few anticipated on draft night.
The 2017 draft class now has several seasons under its belt, and the career trajectories have become clearer. We've seen players like Standhardinger and Ravena become All-Stars, while others have settled into important role player positions. What stands out to me is how this particular draft produced not just talent, but players who understood how to fit into team systems. In today's PBA, where team chemistry often trumps individual brilliance, this draft class has provided numerous building blocks for franchise success. The numbers tell part of the story - combined, these players have appeared in 15 All-Star games and won 8 championships across various teams - but the real impact goes beyond statistics.
Reflecting on that October afternoon six years later, I'm struck by how the 2017 draft shaped the league's landscape in ways we're still witnessing today. The top picks have largely lived up to their billing, but the real value emerged from how teams developed their selections. Some franchises demonstrated exceptional patience and coaching, transforming raw talent into polished professionals. Others perhaps expected too much too soon from their rookies. What remains undeniable is that the 2017 class left an indelible mark on the PBA, providing both immediate impact players and long-term foundation pieces. In professional sports, they say you need three years to properly evaluate a draft class - well, we've had double that time, and the verdict is in: this was one of the more impactful groups in recent memory, a blend of star power and depth that continues to influence the league today.