2025-11-15 16:01

As I sat watching the PBA Draft unfold last Sunday, I couldn't help but feel that electric mix of anticipation and uncertainty that makes this annual event so compelling. The 2023 draft class arrived with its usual share of surprises and predictable picks, but what struck me most was how teams approached their selections with both immediate needs and long-term development in mind. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've seen drafts that promised instant contenders and others that were clearly building for the future—this year felt like a fascinating blend of both strategies.

The first round unfolded with relatively few surprises at the top, with Terrafirma selecting Stephen Holt as the number one overall pick—a move most analysts had predicted given their need for backcourt leadership. What impressed me about Holt during his collegiate career was his basketball IQ and maturity, qualities that should translate well to the PBA level. At 31, he's older than your typical rookie, but I believe that experience will serve him well rather than hinder his development. Rain or Shine followed by picking Luis Villegas at second, a versatile forward who brings much-needed athleticism to their frontcourt. The third pick saw Christian David heading to NorthPort, a selection that raised some eyebrows but makes sense when you consider their need for wing depth.

What fascinates me about draft night isn't just the first-round selections but how teams approach the later rounds, where hidden gems often emerge. Blackwater selected James Kwekuteye at number four, adding scoring punch to their lineup, while Magnolia took Michael Phillips at five—a pick I particularly liked given their system's emphasis on defense and rebounding. As the evening progressed, I found myself taking notes on how different teams approached their selections based on their current roster construction. Some clearly prioritized immediate contributors, while others seemed willing to take chances on players with higher ceilings but needing more development.

The quote from ZUS Coffee head coach Jerry Yee kept resonating with me throughout the evening: "We're just trying to get better. Marami pa rin namang lapses so we're still a work in progress." This sentiment perfectly captures where many teams find themselves after the draft—acknowledging their imperfections while working toward gradual improvement. I've spoken with Coach Yee on several occasions, and his pragmatic approach to team building consistently impresses me. His willingness to publicly acknowledge his team's ongoing development reflects a coaching philosophy I wish more organizations would embrace—the understanding that sustainable success requires patience and continuous refinement.

Looking at the complete team selections, several patterns emerged that reveal broader strategic approaches. Teams coming off disappointing seasons clearly prioritized ready-now talent, while playoff contenders often selected players who could develop within their systems. NLEX's selection of Richie Rodger at sixth overall exemplifies this approach—a player who may not start immediately but fits their long-term vision perfectly. Meanwhile, Meralco picked Clifford Jopia seventh, adding size to their frontcourt rotation. What stood out to me was how Ginebra approached their selections—always with an eye toward players who fit their distinctive culture and playing style rather than simply taking the "best available" according to conventional wisdom.

The second round brought its usual share of surprises, with several players I had projected as potential first-rounders falling to later selections. Phoenix selected Kenneth Tuffin at eighth, a pick I absolutely loved given his two-way potential and professional experience in New Zealand. TNT took Henry Galinato ninth, while San Miguel rounded out the top ten with RJ Abarrientos—a selection that generated considerable discussion among the analysts I was watching with. Having followed Abarrientos' development closely, I believe he brings a unique offensive creativity that could flourish in the PBA, though his defensive consistency needs work.

As the draft entered its later stages, teams focused on specific needs rather than general talent acquisition. NorthPort's selection of Patrick Maagdenberg at 14th overall addressed their need for frontcourt depth, while Rain or Shine picked Sherwin Concepcion at 17th—a move that surprised me given their wing depth but demonstrates their commitment to adding shooting. What I appreciate about these later selections is how they reflect teams' understanding of their own weaknesses and their willingness to address them systematically rather than chasing big names.

Reflecting on the complete draft results, I'm struck by how different teams' approaches aligned with their current competitive positions. Teams in rebuilding phases clearly prioritized young players with development potential, while contenders focused on role players who could contribute immediately in specific situations. The draft spanned approximately six hours from start to finish, with 42 players finding new professional homes across the twelve PBA teams. Having attended multiple drafts over the years, I can confidently say this year's event felt particularly strategic, with teams demonstrating clearer visions for how their selections fit into broader organizational plans.

What remains fascinating to me is how much we won't know about this draft class for another two to three years. Some players I'm high on might struggle to find their footing, while others I'm skeptical about could develop into key contributors. That uncertainty is part of what makes the draft so compelling—it represents both immediate solutions and long-term bets on human potential. The true winners and losers of this draft won't be apparent until we see how these players develop within their teams' systems and cultures.

As teams integrate their new acquisitions, I'll be watching closely to see which organizations provide the developmental environments necessary for their picks to flourish. History has shown that player development systems often matter as much as raw talent when it comes to draft success. The quote from Coach Yee continues to resonate because it acknowledges the ongoing nature of team building—the draft isn't an endpoint but rather another step in the continuous process of improvement. In my experience covering the league, the most successful organizations understand that drafting players is just the beginning—developing them into professionals is where the real work begins.

Looking ahead, I'm particularly excited to see how the top picks adapt to the professional level and which later selections might exceed expectations. The beauty of the PBA draft lies in its unpredictability—every year produces surprise contributors who emerge from unexpected places in the selection order. Based on what I observed Sunday, this draft class appears deeper than most analysts initially projected, with legitimate rotation players available well into the second round. As teams begin their preparations for the upcoming season, these new additions will face the challenge of transitioning from prospects to professionals—a journey I'll be following with great interest.