2025-11-12 14:01

I remember waking up that Wednesday morning in Manila, watching the game unfold with my first cup of coffee. The way Chinese Taipei was shooting from rainbow territory was simply remarkable - 12-of-27 for 44-percent. It was during that game that I started thinking about how these international matchups often serve as crucial scouting opportunities ahead of major events like the PBA Draft. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've noticed that standout performances in these international games often translate into draft prospects.

The 2018 PBA Draft was scheduled for December 16, 2018, at Robinson's Place Manila. I recall marking my calendar months in advance because the draft always brings that special excitement - it's like Christmas coming early for basketball fans. The venue choice was particularly interesting to me, as Robinson's Place Manila has become something of a tradition for these events, creating that perfect blend of accessibility and atmosphere that makes the draft so engaging for fans and players alike.

What made the 2018 draft particularly memorable for me was how the international performances we witnessed earlier in the year, like that Chinese Taipei game, actually influenced team decisions. Teams were clearly looking at how players performed under pressure in international settings. The shooting display we saw from Chinese Taipei - 44 percent from three-point range - definitely made teams think harder about prioritizing shooters in their draft strategy. I've always believed that international exposure gives players an edge, and the 2018 draft class proved this theory right.

The application process for the draft had closed on November 26, 2018, which gave teams about three weeks to evaluate prospects. From my experience covering previous drafts, this evaluation period is absolutely crucial. Teams weren't just looking at local performances - they were studying how potential draftees matched up against international competition. The combine took place on December 2-3 at the Gatorade Hoops Center, and having attended several of these combines, I can tell you they're more intense than most people realize. Players go through rigorous testing, and teams get their first real look at how these young athletes handle pressure.

San Beda's Robert Bolick was eventually picked third overall by NorthPort, which didn't surprise me at all given his collegiate performance. But what many casual fans might not realize is how much his international experience contributed to his draft stock. Similarly, CJ Perez going first to Columbian Dyip was expected, but his growth through international exposure definitely played a role. I've always been a firm believer that players with international experience tend to adapt better to the PBA's physical style, and the 2018 draft class reinforced this belief.

The draft had 79 eligible players, though only 31 got selected. Those numbers might seem discouraging, but having followed the draft process for years, I can tell you that getting drafted is only part of the journey. Many undrafted players eventually find their way to teams through other means. What impressed me most about the 2018 draft was the depth of talent - it wasn't just about the first few picks. Teams found genuine value in later rounds, which is something I always look for when evaluating draft classes.

Looking back, the 2018 draft occurred at a fascinating time in Philippine basketball. The national team's rebuilding process was underway, and the PBA was clearly looking for players who could eventually contribute at the international level. The shooting display we saw from Chinese Taipei back in that Wednesday morning game - 12 successful three-pointers out of 27 attempts - represented exactly the kind of international challenge that Philippine basketball needed to address. Teams weren't just drafting for immediate needs; they were thinking about how these players could develop over time.

The draft's timing in mid-December created this perfect storm of basketball excitement, coming right after the elimination rounds of the season but before the playoffs really heated up. From my perspective, this timing allows drafted players to join their teams during a crucial development period. They get to practice with professionals, learn systems, and prepare properly for their rookie seasons rather than being thrown directly into the fire.

What I particularly loved about the 2018 draft was how it balanced established collegiate stars with surprise picks. Having attended numerous drafts, I've learned that the most successful teams often find gems where others see risks. The combination of local scouting and international performance analysis created this fascinating dynamic where teams had to weigh domestic achievements against global potential. That Chinese Taipei game, with its 44 percent shooting from beyond the arc, kept coming up in conversations I had with team officials during draft preparations.

The legacy of the 2018 draft continues to influence how teams approach player evaluation today. The emphasis on international-ready skills, particularly outside shooting, has only grown stronger. When I look at current PBA rosters and see how many 2018 draftees have become key contributors, it reinforces my belief that this was one of the more impactful draft classes in recent memory. The lessons from that December day at Robinson's Place Manila continue to shape team building strategies, proving that good draft decisions can pay dividends for years to come.