2025-11-12 15:01
Looking back at the 2010 PBA Draft feels like flipping through an old basketball yearbook where some faces have become legends while others faded into footnotes. I remember watching that draft class with high expectations—the air was thick with promise, and every analyst had strong opinions about who would shape the next decade of Philippine basketball. Fast forward to today, and it’s fascinating to see how careers unfolded, especially when you consider moments like LA Tenorio’s iconic three-pointer in the 2016 all-Filipino semifinals. That shot, which sealed an 88-87 Ginebra win with just 3.1 seconds left, wasn’t just a highlight; it symbolized the resilience and clutch performances that define the league’s most memorable players. As someone who’s followed the PBA for years, I’ve always believed that drafts aren’t just about talent but about fit, timing, and a bit of luck. Let’s dive into where these players are now, blending stats, nostalgia, and my own take on their journeys.
The 2010 draft was headlined by names like Nonoy Baclao and Rabeh Al-Hussaini, who went first and second overall, respectively. At the time, I thought Baclao’s defensive prowess would make him a staple in the league, but his career never quite hit the heights many predicted. He bounced around teams, from Air21 to Alaska, and while he had moments of brilliance, inconsistency plagued him. Last I heard, he’s playing in regional leagues, which isn’t a bad gig, but it’s a far cry from the superstar trajectory we imagined. Al-Hussaini, on the other hand, showed flashes of offensive genius—remember his UAAP days?—but injuries and limited mobility held him back. He last suited up for Blackwater in 2019, and though he’s kept a low profile since, I’ve always felt he could’ve thrived in today’s pace-and-space era if he’d adapted his game earlier. Then there’s John Wilson, picked fourth by Ginebra; he had a solid run as a reliable scorer off the bench, but his career tapered off after stints with Mahindra and NLEX. It’s a reminder that not every draft steal pans out, and in my view, the pressure of playing for a crowd-favorite team like Ginebra can make or break a player.
But let’s talk about the real gems of this draft—the ones who defied expectations. LA Tenorio, though not a rookie in 2010 (he was drafted in 2006 but gained prominence later), is a perfect example of a player whose impact grew over time. His game-winning three in that semifinal clash, which forced a Game 7 at the Big Dome and gave the winning team just four days to prep for the finals, underscored his veteran savvy. Tenorio’s still going strong with Ginebra, and I’d argue he’s one of the most underrated point guards in PBA history; his leadership and clutch genes are off the charts. Another standout is Rey Guevarra, the third overall pick, who carved out a decent career as a high-flying role player. He won a few titles with Purefoods and later found success in the MPBL, proving that sometimes, reinventing yourself outside the PBA can extend your shelf life. Then there’s Elmer Espiritu, who went fifth but never quite found his footing—a classic case of potential unmet, in my opinion. I recall watching him in the amateurs and thinking he’d be a defensive anchor, but injuries and limited minutes derailed that. He’s reportedly coaching youth teams now, which is a noble pivot, but it’s hard not to wonder what could’ve been.
Shifting to the later rounds, the 2010 draft had its share of surprises. Josh Urbiztondo, though undrafted initially, made noise as a sharpshooter for various teams, and his journey highlights how perseverance can pay off in this league. He last played in 2016, but I’ve always admired his work ethic; guys like him are the backbone of the PBA, even if they don’t get the headlines. Meanwhile, Allein Maliksi, who entered the draft in 2011 but is often grouped with this class in discussions, has evolved into a reliable wing—currently with Meralco, he’s proof that development isn’t linear. Looking at the broader picture, this draft class produced around 15 players who saw significant PBA action, but only a handful are still active today. Based on my research, roughly 60% of them have transitioned to coaching, broadcasting, or business, which isn’t surprising given the physical demands of the sport. What stands out to me, though, is how this group influenced the league’s evolution toward more versatile, guard-oriented play. The 2010s were marked by faster tempos, and players from this draft, whether as starters or role players, helped push that shift.
As I reflect on all this, it’s clear that the 2010 PBA Draft was a mixed bag—some hits, some misses, and plenty of lessons. Tenorio’s legacy, tied to moments like that epic semifinal win, reminds us that draft position isn’t everything; heart and adaptability matter just as much. In my eyes, this class might not be the most glamorous, but it contributed to the fabric of Philippine basketball in ways that stats alone can’t capture. For fans and aspiring players, the takeaway is simple: success isn’t always about where you start, but how you navigate the twists and turns. As the PBA continues to evolve, I’ll keep looking back at drafts like this one with a mix of critique and appreciation, because every pick tells a story worth remembering.
