Looking Back at the 2019 PBA Draft: Key Picks and Where They Are Now

I still remember sitting in that draft room back in 2019, the air thick with anticipation and the faint smell of polished basketball courts. As someone who's covered Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous draft classes come and go, but the 2019 PBA Draft class felt different - there was this electric energy that made you believe we were witnessing the emergence of future legends.

When I look back at the 2019 PBA Draft now, it's fascinating to see how those promising rookies have evolved. The top pick, Roosevelt Adams, went to Terrafirma with everyone expecting him to become the franchise cornerstone. He showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie year, averaging 12.3 points and 10.1 rebounds, but honestly, I've been disappointed with his development since then. The guy has all the physical tools but seems to struggle with consistency - something I've noticed plagues many young players who get drafted high. Then there's Isaac Go, the fourth overall pick who went to Terrafirma but was immediately traded to Magnolia. Smart move by Magnolia, if you ask me - Go has developed into exactly what they needed: a reliable big man who understands his role and executes it perfectly.

What really stands out when I analyze this draft class is how some teams completely nailed their selections while others, well, let's just say they missed the mark. Take Alaska's selection of Barkley Ebona at sixth overall - I remember scratching my head at that pick then, and three years later, I'm still not convinced it was the right move. The guy averages barely 3 points per game, and in a league where big men need to contribute more, he's become somewhat of a liability. On the flip side, NorthPort absolutely stole Jamie Malonzo at second overall. That kid plays with a fire I haven't seen in years - his athleticism is off the charts, and he's improved his outside shooting dramatically since entering the league.

The most intriguing story, however, has to be about the San Miguel Beermen's picks and how they've impacted the team's recent performance. Just look at their current situation: The Giant Lanterns fell to 15-7, putting doubts on their capability to pull off a three-peat. This slump coincides with their 2019 draftees failing to provide the necessary support to their veteran core. I've been watching this team for years, and what made them so dominant was their depth - something that's clearly lacking now. Their 2019 draft haul, particularly their late-round picks, simply haven't developed as expected, and it's showing in their recent struggles.

I had a conversation with veteran coach Tim Cone about this draft class recently, and he made an interesting point: "The 2019 draft wasn't about finding superstars," he told me. "It was about finding role players who could complement existing systems. The teams that understood that are reaping the benefits now." He's absolutely right. Look at Rain or Shine's selection of Adrian Wong in the second round - not a household name by any means, but he's become a reliable rotation player who knows his limitations and plays within the system.

Three years later, as I reflect on that December evening at Robinson's Place Manila, I can't help but feel that this draft class will be remembered not for its star power but for its depth. About 65% of the players drafted are still in the league today, which is actually higher than the historical average of around 55%. Some picks have exceeded expectations, others have been disappointments, but what makes basketball so beautiful is that these stories are still being written. The true legacy of the 2019 PBA Draft might not be fully apparent for another couple of seasons, and honestly, I can't wait to see how it all unfolds.