Looking Back at the PBA 2017 Draft: Who Were the Biggest Winners and Surprises?

Looking back at the 2017 PBA Draft, I can't help but feel a mix of nostalgia and professional curiosity about how those selections shaped the league's landscape. As someone who has followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've learned that draft classes aren't just about the top picks—they're about finding those hidden gems that become franchise cornerstones. The 2017 class was particularly fascinating because it came at a time when the league was transitioning toward younger, more athletic lineups while maintaining that classic PBA physicality.

I remember watching the draft proceedings with particular interest in how teams would balance immediate needs against long-term development. The consensus top picks—Christian Standhardinger going first to San Miguel and Kiefer Ravena being snapped up by NLEX—were no-brainers in my assessment. Standhardinger brought that unique blend of international experience and raw power that perfectly complemented June Mar Fajardo, while Ravena's court vision and leadership qualities made him an instant backcourt general. What surprised me most, however, was how some teams managed to find incredible value in later rounds. Jason Perkins at number four to Phoenix proved to be an absolute steal—his versatility and basketball IQ immediately made him a rotation player, something you don't always expect from mid-lottery picks.

The real winners in my analysis were teams that understood the draft isn't just about talent acquisition but about fit and development culture. Take the NLEX Road Warriors, for instance. They didn't just get a talented player in Ravena—they got someone who could grow with their system. Coach Yeng Guiao's comments after the draft about building around young talent showed foresight that I believe many teams underestimated. Meanwhile, teams that reached for positional needs over talent, like GlobalPort's selection of Robbie Herndon at 13th overall, demonstrated how draft mistakes can set franchises back years. Herndon showed flashes but never quite developed into the consistent contributor they needed.

What fascinates me most about evaluating this draft class with several years' perspective is seeing how health and player development impacted team success. I recall NLEX head coach Jeff Napa's comments during that season really sticking with me: "Mahaba pa yung season. Very important for us is to be healthy. Masaya kami at least na nalampasan namin 'tong first game na kahit papaano, walang nangyari sa players." This emphasis on health management proved crucial for teams that drafted well—the teams that protected their young players and brought them along slowly often reaped the biggest rewards. The Star Hotshots, for example, managed Jeron Teng's minutes carefully despite drafting him 5th overall, and he developed into a reliable scoring option without the injury troubles that plagued some of his draft classmates.

The biggest surprise for me personally was the emergence of players like Sidney Onwubere, picked 18th by Rain or Shine. Nobody expected much from a second-round selection, but his defensive versatility and energy made him a rotation staple—exactly the kind of draft success story that separates good scouting departments from great ones. Meanwhile, I have to admit I was wrong about some prospects. I thought Louie Vigil going to San Miguel at pick 11 would struggle to find minutes on a stacked roster, but his development into a reliable three-and-D player showed how the right system can maximize seemingly limited prospects.

Looking at the statistical impact, the 2017 draft class collectively averaged about 42.3 points per game in their rookie season—a respectable number that speaks to the immediate contributions several players made. Standhardinger put up around 15.2 points and 8.7 rebounds in his debut season, numbers that justified his top selection. But the real value showed in years two and three, where players like Ravena and Perkins saw their production jump significantly as they adapted to the professional game. What impressed me was how several second-round picks outperformed their draft positions—exactly what teams hope for but rarely achieve.

The team that I believe nailed this draft was Phoenix Fuel Masters. Not only did they get Perkins at four, but their selection of Ron Dennison in the second round showed incredible foresight. Dennison developed into one of the league's premier perimeter defenders—the kind of role player that championship teams need but rarely find in the draft. Meanwhile, teams like Blackwater, who had multiple early picks, failed to capitalize in my assessment. Their selection of Raymar Jose at seven never quite panned out as expected, though to be fair, development opportunities were limited on a struggling franchise.

Five years later, the 2017 draft class has produced three All-Stars, two members of the All-Defensive team, and one Most Improved Player award winner. That's a solid return for any draft class, but what makes it special in my view is how these players have shaped team identities. Ravena brought a new level of backcourt creativity to NLEX, while Standhardinger's interior presence allowed San Miguel to maintain their dominance even as their core aged. The draft wasn't just about individual talent—it was about finding players who could grow with their teams and adapt to different systems.

Reflecting on it now, the 2017 PBA Draft reminds me why I love following basketball operations—it's equal parts science and art. The teams that succeeded weren't necessarily those with the highest picks, but those with the clearest vision for how to develop talent. The surprises—both pleasant and disappointing—taught valuable lessons about player evaluation that I believe still influence how teams approach the draft today. While we can analyze stats and measurables all day, ultimately, drafting remains about projecting human development—and that's what makes it endlessly fascinating to someone like me who's studied this process for years.