Looking Back at the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft: Key Picks and Where They Are Now

I still remember the excitement buzzing through the PBA community back in 2015 when the rookie draft rolled around. That year felt particularly special—there was this electric mix of raw talent and proven college stars that had everyone debating for weeks about who would go where. Looking back at the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft now, with the benefit of hindsight, it's fascinating to see how those key picks panned out and where those players stand today. Some became franchise cornerstones, others carved out solid careers, and a few, well, let's just say the hype didn't quite match the reality.

One name that dominated conversations then, and still does today, is CJ Perez. Picked first overall by Columbian Dyip (now Terrafirma Dyip), Perez was the undeniable prize of the draft class. I recall watching his college highlights and thinking, "This guy is different." His explosive scoring and relentless energy made him an instant fan favorite. But what many forget is that his transition to the pros wasn't entirely smooth. I vividly remember an interview he gave shortly after being drafted where he expressed his eagerness to contribute, saying, "I hope bago mag-first game namin, makahabol ako. Ngayon talaga, nagre-rehab pa at strengthening." That quote stuck with me. Even as the number one pick, he was openly discussing his rehab and strengthening work—it showed a humility and work ethic that, frankly, you don't always see in top prospects. He knew he wasn't a finished product. Fast forward to today, and Perez has more than lived up to that top billing. He's a multi-time scoring champion, a vital part of the San Miguel Beermen's powerhouse lineup, and a key player for the national team. His journey from a rookie in rehab to a PBA superstar is one of the best success stories from that 2015 draft class.

The second overall pick that year was Troy Rosario, snapped up by Talk 'N Text (now TNT Tropang Giga). Rosario was this lanky, athletic forward from National University who seemed to have all the tools. I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first. Could his game translate against the bigger, stronger veterans in the PBA? Well, he proved doubters like me wrong pretty quickly. He didn't have the same flashy scoring numbers as Perez initially, but he developed into a quintessential modern big man—stretching the floor with his outside shooting and providing versatile defense. He's been a crucial piece for TNT's championship runs, forming a formidable frontcourt partnership with guys like Kelly Williams and later, Poy Erram. While he might not always be the headline grabber, his consistency and adaptability have made him an invaluable asset. He's played in over 250 games for TNT, averaging around 12 points and 6 rebounds for his career—those are solid, winning-player numbers.

Then there was the third pick, Moala Tautuaa, selected by Talk 'N Text. A physical specimen, Tautuaa was seen as the heir apparent to the aging slotmen in the league. His combination of size and athleticism was rare. His career path, however, has been a bit more of a rollercoaster compared to Perez and Rosario. He showed flashes of dominance but also struggled with consistency and finding his exact role. He's bounced around a few teams, from TNT to NorthPort and now to San Miguel, where he's had to adapt his game to fit alongside June Mar Fajardo. He's carved out a nice niche as a high-energy big who can defend multiple positions and finish around the rim. He's never quite become the superstar some projected, but with 4 championships to his name, you can't call his career anything other than a success. He's a testament to the fact that not every top pick needs to be "the man" to have a profound impact.

Looking beyond the top three, the 2015 draft was surprisingly deep. You had guys like Scottie Thompson going fourth to Ginebra—a pick that, I'll be honest, I didn't fully appreciate at the time. He was a relative unknown from Perpetual Help, but boy, did he prove everyone wrong. He redefined the point guard position with his triple-double prowess and boundless energy, becoming the league's MVP in 2022. Chris Newsome at fifth to Meralco was another brilliant pick. He brought a polished, two-way game and a clutch gene that has made him the heart and soul of the Bolts. These players weren't just filler; they became franchise pillars. The success rate of the first round was remarkably high, with about 7 of the 12 first-round picks becoming long-term PBA starters. That's a hit rate that any league would envy.

So, where are they now in 2024? Perez is a champion with San Miguel and a national team stalwart. Rosario remains a core piece for a perennial contender in TNT. Tautuaa is a valuable role player on a loaded San Miguel squad. Thompson is an MVP and the engine of the Ginebra machine. Newsome is still chasing that elusive PBA title but remains one of the league's premier guards. It's incredible to see how their careers have diverged and evolved. When I reflect on that 2015 PBA Rookie Draft, it wasn't just about the individual talent; it was a draft that infused the league with a new wave of athleticism, skill, and charisma. These players didn't just enter the league; they helped shape its modern era. It's one of those draft classes we'll look back on in a decade and still be talking about as a true game-changer for Philippine basketball.