PBA 2017 Draft: Top Picks and Where They Are Now

I still remember the excitement buzzing through the Smart Araneta Coliseum on that pivotal Sunday evening of December 17, 2017. The air was thick with anticipation as PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial stepped onto the stage, holding the future of franchises in his hands. The 2017 PBA Draft wasn't just another selection process—it turned out to be one of those rare drafts that would reshape the league's landscape for years to come. Looking back now, what fascinates me most isn't just where these players started, but the incredible journeys they've taken since that draft night.

Christian Standhardinger going first overall to San Miguel felt almost inevitable at the time. The Fil-German big man came with tremendous hype after his stints in Europe and the ASEAN Basketball League, and honestly, I thought he'd need at least two seasons to adjust to the PBA's physicality. How wrong I was. His transition was remarkably smooth—by his second conference, he was already putting up all-star numbers. What many casual fans might not realize is that his journey to becoming a cornerstone for Ginebra involved multiple trades and adjustments to different systems. I've always admired how he reinvented his game when needed, developing that reliable mid-range jumper that makes him so dangerous in the pick-and-pop. His championship experience with the Gin Kings has polished him into one of the most complete big men in the league today, and frankly, I'd argue he's exceeded even the loftiest expectations from that draft night.

The real steal of the draft, in my professional opinion, came at number three when Jason Perkins landed with Phoenix. While everyone was buzzing about Standhardinger and Kiefer Ravena, Perkins quietly developed into the most consistent player from his draft class. I've followed his career closely, and what impresses me most is his basketball IQ—he always seems to make the right play, whether it's spacing the floor, making the extra pass, or taking that crucial charge. His transformation from a solid role player to a legitimate star has been incredible to witness. The numbers speak for themselves—from averaging around 10 points in his rookie year to consistently putting up 15-16 points per game while shooting over 35% from three-point territory in recent seasons. These aren't just good stats—they're all-star caliber numbers that reflect his growing importance to the Fuel Masters.

Speaking of Ravena, his journey has been nothing short of fascinating. Selected second overall by NLEX, he immediately lived up to the hype, winning Rookie of the Year honors. But what really stands out in my memory is how his game evolved when he returned from his Japan B.League stint. The experience overseas clearly elevated his leadership and decision-making—he came back with a more mature, controlled approach to the game. His partnership with coach Yeng Guiao created some of the most exciting basketball we've seen in recent years. I've always been partial to players who excel in both scoring and playmaking, and Ravena's ability to balance both makes him such a special talent. His current averages of approximately 14 points and 6 assists don't fully capture his impact—he's the engine that makes NLEX's offense hum.

What strikes me about this draft class is how health and longevity have played crucial roles in their development. I'm reminded of a quote from coach Jeff Napa that really resonates here: "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 philosophy applies perfectly to evaluating draft success—it's not just about immediate impact but sustainable careers. Players like Robbie Herndon (picked 7th) and Sidney Onwubere (11th selection) have carved out valuable roles precisely because they've managed to stay relatively healthy while continuously improving their games. Herndon's defensive versatility and Onwubere's energy plays might not make headline news, but coaches know their true value.

The second round produced its usual mix of hits and misses, but Jorey Napoles stands out as perhaps the biggest second-round steal. Selected 18th overall by Rain or Shine, it took him a couple of seasons to find his footing, but his development has been remarkable. I've watched him transform from a raw athletic prospect into a reliable rotation player who can defend multiple positions and knock down open threes. His journey reminds us that draft position doesn't determine destiny—development and opportunity matter just as much. Meanwhile, players like Michael Calisaan (16th pick) have shown that persistence pays off, gradually earning more minutes through their defensive effort and understanding of team systems.

Six years later, the 2017 draft class has given us multiple all-stars, key rotation players, and even some franchise cornerstones. What's particularly interesting to me is how their career trajectories have diverged—some peaked early while others developed more gradually. The class has combined for approximately 15 All-Star appearances, multiple championship rings, and has fundamentally shifted the balance of power in the league. When I look at today's PBA landscape, it's impossible to ignore the fingerprints of that 2017 draft night everywhere—from championship teams to rebuilding projects.

Reflecting on this draft class, I'm struck by how their collective journey mirrors the wisdom in coach Napa's approach—success isn't just about that initial splash but about staying healthy, continuously developing, and contributing through the long season of a professional career. The top picks have largely lived up to their billing, but the real story lies in the unexpected developments—the late bloomers, the system fits, the players who transformed their games to meet team needs. As we look toward future drafts, the class of 2017 serves as a powerful reminder that a player's draft night is just the beginning of their story, not the definition of it. Their ongoing evolution continues to shape our beloved league in ways we couldn't have imagined back in 2017, and honestly, I can't wait to see what they accomplish next.