Looking back at the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft feels like flipping through an old yearbook—some names jump out with vivid clarity, while others have faded into the footnotes of league history. I remember sitting in the draft venue that year, surrounded by scouts and team officials buzzing with predictions. The energy was palpable, and the expectations for this batch were sky-high. Now, six years later, it’s fascinating—and honestly, a bit sobering—to see how these players have carved out their paths, or in some cases, drifted away from the spotlight.
Let’s start with the headliners. Christian Standhardinger, the first overall pick by San Miguel, was the talk of the town. A versatile big man with a relentless motor, he’s lived up to the hype, averaging around 16 points and 9 rebounds in his rookie season alone. I’ve always admired his work ethic; he’s one of those players who just doesn’t take possessions off. Fast forward to today, and he’s still a cornerstone for his team, though I’ll admit I expected even more All-Star appearances by now. Then there’s Kiefer Ravena, picked second by NLEX. His court vision and flair made him an instant fan favorite, but his move to Japan’s B.League in 2021 was a curveball. It’s a shame we don’t get to see him dominate locally as much, but you can’t blame a guy for chasing bigger opportunities.
On the flip side, some mid-round picks have quietly built solid careers. Take Jeron Teng, selected fifth by Alaska. He’s become a reliable scorer and defender, though I’ve always felt he’s underutilized—imagine if he’d landed on a team that ran more plays through him. Meanwhile, Jason Perkins, the fourth pick by Phoenix, has been a steady presence in the frontcourt. His consistency is underrated; he’s the type of player who won’t fill the stat sheet but will do all the little things to win games. I recall chatting with a coach who called him the “glue guy” of his squad, and it’s spot-on.
But not every story is a success. The later rounds are littered with names that never quite broke through—guys like Robbie Herndon, who showed flashes but struggled to find a permanent role. It’s a reminder of how brutal the pro scene can be; talent alone isn’t enough without the right fit and timing. And then there are the international connections that have reshaped careers. Take RJ Abarrientos, for example. Though he wasn’t in the 2017 draft, his rise overseas—like in Sunday’s preview where he’s highlighted as a player to watch—shows how the league’s talent pool is evolving. Similarly, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Jordan Heading, who’ve made waves abroad, reflect a trend where PBA draftees or prospects are leveraging global exposure. I love seeing this—it pushes our local players to level up, even if it means we lose them to other leagues temporarily.
Reflecting on all this, the 2017 class feels like a microcosm of the PBA’s broader narrative: a mix of star power, steady contributors, and missed potentials. Personally, I think the draft that year was a solid B+—it produced franchise players but also highlighted the gaps in player development. As we look ahead, with talents like Abarrientos making noise, it’s clear the league’s future will be shaped by both homegrown grit and international flair. In the end, what sticks with me is how these journeys remind us that basketball, much like life, is full of unpredictable twists—and that’s what makes it so compelling to follow.
