Looking Back at the PBA Draft 2007: Where Are the Top Picks Now?

I still remember the excitement surrounding the 2007 PBA Draft like it was yesterday. The air crackled with anticipation as teams prepared to select what many considered one of the most promising draft classes in recent memory. That year felt different - we weren't just watching names being called; we were witnessing the potential reshaping of multiple franchises. Fast forward to today, and it's fascinating to track how these players' careers have unfolded, especially when you consider recent developments like Jojo Lastimosa's comments about their import seeking NBA opportunities. It makes you wonder about the roads not taken and the dreams that persisted long after draft night.

The top pick that year was Joe Devance, selected first overall by Alaska Aces. I've always found Devance's career particularly interesting because he wasn't your typical superstar in the making. Standing at 6'7", he brought this unique versatility that made coaches rethink traditional positions. What many casual fans might not know is that Devance actually played for three different universities in the US before finding his way to the PBA. His professional journey saw him playing for seven different teams, which is quite unusual for a number one pick. I remember watching him during his prime with Ginebra and thinking he was the perfect modern big man - could shoot from outside, handle the ball reasonably well for his size, and had decent court vision. His eight championships speak volumes about his impact, though I'd argue he never quite reached the individual dominance we expected from a top selection.

Second pick was James Yap, going to Purefoods (now Magnolia). Now here's someone whose career trajectory everyone followed, partly because of his high-profile marriage to Kris Aquino and subsequent divorce. But putting the celebrity aside, Yap delivered exactly what you'd want from a second overall pick - two MVP awards, multiple championships, and that clutch gene that made him must-watch television during crucial moments. I've always maintained that Yap had the smoothest shooting form in PBA history. Even at his advanced age now, watching him shoot remains pure basketball poetry. What's remarkable is that he's still contributing meaningful minutes well into his late 30s, which is quite rare in Philippine basketball where players tend to decline earlier than their international counterparts.

The third selection brought us Samigue Eman, chosen by Air21. This is where the draft started showing its unpredictability. Eman, at 6'9", was supposed to be the defensive anchor teams craved, but if we're being honest, he never quite lived up to that third pick status. He bounced around several teams, never averaging more than 5 points per game in any season. I recall watching him during his rookie year and thinking he moved well for his size, but the offensive game just never developed. He last played for Phoenix in 2019, and it's players like Eman that remind us how much of a gamble the draft can be, even with high picks.

What's particularly interesting about reflecting on this draft class is how it connects to current events in Philippine basketball. Recently, Tropang 5G team manager Jojo Lastimosa made comments about their import seeking NBA training camp opportunities. This resonates with the 2007 draft class because several of those players also had NBA aspirations at various points. Yap, for instance, briefly considered trying out for NBA teams during his prime but ultimately decided against it. Looking at today's landscape, we're seeing more Filipino players testing international waters, which makes me wonder how different careers might have been if the global opportunities available now existed back in 2007.

The middle picks of that draft produced some solid role players, like Doug Kramer (4th pick) and JC Intal (5th pick). Kramer carved out a respectable 13-year career as a reliable big man off the bench, while Intal provided athletic wing play for multiple teams before retiring in 2019. What stands out to me about these players is their longevity - they adapted their games as their physical tools diminished and found ways to remain valuable. Intal, in particular, impressed me with how he transformed from a high-flying athlete to a savvy veteran who understood spacing and defensive positioning.

As I look back at the entire 2007 draft class, what strikes me most is how careers are shaped by both opportunity and adaptability. Some top picks flourished immediately, others took time to find their footing, and a few never quite reached their potential. The recent news about imports seeking NBA opportunities adds another layer to this reflection - it highlights how basketball dreams evolve but never truly die. These players, now mostly retired or in the twilight of their careers, built the foundation for today's PBA while navigating their own professional journeys. Their stories remind us that a draft position is just the beginning, not the destination, and that true legacy is built through years of dedication, adjustment, and perseverance in the face of changing circumstances and opportunities.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-15 16:01