Looking Back at the PBA 2017 Draft: Key Picks and Where They Are Now

I still remember the excitement surrounding the 2017 PBA Draft like it was yesterday. The atmosphere at Robinson's Place Manila was electric, with teams and fans alike buzzing about which prospects would land where. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade now, I've witnessed numerous drafts, but there was something special about this particular class that made me pay closer attention. Maybe it was the depth of talent or the intriguing mix of established collegiate stars and promising unknowns. Whatever it was, I found myself more invested in these players' futures than in previous years.

Looking back now, six years later, what strikes me most is how dramatically different these careers have unfolded. Some picks have become franchise cornerstones while others have faded into obscurity. Take Christian Standhardinger, who went first overall to San Miguel Beermen. At 28 during the draft, he was already considered mature for a rookie, but my goodness has he delivered. The Filipino-German big man has put up impressive numbers - I'd estimate around 15 points and 9 rebounds per game throughout his career - and became such a vital piece that he was involved in that massive trade to NorthPort in 2019. Watching him develop his mid-range game and post moves has been genuinely rewarding for us basketball purists.

Then there's Kiefer Ravena, selected second by NLEX Road Warriors. Oh, what a fascinating career trajectory he's had. The anticipation around "The Phenom" was palpable - we're talking about a player who dominated the UAAP scene. His rookie season showed flashes of brilliance, but what I found particularly interesting was how his game evolved after his stint in Japan. He returned with improved court vision and decision-making, though if I'm being completely honest, I sometimes wonder if he hasn't quite reached the astronomical expectations we all had for him. Still, averaging about 13 points and 5 assists isn't anything to scoff at in this league.

The draft's third pick, Jeron Teng going to Alaska Aces, presented what I consider one of the more intriguing cases. Here was a player with championship pedigree from La Salle, known for his slashing ability and fearlessness attacking the basket. His rookie season showed promise, but I've always felt he hasn't quite found the right system to maximize his talents. There were moments - remember that game against Ginebra where he dropped 20 points? - that showed what he could become, but consistency has been the challenge. Now with Converge, I'm curious to see if Coach Aldin Ayo can unlock that next level we've been waiting for.

What many casual fans might not realize is how crucial team environment and coaching philosophy are to these young players' development. This brings me to that quote from Coach Jeff Napa that's stuck 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." Though he said this more recently, the sentiment perfectly captures what I believe should be every team's approach with their draftees. Player health and gradual development often trump immediate results, something I wish more teams would prioritize. We've seen too many promising careers derailed by rushing players back from injury or throwing them into roles they're not ready for.

The middle picks of that draft have had their own interesting stories. Jason Perkins going fourth to Phoenix was, in my opinion, one of the steals of the draft. His blue-collar approach and reliable three-point shooting - I'd say he's shooting around 38% from deep throughout his career - made him an instant contributor. Meanwhile, players like Sidney Onwubere (fifth to Rain or Shine) and Lervin Flores (seventh to GlobalPort) have had more modest impacts, though I've always thought Onwubere's defensive versatility was underutilized.

What fascinates me about evaluating drafts years later is recognizing how much luck factors into "successful" picks. Teams can do all the scouting in the world, but injuries, fit, and personal development are so unpredictable. The 2017 class had its share of surprises - who would have thought that some second-round picks would outlast certain first-rounders? That's the beauty and agony of the draft process that keeps analysts like me endlessly fascinated.

As I reflect on this draft class today, I'm struck by how their careers have intersected with the PBA's evolving landscape. The league has changed significantly since 2017 - faster pace, more emphasis on three-point shooting, different defensive schemes. The players who adapted have thrived; those who couldn't have struggled. It's a testament to the fact that draft evaluation doesn't end on draft night, but continues throughout a player's career. The 2017 class gave us franchise players, role players, and everything in between, creating a rich tapestry of professional journeys that continue to unfold with each passing season. Honestly, I can't wait to see what the next six years bring for these athletes.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-12 14:01