Complete PBA 2017 Draft List: Where Are These Players Now?

I still remember the excitement surrounding the 2017 PBA Draft like it was yesterday. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, that particular draft class felt special - brimming with potential and what many considered the future stars of the league. The energy in the venue was electric, with fans cheering for their favorite prospects, many of whom had built impressive resumes in college and amateur leagues. What struck me most was how international the draft felt, reflecting the growing global nature of Philippine basketball. I recall thinking how this class could potentially reshape the league's landscape for years to come.

Looking back now, six years later, it's fascinating to track where these players have landed. Kiefer Ravena, the consensus number one pick, has certainly lived up to the hype in many ways, though his journey hasn't been without its twists. Selected by the NLEX Road Warriors, he quickly established himself as one of the league's premier guards, averaging around 14.5 points and 5.2 assists in his rookie season. What many might not know is how his game has evolved beyond just scoring - his basketball IQ and leadership qualities have made him invaluable to his team. I've always appreciated how he balances aggressive offense with smart playmaking, something that's not always common among star guards in the league.

The second pick, Jeron Teng, brought his championship pedigree from La Salle to Alaska, and honestly, I thought he'd become an immediate superstar. While he's developed into a reliable contributor, his path has been more gradual than I initially anticipated. His physical style of play has served him well, but I've noticed he's had to work extensively on his outside shooting to adapt to the professional game. Christian Standhardinger, selected third by San Miguel but immediately traded to Kia, presented one of the most interesting cases - a German-Filipino big man whose energy and scoring ability translated immediately to the PBA. His 18.3 points and 9.8 rebounds per game in his first season with NorthPort demonstrated why many considered him the most pro-ready player in that draft.

What's particularly interesting to me is how the international dimension has played out. The quote "Siyempre, may USA, mga ganyan, favorite din yun ng mga Pinoy, so sana supportahan nila kami" resonates deeply when examining this draft class. The global connections - whether through Fil-foreign players or the growing international interest in the PBA - have significantly impacted how these careers developed. Players like Standhardinger and Robbie Herndon (who went 14th to Star) brought different styles and experiences that enriched the league. I've always believed this international flavor makes the PBA more exciting and competitive, though some traditionalists might disagree with me.

The mid-first round produced several players who've become crucial pieces for their teams. Jason Perkins, picked fourth by Phoenix, has developed into one of the league's most consistent forwards, while Sidney Onwubere (seventh to Rain or Shine) has carved out a role as a defensive specialist. What surprises me is how some later picks have outperformed earlier selections - something I've always found fascinating about drafts. Jorey Napoles, selected 22nd by Rain or Shine, has shown flashes of brilliance that make me wonder how he slipped so far down. Meanwhile, some highly-touted prospects like Lervin Flores (fifth to GlobalPort) have struggled to find their footing in the league.

As I reflect on this draft class today, what stands out isn't just individual success stories but how these players have shaped team dynamics across the league. The 2017 draft produced approximately 65% regular starters across PBA teams today, which is actually quite impressive compared to previous years. Several have become franchise cornerstones, while others have found roles as valuable rotation players. What I find particularly compelling is how their development trajectories have differed - some peaked early while others took years to find their stride. Personally, I believe this draft class will be remembered as one that brought both star power and remarkable depth to the league.

The international connections continue to influence these careers in fascinating ways. We've seen players like Ravena take his talents to Japan's B.League, demonstrating the growing mobility of Filipino basketball talent. This global exchange, hinted at in that quote about international support, has created new pathways and opportunities that simply didn't exist for previous generations of PBA players. While some fans worry about talent drain, I see it as evolution - these experiences abroad often make players better when they return to the PBA.

Six years later, the 2017 draft class leaves a complex legacy. There are undeniable success stories, unexpected disappointments, and everything in between. What remains clear is that this group significantly impacted the PBA's competitive balance and style of play. They entered the league during a period of transition and have helped shape its current identity. As I look at today's PBA landscape, I can't help but feel this draft class will be viewed historically as a turning point - bridging traditional Philippine basketball with a more global, modern approach to the game. Their stories continue to unfold, and honestly, I'm still watching with great interest to see how the remaining chapters of their careers will read.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-12 15:01