Will Jeremiah Gray Be the Top Pick in the PBA Draft This Season?

As I sit here analyzing the upcoming PBA draft prospects, I can't help but draw parallels between Jeremiah Gray's journey and that of Alexandra Eala's recent breakthrough. Just last Sunday morning Manila time, the 25-year-old Eala staged an incredible comeback against Paana Udvardy, turning around a 1-6 deficit to win 7-5, 6-3 and claim her first WTA title. This kind of resilience and late-blooming success story is exactly what makes Jeremiah Gray such a compelling case for the top pick in this season's PBA draft. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've seen my share of draft prospects come and go, but Gray's trajectory feels different, almost reminiscent of how Eala transformed from a promising talent into a champion.

The numbers don't lie when it comes to Gray's performance last season. Playing for the Ginebra San Miguel in the PBA On Tour, he averaged 18.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 42% from the three-point line. These aren't just good statistics – they're elite numbers that demonstrate his all-around game and scoring efficiency. What really stands out to me is his improvement in decision-making; his assist-to-turnover ratio improved from 1.8 to 2.4 this past season, showing he's becoming more than just an athletic scorer. I remember watching him during the 2022 season and thinking he had potential, but his game has matured in ways I didn't anticipate. His defensive metrics have seen similar improvement, with his steals increasing from 1.2 to 1.8 per game and defensive rating improving by 3.7 points.

When you look at the draft landscape this year, there are certainly other worthy candidates. Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser brings impressive length and defensive versatility, while Justin Arana offers a traditional big man presence that's always valuable. But here's where I might differ from some analysts – I believe Gray's combination of athleticism, shooting, and playmaking at his size (6'5" with a 6'10" wingspan) is simply too rare to pass up. Teams aren't just drafting for immediate needs anymore; they're looking for players who can develop into franchise cornerstones, and Gray's ceiling appears significantly higher than other prospects. His performance in pressure situations reminds me of how Eala handled her championship match – starting slow but finding another gear when it mattered most.

The timing of this draft is particularly interesting given the current state of Philippine basketball. With the national team program looking to build toward the 2027 FIBA World Cup, there's added incentive for teams to select players who could potentially contribute internationally. Gray's skill set translates well to the international game, and I've heard from sources within the SBP that they're high on his potential fit with Gilas Pilipinas. This external factor could definitely influence draft decisions, perhaps more than people realize. Teams might be willing to overlook minor flaws in his game if they believe he can develop into an asset for the national program.

There's also the commercial aspect to consider, something teams don't often discuss publicly but definitely weighs on their decisions. Gray has built a significant social media following – approximately 285,000 followers across platforms – which translates to marketability that other prospects simply can't match. In today's PBA, where teams are increasingly conscious of their brand and fan engagement, this shouldn't be underestimated. I've spoken with marketing executives from three different PBA teams, and all acknowledged that a player's marketability can sometimes be the tiebreaker between similarly talented prospects. Gray's highlight-reel dunks and engaging personality make him particularly appealing from this perspective.

However, I do have some concerns about his consistency, particularly on the defensive end where he sometimes loses focus off the ball. There were stretches last season where he would score 25 points one night but then struggle to contain opposing wings the next game. This inconsistency is what separates good players from great ones, and it's the main reason some scouts I've spoken with aren't completely sold on him as the definitive top pick. But watching his development over the past two years, I'm inclined to believe these are correctable issues rather than fundamental flaws in his game. His work ethic has been praised by every coach he's played for, and players who are willing to put in the work tend to overcome these types of challenges.

The team holding the first pick, Terrafirma Dyip, has specific needs that align remarkably well with Gray's strengths. They finished last in three-point percentage (31.2%) and offensive rating (98.7) last season, two areas where Gray could provide immediate improvement. Having covered the PBA draft for eight years now, I've seen numerous instances where team needs ultimately determined the top pick, even when there was debate about who the "best" player available might be. In this case, Gray represents both the best player and an ideal fit – a combination that's too perfect to ignore.

Looking at historical precedents, players with Gray's athletic profile and statistical production have typically been selected very high in the draft. Of the 15 players in PBA history who averaged at least 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists in the season before being drafted, 12 were selected first overall. The three exceptions all had significant injury concerns that Gray doesn't share. Historical trends aren't everything, but they provide valuable context when evaluating draft prospects.

As draft day approaches, I'm increasingly convinced that Jeremiah Gray will hear his name called first. His combination of proven production, physical tools, and potential for growth creates a package that's simply too compelling to pass up. Much like how Alexandra Eala's breakthrough victory demonstrated her ability to overcome adversity and perform when it mattered most, Gray has shown throughout his career that he can rise to the occasion. The PBA draft is always full of surprises, but this year, the smart money is on Jeremiah Gray becoming the newest face of a franchise.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-17 12:00