I still remember the excitement buzzing through the arena during the 2017 PBA Draft like it was yesterday. As someone who's covered Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous drafts, but this particular class felt special from the start. The energy was electric when Christian Standhardinger's name was called first overall by San Miguel Beermen, making him the first Filipino-German to go number one. What many casual fans might not realize is how much strategic planning goes into these selections - teams aren't just picking players, they're investing in futures, building cultures, and sometimes taking calculated risks that could define their franchises for years to come.
Looking back at that draft night, the top five selections created immediate buzz throughout the league. After Standhardinger, the Columbian Dyip (now Terrafirma Dyip) selected Kiefer Ravena at second, a move that surprised exactly nobody given his stellar collegiate career. At third, Blackwater picked Raymar Jose, while Magnolia chose Robbie Herndon fourth. The fifth spot brought an interesting selection with Jason Perkins going to Phoenix. What made this draft particularly fascinating to me was how teams balanced immediate needs against long-term potential - something I've noticed championship-caliber organizations do exceptionally well.
The middle rounds revealed some absolute steals that have shaped team rosters to this day. Sidney Onwubere going to Rain or Shine at sixth overall showed their eye for defensive specialists, while LA Revilla landing at seventh to Phoenix demonstrated how deep this class truly was. Some of my favorite moments came watching later picks develop - like when Michael Calisaan was selected 18th by Magnolia, or when Levi Hernandez went 20th to Alaska. These weren't just names on a board; these were young men whose lives were changing before our eyes. I've had the privilege of watching many of them grow from raw talents into professional athletes, and the transformation never ceases to amaze me.
Fast forward to today, and the 2017 class has produced several cornerstone players who've become essential to their teams. Standhardinger has evolved into a consistent force, earning the 2019 PBA Commissioner's Cup Best Player award and becoming crucial to San Miguel's campaigns. Ravena, despite his recent move to Japan's B.League, left an indelible mark with his clutch performances and basketball IQ that reminded me of vintage PBA legends. What's particularly impressive is how players like Perkins have developed into reliable starters, proving that draft position doesn't always determine career trajectory.
The health and longevity of these players brings to mind something I heard from coach Jeff Napa that resonates deeply with my own observations: "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." This philosophy extends beyond single games to entire careers. In my conversations with team staff, I've learned how organizations now invest significantly in sports science and player maintenance programs, understanding that a healthy roster often translates to playoff success.
What fascinates me most about tracking this draft class is witnessing how differently careers can unfold. Some players like Ravena have embraced international opportunities, while others like Standhardinger have become franchise pillars. There were disappointments too - prospects who showed tremendous potential but couldn't maintain consistency at the professional level. Having watched hundreds of games since these players entered the league, I've developed particular appreciation for those who've maximized their skills through continuous improvement rather than relying solely on natural talent.
The business side of these careers reveals interesting patterns too. Top picks like Standhardinger commanded starting salaries around ₱420,000 monthly, while later selections negotiated more modest packages. What many fans don't see is how these financial considerations impact team building and salary cap management - aspects that ultimately determine how long organizations can retain their drafted talents. From my perspective, the most successful teams have been those that developed strong cultures where players want to stay long-term rather than chasing maximum money elsewhere.
As I reflect on the entire 2017 draft experience, what stands out isn't just the individual successes but how this class collectively elevated the league's quality. The influx of talent coincided with increased game speeds, improved shooting percentages league-wide, and more competitive balance across teams. Having attended approximately 85% of the games featuring these players since their debut, I've noticed subtle improvements in everything from defensive schemes to offensive creativity that can be traced back to this talented group.
The legacy of the 2017 draft continues unfolding with each season. Players who entered the league as rookies together are now veterans mentoring new generations. Their career paths offer valuable lessons about development, perseverance, and adapting to the professional game. From my seat covering the league, I've particularly enjoyed watching the unexpected success stories - the late picks who became starters, the overlooked talents who became All-Stars. These narratives remind us why we love sports: for the unpredictability, the human drama, and the constant possibility that tomorrow's game might reveal something extraordinary.