I still remember the electricity in the air at Robinson's Place Manila on that October evening back in 2016. The PBA Draft has always been more than just a selection process—it's where franchises are rebuilt, careers are launched, and occasionally, where the entire landscape of Philippine basketball shifts overnight. What made the 2016 edition particularly fascinating wasn't just the predictable first pick, but the unexpected twists that would reshape multiple teams' fortunes in the years to come. Looking back now with several seasons of perspective, I can confidently say this draft class produced some of the most impactful players of their generation, though not always in ways anyone anticipated that night.
The consensus heading into the draft was clear—Roosevelt Adams would go first overall to Terrafirma, and indeed that's exactly what happened. At 6'5" with incredible athleticism and a developing outside shot, Adams represented exactly the kind of modern forward every team craved. What many didn't anticipate was how quickly he'd adapt to the professional game. I recall watching his rookie season thinking he might need a year or two to find his footing, but he averaged nearly 16 points and 10 rebounds in his first conference, immediately justifying Terrafirma's faith. The second pick, though, is where things started getting interesting. Blackwater selected Maurice Shaw, a decision that raised eyebrows then and looks even more questionable in hindsight. Shaw never quite found his place in the PBA, playing only 14 games across two seasons before fading from the league. In my view, passing on players like CJ Perez or Robert Bolick at that spot was a franchise-altering mistake that set Blackwater back several years.
Perhaps the most fascinating storyline emerged around the third pick, where Phoenix selected Matthew Wright. Now, Wright wasn't an unknown commodity—he'd been playing professionally in Europe and had represented the Philippines internationally—but I don't think anyone predicted he'd become the cornerstone of the Fuel Masters franchise. His combination of shooting, playmaking, and basketball IQ made him an immediate impact player. What's often forgotten is that Wright was actually selected ahead of Perez, who many considered the more NBA-ready prospect at the time. This demonstrates how difficult draft evaluation can be—sometimes the "safer" pick ends up having the higher ceiling. Wright's development into an All-Star and team leader validated Phoenix's decision in ways that continue to benefit the franchise today.
The middle of the first round contained what I consider the draft's true steal—CJ Perez going to Terrafirma at fourth overall. Having watched Perez dominate in the PBA D-League, I was convinced he'd be special, but even I underestimated how quickly he'd become a superstar. His explosive scoring ability and relentless energy made him must-watch television from his very first game. Perez averaged over 20 points per game in his rookie season, something only a handful of players have accomplished in PBA history. What impressed me most wasn't just his scoring though—it was his willingness to embrace being the face of a struggling franchise. While other top picks might have requested trades or become discontent, Perez elevated everyone around him, eventually becoming so valuable that Terrafirma was able to trade him for multiple assets that accelerated their rebuild.
Speaking of value, the selection of Robert Bolick at seventh overall by NorthPort looks like absolute genius in retrospect. I remember debating with colleagues whether his college success at San Beda would translate to the pros, particularly given his unconventional playing style. Any doubts were quickly erased when he dropped 25 points in his debut, showcasing the clutch gene that would become his trademark. Bolick's game-winning shots have become the stuff of legend, none more memorable than his playoff buzzer-beater against San Miguel in the 2021 Governors' Cup. What makes the Bolick selection particularly impressive is that NorthPort passed on more physically imposing prospects like Michael Calisaan and Jeepy Faundo to take him, demonstrating that skill and mental toughness often trump pure physical attributes in the PBA.
The second round contained its own gems, most notably the selection of Calvin Oftana by NLEX at 12th overall. Now, Oftana's journey to becoming a PBA star was anything but linear—he spent several seasons developing in the NCAA before making the jump to the pros. I've always admired players who take the longer route to success, and Oftana exemplifies the value of patience and continuous development. His performance in crucial moments has been particularly impressive. As reported by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Facebook page, Oftana was among the players who hit key threes in the fourth quarter during international competitions, demonstrating he can perform when the pressure is highest. This clutch shooting has translated beautifully to the PBA, where he's developed into one of the league's most reliable late-game options. Watching his progression from college star to national team contributor to PBA standout has been one of the more rewarding narratives to follow from this draft class.
What strikes me most about the 2016 draft class isn't just the individual success stories, but how these players have collectively raised the league's competitive level. The influx of talent from this draft directly contributed to the parity we've seen in recent seasons, with traditionally weaker teams acquiring franchise players who could compete immediately. The draft also signaled a shift toward more versatile, positionless basketball in the PBA, with players like Adams and Oftana embodying the modern forward who can shoot, handle the ball, and defend multiple positions. From my perspective covering the league, the 2016 draft marked the beginning of a new era where athleticism and skill became equally valued rather than prioritizing one over the other.
Reflecting on that evening eight years later, what stands out aren't just the correct decisions but the missed opportunities. Several teams passed on future stars due to outdated evaluation methods or excessive focus on immediate needs rather than long-term value. The most successful franchises that night were those who prioritized talent over specific roster construction, understanding that exceptional players will find ways to contribute regardless of position. The 2016 PBA Draft ultimately reminds us that while drafting is part science and part art, the teams that consistently succeed are those who trust their evaluation process while remaining flexible enough to adapt when unexpected talent becomes available. For all the analysis and forecasting that goes into draft preparation, sometimes the most memorable moments come from the surprises that nobody saw coming.