Complete List of PBA Draft 2017 Picks: Where Are They Now?
I still remember the excitement surrounding the 2017 PBA Draft like it was yesterday. The buzz at Robinson's Place Manila was electric, with fans and analysts alike debating which teams made the smartest picks. Looking back now, seven years later, it's fascinating to trace how these players' careers have unfolded – some becoming league stars, others fading into obscurity, and a few taking unexpected paths that nobody could have predicted.
That draft class produced several notable names who've left their mark on Philippine basketball. Christian Standhardinger went first overall to San Miguel, and what a journey he's had since then. The guy has developed into one of the most reliable big men in the league, though I've always thought his game would've been even more effective if he'd been drafted by a team that needed him to be the primary option right away. Kiefer Ravena, picked second by NLEX, brought that incredible hype from his amateur career, though if I'm being completely honest, I don't think he's quite lived up to the "Phenom" expectations in the professional ranks. Then there's Jason Perkins going fourth to Phoenix – what an absolute steal that turned out to be. He's become the heart and soul of that franchise, playing with a toughness that I personally love watching.
The real surprises came from later picks though. Someone like Jio Jalalon, who slipped to Star Hotshots at seventh, has developed into one of the league's premier point guards despite being undersized. I've always admired how he plays bigger than his height, bringing relentless energy on both ends. Meanwhile, third pick Raymar Jose has bounced around several teams, never quite finding his niche despite showing flashes of potential. It makes you wonder how much development and fit matter compared to raw talent.
What really stands out to me about tracking these players is seeing their career-defining moments emerge years later. Take CJ Perez, who was actually drafted special by Columbian Dyip. The output was his season-high and his third career-best in scoring behind the 30 he hit twice – one of which in Game 5 of the 2023-24 Commissioner's Cup finals against Magnolia last February 11, 2024. That's the kind of performance that separates the good players from the truly memorable ones. I was watching that game live, and you could just feel he was determined to put the team on his back when it mattered most. Those clutch performances are what fans remember years later, not necessarily the draft position or early career struggles.
Some players took longer routes to success than others. Robbie Herndon, picked 13th by Star, has quietly become a reliable 3-and-D player after bouncing between teams early in his career. Then there are the what-ifs – like Sidney Onwubere, who showed promise but never quite found consistent playing time. I've always felt the league could use more of his athleticism if given the right opportunity. The international route also claimed some talents, with several draftees opting to play abroad rather than develop in the PBA, which I think is a shame because the local league could use more depth.
Reflecting on this draft class seven years later, what strikes me most is how unpredictable player development can be. The can't-miss prospects sometimes miss, while the overlooked gems become franchise cornerstones. The 2017 draft produced about 35 players who actually saw PBA action, but only around 15 remain consistently relevant today. That's a pretty stark attrition rate when you think about it. The ones who've lasted share common traits – adaptability, continuous skill development, and perhaps most importantly, finding the right team situation that maximizes their strengths. As someone who's followed the PBA for decades, I've come to appreciate that draft position only matters for that initial contract – after that, it's all about what you make of your opportunities.
