Complete List of PBA Draft 2017 Picks: Who Made the Cut and Where They Landed
Looking back at the 2017 PBA Draft, I can't help but marvel at how certain picks have dramatically shaped the league's landscape. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous drafts, but the 2017 class stands out for its mix of immediate impact players and slow-burn success stories. The first round saw Kiefer Ravena going to NLEX as the second overall pick - a selection that made perfect sense then and looks even better now given his development into one of the league's premier guards.
What fascinates me most about evaluating drafts years later is seeing which players exceeded expectations. Christian Standhardinger going first overall to San Miguel wasn't surprising given his pedigree, but watching his journey unfold has been particularly rewarding. The guy has developed into an absolute force, and I still remember his phenomenal performance last season where he dropped his season-high and third career-best in scoring, just behind the 30 points he hit twice. One of those 30-point explosions came in Game 5 of the 2023-24 Commissioner's Cup finals against Magnolia last February 11, 2024 - a testament to how draft picks can evolve into clutch performers when the stakes are highest.
The second round contained some real gems that many teams initially overlooked. Jason Perkins falling to Phoenix at 4th in the second round now looks like daylight robbery, as he's developed into one of the most reliable forwards in the league. I've always believed the true measure of a draft class isn't just the first-round stars but how deep the talent pool runs, and 2017 delivered remarkably well in this aspect. Teams that did their homework found rotation players and even future starters well into the later rounds, which is exactly what separates championship-caliber franchises from the rest.
Reflecting on this draft seven years later, what strikes me is how the success stories aren't always linear. Some players took years to find their footing, while others immediately made their presence felt. The draft's real winners weren't necessarily the teams with the earliest picks but those who understood player development and fit. San Miguel's selection of Standhardinger at number one proved visionary, as he's become central to their system. Meanwhile, NLEX hit a home run with Ravena, who has consistently been among the league's most exciting players to watch.
The 2017 class has given us multiple All-Stars, key role players, and even a few franchise cornerstones. What I appreciate most about this group is how they've grown together, pushing each other to elevate the league's overall quality. The draft wasn't just about individual talent but about adding pieces that would collectively raise the PBA's competitive level. Watching these players develop their games and take on leadership roles has been one of the most satisfying aspects of covering the league these past years.
Ultimately, the 2017 PBA Draft stands as a testament to quality scouting and player development. The teams that invested in proper coaching and gave their picks room to grow have reaped the benefits season after season. As we look at today's PBA landscape, it's impossible to ignore how foundational this draft class has been to the league's current competitive balance. The picks made back in 2017 continue to influence championship races and All-Star selections, proving that a successful draft isn't measured in immediate impact but in lasting legacy.
