Discover the Complete 2017 PBA Draft List: Player Selections and Team Rosters
As I look back at the 2017 PBA Draft, I can't help but marvel at how this particular draft class has shaped the league's landscape over the past several seasons. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've developed a keen eye for spotting talent, and I must say the 2017 draft was particularly special. The first round saw Christian Standhardinger going to San Miguel as the top pick - a move that proved absolutely brilliant in hindsight. What many fans might not realize is how this draft laid the foundation for several championship teams we see today.
I remember watching the draft proceedings live, and the energy was electric when Kiefer Ravena was selected second overall by NLEX. His arrival created immediate buzz, though personally I had my doubts about how quickly he'd adapt to the professional level. Boy, was I wrong about that! The third pick saw Jeron Teng joining Alaska, followed by Jason Perkins going to Phoenix - two selections that I believe were among the smartest moves of that draft. What's fascinating is tracking how these players developed differently; some exploded onto the scene immediately while others took their time to find their footing.
Looking at the complete roster selections now, what strikes me most is how teams balanced immediate needs with long-term planning. Take the case of Robbie Herndon going to GlobalPort as the 12th pick - he's proven to be one of the steals of the draft in my opinion. The second round had its share of gems too, with players like Lervin Flores and Joseph Gabayni showing flashes of brilliance despite being late picks. I've always believed the true measure of a draft class isn't just about the first-round stars but how deep the talent pool runs.
What really stands out in my analysis is how these 2017 draftees have evolved. Just consider Standhardinger's recent performance where he dropped his season-high and third career-best in scoring 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 develop into clutch performers years later. This kind of growth trajectory is exactly why I find the draft so compelling to study.
Reflecting on team strategies, I've noticed that franchises who prioritized versatile players in that draft generally fared better in the long run. Teams that went for one-dimensional specialists struggled when the game evolved, while those who selected adaptable athletes found ways to remain competitive through various coaching changes and system adjustments. The Blackwater selection of Raymar Jose at number 9, for instance, demonstrated foresight that's paying dividends today.
The beauty of revisiting this draft lies in connecting those initial selections to current team successes. San Miguel's decision to trade for Standhardinger's rights looks genius now, especially considering his recent 30-point finals performance. Meanwhile, teams like TNT who selected Roger Pogoy earlier in the draft have maintained competitive rosters by supplementing these picks with strategic acquisitions. It's this combination of draft wisdom and roster management that separates the perennial contenders from the also-rans.
As I wrap up this analysis, I'm convinced the 2017 PBA Draft will be remembered as one of the most impactful in recent memory. The players selected have not only lived up to their draft positions but in many cases exceeded expectations. Their development arcs, like Standhardinger's journey to becoming a finals hero, demonstrate why the draft remains the lifeblood of any basketball league. For teams looking to build sustainable success, studying this particular draft class provides invaluable lessons in talent evaluation and long-term planning.
