Looking Back at the 2011 PBA Draft: Key Picks and Career Highlights

I still remember sitting in my apartment watching the 2011 PBA Draft coverage, feeling that particular buzz in the air that comes with knowing you're witnessing something significant unfold. The energy was different that year—not just because of the talent pool, but because of the stories brewing behind the scenes. What struck me most wasn't just the picks themselves, but the raw, unfiltered emotions of the players. I'll never forget hearing about one prospect's mindset during the draft process, his words echoing what many young athletes feel but rarely admit: "I thought I was just sitting there. It was one of those days where your wheels are turning. And I said, man, I should be in the NBA." That sentiment, that blend of ambition and frustration, perfectly captures the 2011 draft class—a group caught between dreams of international glory and the reality of building legacies at home.

When we talk about the 2011 PBA Draft, we have to start with the obvious—the Petron Blaze Boosters selecting June Mar Fajardo as the first overall pick. At the time, I remember thinking this was a safe choice, but honestly, I underestimated how transformative he would become. Standing at 6'10" with a wingspan that seemed to stretch across the entire paint, Fajardo wasn't just tall; he was fundamentally sound in ways we hadn't seen in years. His rookie numbers—11.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game—were solid, but what the stats didn't show was how he'd anchor what would become one of the most dominant dynasties in recent PBA history. Over his first three seasons, he'd help lead San Miguel to two championships while completely reshaping how teams approached center position recruitment. Looking back, I'd argue this was perhaps the most impactful first pick since Danny Ildefonso in 1998.

The second pick brought us another franchise player—Chris Ross going to the Meralco Bolts. Now, here's where my personal bias might show: I've always been partial to guards who play bigger than their height, and Ross embodied that perfectly. His defensive intensity immediately stood out, averaging 1.8 steals per game in his rookie season despite limited minutes. But what fascinated me was his development trajectory—he wasn't an instant superstar but grew into his role through sheer determination. When he eventually moved to San Miguel in 2014 (via trade), it felt like watching puzzle pieces finally clicking into place. His career highlights—those two PBA championships and four All-Defensive Team selections—speak volumes, but what I appreciate more is how he represents the draft's hidden value: players who might not shine immediately but become indispensable over time.

Then there was the third pick—a personal favorite storyline of mine—Alex Mallari being selected by the B-Meg Llamados. Mallari brought something different to the table: that rare combination of size and ball-handling skills that had scouts buzzing with potential. I recall watching his early games and thinking he had the tools to become a premier wing defender, though his offensive game needed polishing. His career path has been interesting to follow—multiple team transfers, fluctuating minutes, but always maintaining that defensive tenacity that made him a valuable rotation player. While he never reached the superstar status some predicted, his 7.2 career scoring average and reliable perimeter defense represent exactly what mid-first round picks should deliver: solid contributors who fill specific roles.

What made the 2011 draft particularly memorable wasn't just the top picks though—it was the depth. Players like Cliff Hodge (fourth pick), Calvin Abueva (sixth pick), and even late-second round gem Vic Manuel (16th overall) created what I consider one of the most balanced draft classes in the past fifteen years. Abueva's selection by Alaska particularly stands out in my memory—here was this explosive, sometimes controversial talent who immediately impacted games with his energy. His rookie numbers—12.3 points and 7.1 rebounds—earned him Rookie of the Year honors, but more importantly, he brought an excitement factor that translated to increased ticket sales and television ratings. From a league perspective, that's the kind of pick that benefits everyone.

The draft's impact extended beyond individual careers though—it fundamentally shifted team-building strategies. Before 2011, many teams prioritized immediate contributors over long-term projects. But watching Fajardo develop into a six-time MVP and Ross evolve into a championship point guard changed that calculus. Teams became more willing to invest in raw talent, understanding that some players need time to reach their potential. This philosophical shift has influenced every draft since, creating a more patient approach to player development that I believe has elevated the overall quality of the league.

Reflecting on that "I should be in the NBA" sentiment we started with—it's fascinating how these players' careers unfolded in relation to those aspirations. While none reached the NBA, many built legacies that resonate deeply within Philippine basketball. Fajardo became the cornerstone of San Miguel's dynasty, Ross developed into one of the league's premier two-way guards, and Abueva brought a unique brand of basketball that captivated fans. Their careers demonstrate that success isn't always about reaching the highest theoretical level—sometimes it's about maximizing your impact where you are. The 2011 draft class didn't just produce good players; it produced players who shaped the PBA's modern era, proving that dreams can evolve into different, but equally meaningful, forms of greatness.