PBA 2017 Draft List: Complete Player Selections and Team Breakdowns
I still remember the buzz in the Philippine basketball community when the 2017 PBA Draft rolled around. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've always found draft nights particularly fascinating - they're not just about team strategies, but about dreams coming true for young athletes and the hopes of millions of fans. That year felt special right from the start, with an unusually deep talent pool that had teams and fans alike buzzing with anticipation. The draft class included everything from seasoned college stars to intriguing international prospects, creating what many analysts considered one of the most balanced drafts in recent memory.
The first round unfolded with some predictable picks but also contained a few surprises that had us analysts scrambling to adjust our projections. San Miguel Beermen, holding the first overall pick, went with the consensus top prospect Christian Standhardinger, a move that made perfect sense given their need for frontcourt scoring. What impressed me most about this selection wasn't just Standhardinger's obvious talent, but how perfectly he fit San Miguel's system - a rare alignment of best available talent and team need at the top of the draft. Phoenix Fuel Masters followed by selecting Jason Perkins at number two, a pick I initially questioned but have since come to appreciate given Perkins' development into a reliable rotation player. The third pick saw Columbian Dyip (now Terrafirma Dyip) select CJ Perez, who would later become one of the steals of the draft despite his high selection.
As the draft progressed into the middle of the first round, we saw some fascinating team strategies emerge. Rain or Shine selected Javee Mocon at fifth overall, while Magnolia chose Robbie Herndon at sixth. What struck me about these mid-first round selections was how teams balanced immediate needs against long-term development. Some franchises clearly prioritized ready-to-contribute players, while others took calculated risks on players with higher ceilings but needing more development. Having studied draft patterns across multiple seasons, I noticed that teams were becoming increasingly sophisticated in their approach, often selecting players based on specific system fits rather than just raw talent rankings.
The second round brought its own set of interesting developments, with players like Michael Calisaan going to Rain or Shine and Bong Quinto to Meralco. These later picks often separate good drafting teams from great ones, and I've always believed that second-round success requires a different evaluation approach. Teams need to identify players who might have been overlooked but possess specific skills that can contribute in limited roles. The draft concluded with 39 players selected across three rounds, though as we've seen in previous years, not all would ultimately sign contracts or make final rosters.
What made the 2017 draft particularly memorable from my perspective was how it reflected the evolving nature of Philippine basketball. The inclusion of international players and Fil-foreign prospects demonstrated the league's growing global connections, while the strong representation of local college stars showed the continuing strength of the domestic development system. I've always been fascinated by this balance between homegrown talent and international influence, and the 2017 class perfectly encapsulated this dynamic.
The reference to "Siyempre, may USA, mga ganyan, favorite din yun ng mga Pinoy, so sana supportahan nila kami" resonates deeply when examining this draft class. The excitement around players with international experience or connections reflects how Philippine basketball fandom has evolved. Fans don't just support local talents - they embrace players with diverse backgrounds and experiences, particularly those with exposure to American basketball systems. This inclusive approach to fandom creates a unique environment where players like Standhardinger, despite being a German-Filipino, can quickly become fan favorites.
Looking back several years later, what's most striking is how this draft class has shaped the current PBA landscape. Standhardinger has developed into an All-Star caliber player, Perez won Rookie of the Year and has become a franchise cornerstone, while several second-round picks have exceeded expectations to become rotation players. The success rate of this class has been remarkably high compared to previous years, with approximately 65% of drafted players still in the league today - a figure that's significantly higher than the historical average of around 50%.
From a team-building perspective, the 2017 draft taught me valuable lessons about patience in player development. Some players who initially struggled have developed into key contributors, reminding us that judging drafts immediately after they occur is often premature. The true impact of a draft class can only be properly assessed after several seasons, when players have had time to develop and teams have integrated them into their systems. This particular class has provided numerous examples of players who exceeded their initial projections through hard work and proper development.
The legacy of the 2017 PBA Draft continues to influence how teams approach player selection today. The success of teams that balanced immediate needs with long-term planning has created a template that many franchises now follow. Meanwhile, the unexpected gems discovered in later rounds have encouraged teams to invest more resources in scouting and player development. As someone who analyzes basketball for a living, I find that revisiting past drafts provides invaluable insights into current team strategies and future trends. The 2017 class, with its mix of sure things and pleasant surprises, remains one of the most fascinating case studies in recent PBA history.
