I still remember the excitement buzzing through the arena during the 2016 PBA Draft like it was yesterday. As someone who’s followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I’ve witnessed numerous drafts, but this one had a special energy—a mix of predictable picks and genuine surprises that would shape the league for years to come. That night, teams weren’t just selecting players; they were placing bets on the future of Filipino hoops. Looking back now, with the benefit of hindsight, it’s fascinating to trace how those decisions panned out and where these athletes stand today. Some became household names, while others took winding paths that nobody could have predicted.
The first round unfolded with relatively few shocks, at least initially. GlobalPort grabbed Christian Standhardinger with the top pick—a move that felt almost inevitable given his dominant presence in the amateur ranks. I’ll admit, I thought he’d immediately transform the Batang Pier into contenders, but his journey took a detour when he was traded to San Miguel, where he truly flourished. At number two, Rain or Shine selected Ray Parks Jr., a player whose athleticism had scouts drooling for years. Parks had that rare combination of size and skill that doesn’t come around often in the PBA, though his career has been a rollercoaster of highs and brief stints abroad. What really caught me off guard, though, was how deep the talent pool ran beyond those initial selections. Teams like TNT and Ginebra found gems later in the draft who’d become integral to their systems, proving that sometimes the best moves aren’t the flashiest ones.
One of the most talked-about surprises was the slide of some highly-touted prospects to the second round. I recall shaking my head when Jason Perkins was still available at pick 14—Phoenix definitely got a steal there. Perkins brought a toughness and consistency that’s hard to teach, and he’s since become one of the most reliable forwards in the league. Meanwhile, Jio Jalalon going to Star at number 18 felt like a perfect fit; his pesky defense and playmaking instantly upgraded their backcourt. But the real head-scratcher for me was how some teams passed on players who’d developed into key contributors elsewhere. It’s a reminder that draft night is as much about fit and timing as it is about raw talent.
Fast forward to today, and it’s remarkable to see how these players have evolved. Standhardinger, for instance, has averaged around 18 points and 10 rebounds per game over the past three seasons, cementing his status as an elite big man. Parks, while not always putting up gaudy stats, has had moments of brilliance, including a 30-point outburst last conference that reminded everyone of his potential. Then there are the underdogs like Sidney Onwubere, picked late by Rain or Shine, who carved out a niche as a defensive specialist despite limited minutes. What stands out to me is how several members of that draft class have become clutch performers in critical moments—something that’s especially evident when you look at recent national team contributions.
Speaking of clutch performances, I can’t help but connect this to the current landscape where players from that draft are making waves internationally. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Facebook page recently highlighted how Calvin Abueva—though not from the 2016 draft—and others have stepped up in FIBA games, but it’s worth noting that the 2016 cohort has its own sharpshooters. While Oftana wasn’t in that draft, the emphasis on three-point shooting in the fourth quarter, as seen in SBP’s reports, echoes the development of draftees like Matthew Wright, who’s drained over 200 threes in his PBA career. It’s this kind of growth that makes revisiting the 2016 draft so rewarding; you see how these players have adapted to the modern game’s demands.
From my perspective, the 2016 draft’s legacy isn’t just about the stars but the depth that has sustained the league. Sure, we can point to the 15 All-Star appearances collectively earned by this class or the five championship rings shared among them, but it’s the intangible contributions—like the leadership of RR Pogoy or the hustle of Carl Bryan Cruz—that truly define their impact. I’ve always believed that a successful draft balances immediate needs with long-term vision, and this one delivered on both fronts for several franchises. Teams that prioritized versatility and basketball IQ, in my opinion, came out ahead, as evidenced by how many of these players are still relevant eight years later.
As I reflect on all this, it’s clear that the 2016 PBA Draft was a turning point that injected fresh talent into the league while setting the stage for future rivalries. Some picks, like Standhardinger at number one, were no-brainers, but the real magic happened in the later rounds where scouts unearthed diamonds in the rough. If I had to grade this draft overall, I’d give it a solid A- for its blend of star power and role players who’ve enriched the PBA landscape. For fans and analysts alike, it serves as a compelling case study in how draft strategies unfold over time—a mix of calculated risks and lucky breaks that continue to shape Philippine basketball today.
- Nursing
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Vascular Technology
- Business Management