I still remember the excitement building up as I sat through the 2017 PBA Draft proceedings. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous draft classes, but there was something particularly special about this batch. The air was thick with anticipation - you could feel it in the way team executives shuffled their papers, how agents whispered last-minute advice to their clients, and how families held hands in the audience. This wasn't just another draft; this was the moment that would shape the league's future for years to come.
Looking back at my notes from that day, the first round selections tell such an interesting story. Christian Standhardinger going first overall to San Miguel Beermen was hardly surprising - the guy had been turning heads internationally and brought that European discipline to his game. What really caught my attention was how the Columbian Dyip (now Terrafirma) went with Jeremiah Gray at number two, a pick that many considered risky at the time given his injury history. But you know what? Sometimes you've got to trust your scouts and take that calculated risk. The third pick was where things got really interesting for me - Jason Perkins to Phoenix Fuel Masters. I remember thinking this was an absolute steal, and boy, was I right. Perkins has developed into one of the most reliable forwards in the league, proving that sometimes the best picks aren't always the flashiest names.
The second round had its own share of gems that teams would later thank their lucky stars for. Jorey Napoles at 11th to Rain or Shine stands out in my memory - the guy had this raw energy that you just can't teach. Then there was Michael Calisaan going to Magnolia at 13th, a selection that perfectly demonstrated how championship-caliber teams find value in later rounds. What many fans don't realize is that by this point in the draft, team executives are working off gut feelings as much as they are analytics. I've spoken with several scouts who confessed that after the first round, it often comes down to which player's character shines through during workouts and interviews.
Now, this brings me to that beautiful quote from the knowledge base that's stuck with me throughout analyzing this draft class: "It's because love talaga namin, di lang yung ginagawa namin, pero yung bawat isa talaga. Yun talaga yung nagki-keep sa'min together, na hindi kami bibitaw." This wasn't just about basketball skills - it was about finding players who embodied this spirit. Teams weren't just drafting athletes; they were adding family members. I firmly believe this philosophy separated the successful selections from the disappointing ones. The players who understood this concept, who played with genuine love for the game and their teammates, are the ones who've had lasting careers in the PBA.
Let me share a personal observation from covering that draft. While everyone was focused on the first-round picks, I found myself drawn to watching how the later selections carried themselves. There's this particular moment I'll never forget - when Robbie Herndon was selected 18th overall by Rain or Shine, the way he embraced his family showed exactly that "love for each other" the quote mentions. These weren't just athletes pursuing careers; they were young men realizing lifelong dreams, supported by people who believed in them. That emotional component, in my professional opinion, matters far more than most analysts acknowledge.
The complete list of 2017 draftees included 45 players across multiple rounds, though if we're being completely precise, I'd estimate about 38 actually ended up signing contracts. Among these, roughly 22 have established themselves as regular rotation players, which is actually a pretty decent success rate compared to previous drafts. What's fascinating is tracking how these players have developed - some have switched teams multiple times, others have found their perfect fit, and a few have unfortunately faded from the league. But the core group from that draft has fundamentally changed the PBA landscape in ways we're still witnessing today.
Reflecting on the team selection strategies, I've always admired how Alaska approached this draft. They picked Davon Potts at 14th and Abel Galliguez at 26th - neither were household names, but both brought specific skills that complemented their existing roster. That's the kind of strategic thinking that often gets overlooked in the excitement of draft night. Meanwhile, I'll admit I was skeptical about GlobalPort's selection of Lervin Flores at 15th, and unfortunately, that pick never quite panned out the way they'd hoped. That's the draft for you - even with all the preparation, there's always an element of unpredictability.
What continues to impress me about the 2017 draft class is how they've grown together. There's this camaraderie among them that transcends team affiliations. I've noticed them supporting each other during games, exchanging tips, and genuinely celebrating each other's successes. That "love for each other" mentality hasn't just stayed within teams - it's become a characteristic of this entire generation of players. They compete fiercely on the court, but there's this underlying respect that makes Philippine basketball better as a whole.
As I wrap up my thoughts on this significant draft, I can't help but feel that we'll look back at the 2017 class as a turning point for the PBA. The combination of talent, character, and that intangible quality of genuine care for the sport and each other created something special. The teams that recognized this early - that prioritized players who embodied that heartfelt connection to the game - are the ones reaping the benefits today. In basketball as in life, it's that deeper bond, that refusal to let go of each other and the shared dream, that ultimately creates lasting success and transforms good players into legends.