Looking Back at the PBA 2016 Draft: Key Picks and Where They Are Now

I still remember the excitement buzzing through the Mall of Asia Arena back in October 2016. The PBA Rookie Draft that year felt particularly significant—a class that promised to shape the league's future for years to come. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over two decades, I've learned to temper my expectations about draft classes, but even I couldn't help getting caught up in the potential of that year's selections. What made this draft especially intriguing was how it balanced proven collegiate stars with intriguing development prospects, creating a fascinating mix that would either flourish or falter under the bright lights of the PBA.

Looking back now, seven years later, I'm struck by how some players exceeded expectations while others never quite found their footing. The first round saw six picks, with Christian Standhardinger going first overall to San Miguel—though he'd actually spend time in the ASEAN Basketball League before finally joining the Beermen in 2017. What many fans forget is that Kiefer Ravena was technically part of this draft class too, selected second by NLEX, though his eventual debut was delayed due to contractual issues. This created an unusual situation where some of the most talked-about players from this class didn't actually play immediately, adding an interesting wrinkle to evaluating the draft's immediate impact.

The third pick, Jason Perkins by Phoenix, turned out to be one of the steals of the draft in my opinion. Perkins brought a workmanlike approach to the game that doesn't always generate headlines but wins games. His consistent performance earned him Rookie of the Year honors for the 2018 season, averaging around 12 points and 7 rebounds during his debut campaign. What I've always appreciated about Perkins is his basketball IQ—he understands spacing, makes smart cuts, and plays within the system rather than forcing shots. In today's positionless basketball era, his versatility as a forward who can defend multiple positions has become increasingly valuable.

Perhaps the most fascinating development from this draft class has been Calvin Oftana, originally selected fifth by NLEX. I'll admit—I had doubts about how his game would translate to the professional level. His shooting mechanics looked slightly unorthodox to my trained eye, and I wondered if he could create his own shot against PBA-level defenders. How wrong I was. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Facebook page recently highlighted how Oftana was among the players who hit key threes in the fourth quarter during international play, and this doesn't surprise me one bit anymore. His transformation into a clutch performer has been remarkable to witness. From averaging just 7 points in his rookie season, he's developed into a legitimate scoring threat who can drop 20 points on any given night. His journey exemplifies the importance of player development and patience—qualities that sometimes get overlooked in our instant-gratification basketball culture.

The sixth pick, Robbie Herndon by Star (now Magnolia), represents what I'd call a solid rotational player—the kind every championship team needs. He's never been a star, but he's carved out a respectable career by understanding his role and excelling within it. His defensive versatility has been particularly valuable, allowing coaches to match him up against various perimeter threats. What's interesting about Herndon is how he's bounced around different teams—from Star to San Miguel to NorthPort—yet consistently found ways to contribute. In many ways, his career trajectory reminds me that not every draft success story needs to be about becoming an All-Star; sometimes, it's about finding your niche and thriving there.

As I reflect on this draft class today, what strikes me most is how it produced several players who've become integral to Gilas Pilipinas' future. Oftana's development into a reliable international performer speaks volumes about the PBA's ability to cultivate talent for the national team. Standhardinger, despite being 34 now, continues to be a force in the paint, averaging around 15 points and 9 rebounds last conference. Ravena, while now playing in Japan, showed flashes of brilliance during his PBA stint that demonstrated why he was such a coveted prospect.

If I'm being completely honest, this draft class hasn't produced a transformational superstar—no Junemar Fajardo or James Yap-level talent emerged from this group. But what it did provide was depth and quality role players who've strengthened the league overall. In a country obsessed with basketball stars, we sometimes underestimate the importance of having competent, professional players who raise the overall quality of play. The 2016 draft gave us exactly that—a collection of players who may not always dominate headlines but have consistently contributed to their teams' successes.

The true test of any draft class comes years later, and looking at where these players are now, I'd grade the 2016 PBA Draft a solid B+. It didn't revolutionize the league, but it provided several cornerstone pieces who continue to impact games today. The development stories, particularly Oftana's emergence as a clutch performer, serve as valuable reminders that player growth isn't always linear and that sometimes the most rewarding aspects of basketball come from watching prospects exceed their projected ceilings. As I look toward future drafts, the 2016 class stands as a compelling case study in balanced talent evaluation—a mix of safe picks and developmental prospects that ultimately strengthened the league's foundation.