Your Ultimate Guide to the Complete PBA Draft 2017 Player List and Analysis

I still remember the excitement building up to the 2017 PBA Draft like it was yesterday. Having covered Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous draft classes come and go, but there was something particularly special about this batch. Maybe it was the way teams were positioning themselves, or perhaps it was the unique blend of talent that had everyone talking. What struck me most was how this draft class embodied that beautiful Filipino basketball spirit - the kind of camaraderie captured perfectly in that quote from one of the prospects: "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 individual talent; it was about heart, connection, and that unbreakable bond that makes Philippine basketball so unique.

Looking back at the complete player list, what immediately stands out is the incredible depth of this draft. We had 49 players selected across multiple rounds, with teams making strategic moves that would shape their futures for years to come. The first round alone featured 12 picks, starting with Christian Standhardinger going to San Miguel Beermen as the first overall selection. Now, I'll be honest - while everyone was talking about Standhardinger's obvious talent, I had my doubts about how quickly he'd adapt to the PBA style. But watching his development since then has been nothing short of remarkable. The second pick, Kiefer Ravena to NLEX Road Warriors, was what I considered the steal of the draft. His basketball IQ was off the charts, and having followed his career since his Ateneo days, I knew he had that special quality that separates good players from great ones.

What made this draft particularly fascinating was how teams balanced between immediate needs and long-term development. Take the Blackwater Elite, for instance - they selected Raymar Jose as their 4th pick, a move that showed they were thinking about building a solid foundation rather than just going for flashy names. I've always appreciated when teams draft for system fit rather than just taking the biggest name available. The third round saw some incredible value picks too, with players like Joseph Gabayni going to GlobalPort at 25th overall. I remember thinking at the time that he could develop into a reliable big man, and his progression since then has proven many scouts right. The draft lasted five rounds total, with teams making calculated risks on players who might need more development but showed tremendous upside.

The beauty of analyzing this draft class years later is seeing how these players have grown together and maintained those bonds they often spoke about during draft combine interviews. That quote about love and sticking together wasn't just empty words - we've seen it play out in how these players support each other through slumps and celebrate each other's successes. I've noticed that the most successful players from this class are those who understood that basketball in the Philippines is as much about relationships as it is about skill. Jason Perkins, selected 4th by Phoenix, quickly became one of my favorite players to watch because of how he embodied this spirit while putting up impressive numbers - I'd estimate he's averaged around 12 points and 7 rebounds since entering the league, though don't quote me on those exact figures.

What many casual observers might not realize is how much preparation goes into these draft decisions. Teams spend countless hours reviewing game footage, conducting interviews, and even looking into players' backgrounds beyond basketball. I've had the privilege of speaking with several team executives over the years, and they often emphasize character as much as talent. This draft class had both in spades. The later rounds produced gems like Robbie Herndon, who went to Rain or Shine as the 18th pick and has since developed into a reliable rotation player. It's these success stories that make the draft so compelling year after year.

Reflecting on the entire 2017 draft landscape, I'm struck by how well teams balanced risk and reward. Some picks that seemed questionable at the time have worked out beautifully, while others that looked like sure things haven't quite panned out as expected. That's the unpredictable nature of sports drafts - there's no perfect science to it. But what remains constant is that Philippine basketball spirit, that sense of family and commitment that these players carry with them. As we look toward future drafts, the 2017 class serves as a wonderful reminder that while talent gets you noticed, it's heart and connection that truly make a player great in the PBA. The bonds formed between these players, the way they've supported each other through injuries and slumps, the shared determination to improve - these are the elements that transform a group of individual athletes into something much more meaningful.