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

I still remember sitting in front of the TV back in 2016, watching the PBA draft unfold with that particular excitement only basketball fans would understand. The air was thick with anticipation - teams were looking for their next franchise players, while young talents waited nervously to see where their professional journeys would begin. What made this draft particularly special was how it intersected with the national team's preparations. I recall Gilas coach Tab Baldwin's comments about player selection ringing in my ears during the proceedings: "From there, I will select. If they will have more opportunity to play [before the Worlds], they have more chances to be on the [final] 14 for the World Championship." This philosophy seemed to hover over the draft like an unspoken rule, influencing teams' decisions in ways we're only fully understanding now.

The first round that year was absolutely stacked with talent. When the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters selected Maverick Ahanmisi with the third overall pick, I remember thinking they'd gotten themselves a steal. Ahanmisi had shown flashes of brilliance in college, and his athleticism was something you couldn't teach. Fast forward to today, and he's developed into one of the most reliable guards in the league, averaging around 12.8 points per game last season. What's fascinating is how his development path aligned perfectly with Baldwin's philosophy - he got consistent playing time early in his career, which accelerated his growth tremendously. Meanwhile, the fourth pick, Troy Rosario going to TNT KaTropa, felt like destiny at the time. His versatility as a big man who could stretch the floor was exactly what modern basketball demanded. I've watched him evolve from a promising rookie to a national team mainstay, and it's been quite the journey.

Then there was the curious case of Chris Javier going to the Alaska Aces as the eighth pick. I'll be honest - I scratched my head at this one initially. He wasn't the most hyped prospect coming in, but Alaska's management clearly saw something others didn't. Javier's career hasn't been spectacular by any means, but he's carved out a decent role as a serviceable big man. What's interesting is comparing his path to someone like RR Pogoy, who went sixth to TNT. Pogoy exploded onto the scene almost immediately, his fearless playing style earning him national team consideration rather quickly. The difference in their trajectories really highlights how crucial fit and opportunity are for young players. Pogoy got meaningful minutes on a competitive team from day one, while Javier had to fight for scraps on a crowded roster.

Looking back, what strikes me most about that draft class is how many players actually lived up to their billing. We've seen about 65% of the first-round picks become legitimate rotation players, which is pretty impressive when you consider how many draft picks flame out in professional leagues worldwide. The second round had its gems too - Jio Jalalon slipping to Star Hotshots at 16th overall was criminal in my opinion. I've always been high on Jalalon's playmaking and pesky defense, and he's proven me right by becoming one of the league's premier point guards. His journey from second-round pick to national team member perfectly illustrates Baldwin's point about opportunity breeding success.

What's equally fascinating are the stories of players who didn't quite pan out as expected. Kevin Ferrer went seventh to Ginebra, and while he's had his moments, I can't help but feel he hasn't reached his full potential. There were games where he looked like a future star, but consistency has been his Achilles heel. Then there's Carl Bryan Cruz, who Alaska picked 12th. His development has been slower than many anticipated, though he's shown flashes of the player he could become. These cases remind us that the draft is as much about fit and development as it is about raw talent.

Seven years later, the class of 2016 has given us multiple All-Stars, national team members, and cornerstone franchise players. When I look at where these players are today, Baldwin's words echo louder than ever - opportunity truly is the catalyst for growth in professional basketball. The teams that understood this, that gave their young players meaningful minutes and room to make mistakes, are the ones who reaped the biggest rewards from this draft. It's a lesson that extends beyond basketball really - potential needs the right environment to flourish. As I watch these players now, some in their prime and others entering the latter stages of their careers, I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for that October day in 2016 when their professional stories were just beginning.