PBA Draft 2007: Where Are the Top Picks Now and How Their Careers Evolved

I still remember the excitement surrounding the 2007 PBA Draft like it was yesterday. The air crackled with anticipation as teams prepared to select what many considered one of the most promising draft classes in recent memory. Having followed Philippine basketball for over two decades, I've witnessed numerous drafts come and go, but there was something special about this particular group of young talents. They weren't just athletes; they represented the future of Philippine basketball at a time when the sport was undergoing significant transformation. The draft produced what fans would later call the "Tropang 5G" era - five exceptional players who would shape the league for years to come.

When we look back at that draft now, it's fascinating to trace how these top picks navigated their professional journeys. The number one selection that year was Joe Devance, chosen by Welcoat Dragons (now known as Rain or Shine). Standing at 6'7", Devance brought an unusual combination of size and guard skills that made him an immediate impact player. What many people don't remember is that he actually played 47 games in the NBA D-League before entering the PBA, averaging 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds. His transition to the Philippine basketball scene was smoother than most imports, and I've always believed his versatility was underappreciated by casual fans. Over his 14-year career, Devance would win 8 championships across three different franchises, proving his value repeatedly in crucial moments.

The second pick was Samigue Eman, selected by Alaska Aces. At 6'9", he was projected to be the dominant big man the league desperately needed. Honestly, I had high hopes for Eman - his physical tools were undeniable, and I remember telling colleagues he could average a double-double within his first three seasons. His career, however, never quite reached those heights. He bounced between four teams over eight seasons, with his best year coming in 2011 when he averaged 7.2 points and 5.8 rebounds for Barako Bull. While he never became the superstar many envisioned, Eman carved out a respectable career as a reliable rotation player, something that's harder to achieve than people realize.

Then there was the curious case of third pick Doug Kramer, chosen by Air21 Express. Kramer represented what I like to call the "blue-chip worker" - not necessarily flashy, but consistently valuable. His career spanned 13 seasons, primarily with Rain or Shine and Barangay Ginebra, where he became known for his relentless rebounding and defensive presence. What impressed me most about Kramer was his basketball IQ - he always seemed to be in the right position, understanding his limitations while maximizing his strengths. He retired in 2020 with career averages of 5.4 points and 5.9 rebounds, numbers that don't fully capture his impact on winning basketball.

The fourth selection was Yousif Aljamal, picked by Purefoods (now Magnolia). His journey took an unexpected turn when he decided to play extensively in Middle Eastern leagues before fully committing to the PBA. I've always wondered how his career might have differed had he focused solely on the Philippine league from the beginning. When he did return, he showed flashes of brilliance, particularly during his stint with GlobalPort where he averaged 11.3 points in the 2014 Commissioner's Cup. His career path reminds me that basketball journeys aren't always linear, and sometimes the most interesting careers take detours that enrich a player's overall development.

Rounding out the top five was Cholo Villanueva, selected by Red Bull. The point guard from De La Salle University brought championship pedigree and court vision that made him instantly valuable. Villanueva's career was shorter than the others - just six seasons - but he made them count, particularly during his time with Burger King/Talk 'N Text where he served as a reliable backup point guard. I've always had a soft spot for players like Villanueva who understand their role perfectly and execute without demanding spotlight.

What's particularly interesting about tracking these careers is seeing how their paths occasionally intersect with current basketball narratives. Just recently, Tropang 5G team manager Jojo Lastimosa made comments regarding their resident import's social media post about NBA training camp opportunities. This connection between past and present illustrates how the basketball ecosystem remains interconnected through relationships and shared histories. Lastimosa himself was part of legendary PBA teams, and his perspective bridges multiple generations of Philippine basketball.

Reflecting on these careers fifteen years later, what strikes me most is how each player's journey reflected their unique personalities and circumstances. Devance became the decorated champion, Eman the serviceable big man, Kramer the consistent worker, Aljamal the international journeyman, and Villanueva the role-playing specialist. Their combined careers tell a broader story about Philippine basketball's evolution during this period - the increasing international influences, the changing team strategies, and the league's growing commercialization.

If I had to pick the most successful career from that draft class, I'd give the nod to Devance, though Kramer's longevity and consistent contribution make him a close second in my book. What's undeniable is that each of these players left their mark on the league in different ways. They competed through rule changes, franchise relocations, and the natural evolution of playing styles. Their careers remind us that success in professional sports isn't just about individual statistics but about finding one's place in the larger basketball tapestry. As new generations of players enter the league, the lessons from the class of 2007 remain relevant - adaptability, perseverance, and understanding one's role are just as important as raw talent.