List PBA Draft 2017: Complete Player Selections and Team Breakdowns
I still remember the excitement building up to that 2017 PBA Draft like it was yesterday. Having covered Philippine basketball for over a decade now, there's something uniquely electric about draft nights - that palpable tension in the air where futures are made and franchise trajectories change forever. The 2017 edition particularly stood out because it wasn't just about individual talents; it was about teams building chemistry that would last, something that reminds me of that beautiful quote from the draft interviews: "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." That genuine connection beyond just basketball skills - that's what separates good drafts from truly transformative ones.
When Kia Picanto (now Terrafirma) selected Christian Standhardinger as the first overall pick, the arena erupted in that special way only PBA fans can muster. Standing at 6'8" with that distinctive German-Filipino background, Christian brought something different to the table - an international flair combined with raw passion that you just can't teach. What many casual observers missed was how his selection represented a shift in drafting philosophy. Teams weren't just looking for the most skilled player anymore; they were seeking individuals who could build that genuine locker room chemistry. I've spoken with several team managers who confessed they'd rather draft a slightly less talented player who fits their culture than a superstar who might disrupt team dynamics.
The second pick saw Columbian Dyip (also now Terrafirma - yes, the franchise changes get confusing even for veterans like me) take Raymar Jose, while Blackwater chose Ray Parks at third. Now here's where it gets interesting from my perspective - Ray Parks was arguably the most naturally gifted player in that draft class, but his journey through multiple leagues before settling in the PBA made some teams hesitant. Looking back, I think that hesitation was misguided. Sometimes we overthink these things when the answer is simpler - great players with strong character find ways to adapt and contribute. The way these players have developed since 2017 really proves that initial draft position matters less than finding the right environment where that "love for each other" can flourish.
San Miguel made what I consider one of the smartest moves of that draft by trading for the fourth pick to select Louie Vigil. Now, I'll be honest - at the time, I thought they were reaching. But watching Vigil develop into the reliable two-way player he is today taught me an important lesson about drafting: sometimes the best picks aren't the flashiest ones, but the ones who understand their role and embrace it completely. Vigil's defensive intensity and improving three-point shot have made him invaluable to the Beermen's system, proving that championship teams aren't just built on stars but on perfect role players too.
The middle rounds of that draft contained what I like to call "hidden gems" - players like Robbie Herndon going to Rain or Shine at 11th overall, or Sidney Onwubere to Phoenix at 13th. These are the picks that separate competent drafting from brilliant scouting. Herndon in particular has developed into one of the league's most underrated two-way wings, and I've always felt he should get more recognition for his consistent growth. What makes these mid-round successes special isn't just the talent identification - it's finding players who buy into team culture completely. That's where that quote about love and commitment really resonates with me. Basketball isn't just about what happens during games; it's about the countless practices, film sessions, and team dinners where real bonds form.
GlobalPort (now NorthPort) selecting Matthew Wright might have been the steal of the draft at 18th overall, though he'd already been playing in the PBA via the Gilas special draft. Still, securing his rights permanently was a franchise-altering move. Wright has since become one of the most dependable scorers in the league, and watching his development has been one of my personal joys covering the PBA. It's players like Wright who make me believe the draft isn't just about immediate impact but about projecting growth trajectories. Teams that understand this tend to build sustainable success rather than flash-in-the-pan contenders.
The later rounds featured names like Joseph Gabayni to GlobalPort, Jett Manuel to Ginebra, and Jon Gabriel to Meralco - players who may not have become superstars but contributed meaningfully to their teams in various capacities. This is where drafting philosophy really shows itself. Championship organizations like Ginebra understand that even second-round picks can develop into rotation players if given the right environment and coaching. Manuel's story particularly stands out - from corporate league standout to PBA contributor - because it exemplifies that undrafted free agent mentality even for drafted players. That hunger and willingness to do whatever it takes for the team embodies that concept of love and commitment we heard about during draft interviews.
Reflecting on the entire 2017 draft class seven years later, what strikes me most isn't the individual achievements but how these players have shaped team identities across the league. The draft produced approximately 42 selections that night, with about 68% still active in the PBA system today - a respectable retention rate that speaks to the depth of that class. More importantly, the relationships formed between these draftees and their teams have created the foundation for the league's current competitive landscape. That intangible element of love and commitment the players spoke about isn't just sentimental fluff - it's the secret sauce that turns talented individuals into cohesive units. Teams that prioritized character alongside talent in their draft evaluations have generally reaped the benefits in the years since. The 2017 PBA Draft wasn't just about selecting basketball players; it was about choosing family members who would fight for each other when games got tough. And in my book, that's what separates memorable drafts from forgettable ones.