Looking back at the 2017 PBA Draft, I still remember the palpable tension in the room—the kind of electric atmosphere that only comes when futures are being decided in real time. That year’s draft wasn’t just about selecting players; it felt more like teams were choosing identities, building not just lineups but brotherhoods. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned covering Philippine basketball over the years, it’s that talent alone doesn’t win championships—it’s that intangible glue, that genuine love for the game and for each other, that turns a group of individuals into something unbreakable. I recall one player, speaking off the record back then, summing it up perfectly: “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 sentiment, in my view, echoed through several team selections that day, especially among squads betting on chemistry as much as skill.

The first round kicked off with some expected moves but also a few surprises that had analysts like me scrambling to adjust our mock drafts. Blackwater Elite, holding the prized first pick, went with Raymar Jose—a solid, dependable big man from FEU. Jose wasn’t the flashiest name on the board, but his work ethic and team-first mentality made him a safe bet. Right after, Columbian Dyip (now known as Terrafirma) snagged Christian Standhardinger, a move that screamed “immediate impact.” Standhardinger, with his FIBA experience and relentless inside presence, was arguably the most pro-ready player available. I remember thinking at the time, this guy could average a double-double in his sleep—and he pretty much did, putting up around 12 points and 9 rebounds in his rookie year if memory serves. But what stood out to me wasn’t just his stats; it was how he meshed with his teammates off the court, embodying that “love for each other” vibe that defines lasting teams. NLEX, picking third, took Kiefer Ravena, and wow, was that a steal. Ravena’s basketball IQ is off the charts—he’s one of those players who makes everyone around him better, and his leadership qualities reminded me why some drafts are won not by the biggest stars, but by the best fits.

As the draft progressed into later rounds, we saw teams like Ginebra and San Miguel making calculated picks that emphasized depth and chemistry. Ginebra, for instance, selected Lervin Flores in the second round—a relative unknown to casual fans, but someone I’d watched in the D-League and knew had untapped potential. He didn’t light up the stat sheet initially, maybe averaging just 3 points per game, but his defensive hustle and locker room presence added a layer of resilience to the team. Similarly, San Miguel’s choice of Louie Vigil in the third round was a nod to versatility; Vigil could slot into multiple positions and brought a gritty, never-say-die attitude that’s pure PBA heritage. Reflecting on these selections, I’ve always believed the mid to late rounds are where champions are quietly built. It’s not just about filling roster spots; it’s about finding players who buy into that culture of mutual support, the kind where, as that player quote goes, they won’t let go of each other even when the game gets tough.

Now, let’s talk about some under-the-radar picks that, in hindsight, showed flashes of brilliance. Tiongson, picked by Blackwater in the fourth round, is a prime example. He wasn’t a high-profile name, but his perimeter shooting and unselfish play made him a valuable role player. I recall one game where he hit a clutch three-pointer and immediately credited his teammates for the setup—that’s the stuff that doesn’t always show up in box scores but wins over fans and coaches alike. On the flip side, there were a few misses, like GlobalPort’s selection of a guard who struggled with injuries and never quite found his rhythm. In my analysis, that’s the gamble of the draft: you can have all the data, but if the player doesn’t connect with the team’s heart, it often falls flat. Personally, I think the 2017 draft class was stronger in intangibles than raw talent, with at least 5 of the 12 first-round picks still making impacts today, which is a decent retention rate for the league.

Wrapping up, the 2017 PBA Draft was a masterclass in balancing skill with soul. Teams that prioritized players who embodied that “love for each other” philosophy—like Ginebra and San Miguel—often reaped rewards beyond wins and losses, fostering squads that felt like families. As I look back, it’s clear that drafts aren’t just about who you pick; they’re about who you become together. And in a league as passionate as the PBA, that’s what keeps fans coming back, season after season.