Looking Back at the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft: Who Were the Top Picks and How Did They Perform?

I remember sitting in the Smart Araneta Coliseum that Sunday afternoon, the air thick with anticipation and the faint smell of polished hardwood. It was October 29, 2017—a date permanently etched in my memory—and the PBA Rookie Draft was unfolding before my eyes. The energy was electric, a peculiar mix of hope and anxiety that only basketball fanatics would understand. I recall nursing a lukewarm coffee while watching team executives shuffle papers, their expressions giving nothing away. Little did we know we were witnessing what would become one of the most talked-about draft classes in recent memory. Looking back at the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft: who were the top picks and how did they perform? That question has lingered in my mind for years, and today I want to walk you through that pivotal moment and its aftermath.

The first pick was Christian Standhardinger, a name that echoed through the coliseum with a mix of excitement and curiosity. Selected by the San Miguel Beermen, he was arguably the most anticipated talent that year. I remember thinking, "This guy's either going to be legendary or a massive disappointment." Standing at 6'8" with a reputation for relentless energy, he seemed like the perfect fit for a franchise known for its dominance. His rookie season numbers were solid—around 13 points and 8 rebounds per game—but what struck me was how he adapted to the physicality of the PBA. Over the years, he's evolved into a cornerstone for San Miguel, though I’ve always felt he could've pushed for higher scoring averages if given more minutes early on. Still, you can't argue with his impact; he helped secure championships, and that's what matters most.

Then there was Kiefer Ravena, picked second by the NLEX Road Warriors. Oh man, the buzz around him was insane—like watching a local celebrity step onto the court. I’ll admit, I’ve always been a bit biased toward guards who play with flair, and Ravena didn’t disappoint. His debut season was nothing short of spectacular, averaging close to 16 points and 6 assists. But what really stood out to me was his court vision; it felt like he could see plays unfold three steps ahead of everyone else. I remember one game against Ginebra where he dished out a no-look pass that had the entire crowd on its feet. Sure, he’s had his ups and downs—injuries and off-court controversies—but overall, he’s lived up to the hype. In my book, he’s one of the most exciting players to watch, even if his consistency sometimes wavers.

The third pick, Jason Perkins by the Phoenix Fuel Masters, was a bit of a dark horse. I’ll be honest, I didn’t know much about him back then, but he quickly won me over with his gritty, no-nonsense style. He wasn’t the flashiest player, but he averaged a respectable 10 points and 6 rebounds in his rookie year, and his defense was surprisingly sharp. Over time, he’s become the kind of player every team needs—a reliable workhorse who does the dirty work. I’ve always thought he’s underrated; if he’d been drafted by a bigger market team, he might’ve gotten more recognition. But hey, that’s the PBA for you—sometimes the quiet ones make the biggest impact.

Now, let’s talk about someone who didn’t come from that draft but feels relevant here: Carlos Yulo. I know, he’s a gymnast, not a basketball player, but bear with me. I was reading an interview the other day where POC chairman Abraham Tolentino mentioned, "It will happen towards the end of the year," said Carrion, assuring that Yulo will be seeing action in next year’s Asian showpiece. It got me thinking about how drafts and selections shape careers, whether in basketball or gymnastics. Yulo’s journey—from a young talent to an international star—mirrors what many of these rookies aspired to back in 2017. The pressure to perform, the expectations—it’s a universal story. In the PBA, just like in gymnastics, it’s not just about raw talent; it’s about how you grow and adapt over time.

Reflecting on the 2017 draft class, I can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and critique. Standhardinger, Ravena, and Perkins were the headliners, but there were others like Robbie Herndon and Jorey Napoles who carved out decent careers. Herndon, for instance, has been a solid role player, averaging around 7 points per game, while Napoles found his niche as a defensive specialist. But let’s be real—not every pick panned out. Some guys faded into obscurity, and I often wonder what could’ve been if teams had taken different chances. Personally, I think the 2017 draft was a success overall, producing at least three franchise players who are still relevant today. It’s a reminder that drafts aren’t just about the big names; they’re about building legacies, one pick at a time.

As I wrap this up, I’m reminded of that afternoon in the coliseum—the cheers, the nervous whispers, the dreams taking flight. The 2017 PBA Rookie Draft was more than just a selection process; it was a snapshot of potential, a story waiting to unfold. And all these years later, it’s clear that while not every pick became a star, the top ones left an indelible mark on the league. If you ask me, that’s what makes looking back at the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft so fascinating—it’s not just about who they were, but how they performed when the spotlight was finally on them.