Looking Back at the Complete PBA Draft 2017 Player List and Key Picks

Looking back at the 2017 PBA Draft, I still get that familiar thrill remembering how pivotal this class would become for Philippine basketball. As someone who’s followed the league for years, I’ve always believed drafts aren’t just about talent—they’re about chemistry, resilience, and that intangible bond that turns a group of individuals into a team. That’s why one quote from that season has stuck with me: “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.” It’s a sentiment I’ve seen echoed in the careers of several standout picks from that year, players who didn’t just bring skill but heart to their teams.

The first round that year was stacked with names that would go on to shape the league. Christian Standhardinger went first overall to San Miguel—no surprise there, given his dominant presence and versatility. I remember thinking at the time that he’d be a game-changer, and boy, was I right. By his second season, he was averaging around 22 points and 12 rebounds per game, numbers that scream franchise player. Then there was Kiefer Ravena, picked second by NLEX. Ravena wasn’t just a scorer; he was a floor general with that rare ability to lift everyone around him. Watching him, I’ve always felt he embodied that idea of loving the game and the team—not just the highlights. His rookie year, he put up roughly 16 points and 6 assists, but it was his leadership that made the Road Warriors believe they could compete with anyone.

Another pick that stood out to me was Jason Perkins at fourth overall. Phoenix snagged him, and I’ll admit, I initially underestimated his impact. But Perkins proved to be the glue guy every team needs, the type who’d dive for loose balls and celebrate his teammates’ successes as if they were his own. That’s exactly what that quote is about—the love for each other that keeps a team from falling apart. Over the years, he’s averaged close to 12 points and 7 rebounds, but his defensive hustle and unselfish play have been priceless. Then there was the surprise of the draft, in my opinion: Robbie Herndon going to GlobalPort in the second round. Herndon wasn’t a household name then, but he worked his way up, showing that late picks can shine if they’ve got that drive. I’ve always rooted for underdogs like him because they remind me that talent alone isn’t enough; it’s the passion that fuels long careers.

Reflecting on the later rounds, players like Jorey Napoles and Joseph Gabayni might not have grabbed headlines immediately, but they’ve carved out roles through sheer determination. Napoles, for instance, bounced around a bit before finding his footing, and I’ve admired his resilience. It’s players like these who often form the backbone of a team, even if they’re not the stars. They’re the ones who live by that idea of not letting go, no matter the odds. Gabayni, picked by GlobalPort, brought a physicality that’s hard to teach, and though his stats might hover around 5 points and 4 rebounds, his contributions in practice and locker room morale are things stats can’t capture.

As the years have passed, it’s clear that the 2017 draft wasn’t just about individual talent—it was about building cores that could endure. Standhardinger and Ravena, for example, have become faces of their franchises, but it’s the supporting cast like Perkins and Herndon that have made the difference in tight games. I’ve always believed that drafts are where teams lay their foundation, and this one was a masterclass in balancing star power with heart. The quote about love and unity isn’t just fluffy talk; I’ve seen it play out on the court, in how these players support each other through slumps and victories alike.

In conclusion, revisiting the 2017 PBA Draft list is like flipping through a photo album of careers that have blossomed through connection as much as competition. From the top picks to the hidden gems, this class has shown that success in basketball hinges on that unbreakable bond—the kind that keeps players together through thick and thin. As a fan and analyst, I’ll always look back on this draft as a reminder that while stats and picks matter, it’s the human element that truly defines a team’s legacy.