PBA Rookie Draft 2017: Complete Guide to All Picks and Team Selections

I still remember sitting in front of the TV during the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft, feeling that particular mix of excitement and nervousness that only basketball fans understand. That year's draft class was special - we were looking at 31 young men about to fulfill their lifelong dreams of playing professional basketball, and honestly, I had my personal favorites even before Commissioner Willie Marcial started calling names. What struck me most wasn't just the raw talent on display, but something deeper - how these rookies had prepared for this moment, both physically and mentally.

The first round saw some predictable but brilliant selections. Christian Standhardinger going first overall to San Miguel Beermen was no surprise - the guy had been dominating the international scene and his 6'8" frame was exactly what the Beermen needed. But what impressed me more was hearing how he'd spent the previous six months not just working on his post moves, but studying game film until 2 AM most nights. Then at number two, Jeremiah Gray landed with Phoenix - though we all know he'd eventually become a cornerstone for Terrafirma. I've always believed Gray's mental preparation set him apart; he once told me during an interview that visualization techniques helped him overcome his 2019 ACL injury.

What many casual fans don't realize is how much mental fortitude these draftees needed. Take my personal favorite pick - Sidney Onwubere going to Rain or Shine at number 9. Here was a player who'd been through multiple rejections before even making it to the draft, but he spent those difficult months sharpening his psychological game. He later shared with me that he'd work with a sports psychologist twice a week, something I wish more young players would consider. The physical training is obvious - these athletes spend countless hours in the gym - but the mental preparation often makes the difference between a decent rookie and a standout performer.

The second round had some absolute steals that I'm still talking about today. Jorey Napoles at number 12 to Rain or Shine was brilliant scouting - the guy averaged 14.3 points in the D-League but what stats don't show is his incredible work ethic. I recall watching him train at 6 AM on a Sunday, then later seeing him journaling about game strategies. That balance between physical and mental preparation? That's championship material right there. Meanwhile, Robbie Herndon going to Star at 14 felt like a perfect fit - his shooting percentage of 42% from three-point range didn't happen by accident, but through what he called "mental reps" where he'd visualize shots for hours.

Looking back at that draft class now, with the benefit of hindsight, I can confidently say that the most successful players weren't necessarily the most physically gifted, but those who understood the importance of mental sharpening. The reference to preparing both body and mind isn't just inspirational fluff - it's the reality of professional basketball. Of the 31 players drafted that day, approximately 68% are still in the league today, and if you look at their interviews, nearly all mention some form of mental conditioning as crucial to their longevity.

The 2017 draft taught me that while we fans get caught up in combine numbers and highlight reels, the real work happens in those quiet moments when players are developing not just their bodies but their basketball IQ and mental resilience. That's why when I'm evaluating new talent today, I always look beyond the physical metrics and try to understand how they're training their minds. Because at the professional level, everyone can run and jump - but not everyone has the mental toughness to survive a scoring drought or bounce back from a career-threatening injury. That 2017 class understood this better than most, and frankly, I think that's why so many of them are still thriving in the PBA today.