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

I still remember sitting in front of the TV screen back in 2017, watching the PBA Rookie Draft unfold with that particular mix of anticipation and skepticism that only true basketball fans would understand. That year's draft class was special - not necessarily because it was stacked with superstar talent, but because it represented something deeper about athlete development that often gets overlooked in professional sports. The reference material about preparing both body and mind resonates strongly with me when I reflect on that draft, because frankly, that's exactly what separated the successful picks from the disappointing ones.

Looking back at the actual selections, Christian Standhardinger going first overall to San Miguel Beer felt almost inevitable at the time. The guy had this incredible physical presence at 6'8" with a wingspan that made scouts drool, but what impressed me more was his mental approach to the game. I've followed his career since his college days, and the way he adapted to different playing styles across multiple countries showed a level of mental flexibility that's rare in players his size. Meanwhile, Kiefer Ravena's selection by NLEX as the second pick was probably the most talked-about moment of that draft. The guy had already built this reputation as a basketball savant - you could see him processing the game differently from everyone else on the court. His basketball IQ was off the charts, and honestly, I think that's why he's had the longevity he's enjoyed in the league despite not being the most physically gifted athlete.

What really stands out to me about that draft class is how many players understood the importance of that mind-body connection the reference material mentions. Take Jason Perkins, who went fourth to Phoenix - he wasn't the most hyped prospect coming in, but he had this incredible work ethic that extended beyond physical training. I remember talking to one of the team staff members who mentioned how Perkins would spend hours studying game footage, sometimes until 2 AM, trying to understand defensive rotations and offensive sets. That mental preparation showed in his rookie season where he averaged around 9.2 points and 6.8 rebounds - solid numbers for a rookie forward.

The draft had 27 total selections that year, with teams making some interesting choices that reflected their specific needs. GlobalPort picking Robbie Herndon at number 11 was a move that raised some eyebrows initially, but looking back, it showed their understanding of finding players who fit their system mentally as much as physically. Herndon had this reputation for being a student of the game, and I think that's why he managed to stick around despite not having the traditional measurables teams usually look for.

What I've come to realize, especially when analyzing drafts years later, is that the most successful transitions from amateur to professional basketball almost always involve that dual preparation the reference material highlights. The players who lasted in the league weren't necessarily the most athletic or physically imposing - they were the ones who understood the mental demands of professional basketball. They studied opponents, adapted to different coaching styles, and maintained psychological resilience through the inevitable slumps and challenges. That 2017 draft class produced about 14 players who are still active in the PBA today, which is actually a pretty decent retention rate compared to some other years.

The draft's later rounds had some gems too - Sidney Onwubere going to Rain or Shine at number 13 comes to mind. What made him successful wasn't just his athleticism but his understanding of team defense concepts, something that's crucial in Coach Caloy Garcia's system. I've always believed that the mental aspect becomes even more important for second-round picks and undrafted players because they have to work smarter, not just harder, to earn their spots.

Reflecting on it now, the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft taught me that while physical talent gets you noticed, mental preparation determines how long you last. The players who embraced that holistic approach to their development - working on their minds as diligently as their bodies - are the ones who built sustainable careers. That's a lesson that extends beyond basketball, really. In any competitive field, the people who succeed long-term are those who understand that peak performance requires both physical readiness and mental sharpness. The 2017 draft class, with its mix of immediate contributors and developmental projects, perfectly illustrated this balance between physical gifts and mental fortitude that separates temporary flashes from lasting careers.