Looking Back at the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft: Where Are They Now?

I still remember the excitement surrounding the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft like it was yesterday. The buzz at the PBA Café in Metropolis was electric, with teams and fans alike wondering which prospects would become the league's next superstars. Seven years later, it's fascinating to see how these players have navigated their professional journeys, and I can't help but reflect on how their career trajectories mirror that insightful quote about athletes needing to prepare both body and mind. That dual focus has made all the difference for some, while others have struggled to find that balance.

Looking at the draft's top picks, Christian Standhardinger stands out as the ultimate success story. Selected first overall by the San Miguel Beermen, he's developed into one of the league's most dominant big men. What many don't realize is that his journey wasn't always smooth - he actually played for 5 different teams before finding his groove with Barangay Ginebra. I've always admired how he adapted his European-style game to the PBA's physicality, and his 2021 Governors' Cup Finals MVP award was well-deserved. His career averages of around 18 points and 10 rebounds per game don't lie - this guy put in the work both physically and mentally.

Then there's Jason Perkins, the fourth overall pick who's become the heart and soul of the Phoenix Fuel Masters. I've followed his career closely because he represents what happens when talent meets the right mindset. Perkins could have easily faded into rotation player status, but instead he's developed into an All-Star caliber forward. His shooting percentage from beyond the arc has consistently hovered around 38%, which is impressive for a power forward. What I appreciate most about him is his basketball IQ - you can tell he studies the game deeply, not just relying on athleticism.

The draft class had its share of surprises too. Robbie Herndon, picked seventh, has carved out a respectable career as a 3-and-D specialist, currently with the Magnolia Hotshots. Meanwhile, some highly-touted prospects like Lervin Flores (third pick) and Zachary Nicholls (fifth) have struggled to make their mark. Watching their journeys, I've come to believe that the mental aspect separates those who stick around from those who don't. The PBA grind is relentless - 48 games per season plus playoffs - and it takes more than physical gifts to survive.

Speaking of mental toughness, Sidney Onwubere's story resonates with me personally. Selected 12th overall, he's bounced around several teams before finding a role with NorthPort. I remember interviewing him early in his career when he was struggling for minutes, and he emphasized how studying game film and meditation helped him stay ready. That approach reminds me exactly of the wisdom about sharpening the mind being crucial during rough stretches. He might not be putting up All-Star numbers - averaging about 6 points and 4 rebounds - but he's carved out a 7-year career by understanding his role and staying mentally prepared.

What strikes me about this draft class is how their career paths have diverged based on their ability to adapt. The PBA has evolved significantly since 2017, introducing the 3-point shot at a higher clip and emphasizing positionless basketball. Players who worked on expanding their skill sets while maintaining mental fortitude have thrived, while those who relied solely on their draft position have largely faded away. From my perspective, this draft produced about 8 legitimate rotation players out of 25 selections, which isn't bad considering how unpredictable professional basketball can be.

As I look back, the 2017 draft class teaches us that physical preparation only gets you so far. The players who've endured - Standhardinger, Perkins, Herndon - all share that commitment to continuous mental growth. They've shown that surviving the PBA requires more than just talent; it demands resilience, adaptability, and that often-overlooked work on one's mindset. In many ways, their journeys validate that crucial insight about balancing physical and mental preparation. Seven years later, we can clearly see which players understood this formula for long-term success.