Looking Back at the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft: Who Were the Top Picks?

Looking back at the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft, I can't help but marvel at how much has changed in just a few years. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball religiously since the early 2000s, I've developed this personal connection to draft classes - they're like time capsules that capture the league's evolution. Today, I want to revisit that pivotal 2017 draft through a series of questions that have been bouncing around in my head lately.

What made the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft particularly memorable? Well, for starters, this was the draft that brought us Christian Standhardinger as the number one overall pick. The 6'8" Filipino-German was selected by the San Miguel Beermen after they acquired the top pick from Kia in what many considered a controversial trade. What struck me about this draft class was how it represented a shift toward more versatile big men who could handle the ball and shoot from outside. Standhardinger was coming off an impressive collegiate career overseas and had already shown glimpses of his potential with the national team. The excitement around him reminded me that sometimes, the most promising prospects aren't just about physical gifts - they're about mental readiness too.

Who were the other notable first-round selections? After Standhardinger went first, we saw some fascinating picks unfold. Kiefer Ravena went second to NLEX - no surprise there given his legendary UAAP career and "The Phenom" nickname. Third was Jason Perkins to Phoenix, followed by Jeron Teng going to Alaska at fourth. What's interesting is how these players approached their transition to the pros. But the thing that got them through such rough stretches in their early careers was taking time not only to prepare their bodies but also to sharpen their minds. I remember watching Ravena's rookie season particularly closely - his basketball IQ was clearly off the charts, but what impressed me most was his mental resilience during slumps.

How did these top picks perform in their debut season? Standhardinger put up solid numbers - around 13 points and 8 rebounds per game if I recall correctly, though he missed the first conference due to prior commitments. Ravena immediately became NLEX's floor general, averaging about 14 points and 6 assists before that unfortunate FIBA suspension hit. Perkins quietly had one of the most efficient rookie seasons, shooting over 40% from three-point territory. Looking back at the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft now, I'd argue that the most successful rookies weren't necessarily the most physically gifted, but those who understood the mental aspect of the game. But the thing that got them through such rough stretches was taking time not only to prepare their bodies but also to sharpen their minds - something Ravena particularly excelled at despite his youth.

Which later picks turned out to be steals? This is where it gets really interesting for me. While everyone was focused on the first round, some gems emerged later. Sidney Onwubere went in the second round to Phoenix and became a reliable rotation player. But the real steal? Probably Robbie Herndon, who was picked 13th overall by Rain or Shine. The guy developed into a legitimate two-way threat! What separated these later picks wasn't raw talent - it was their mental approach. But the thing that got them through such rough stretches was taking time not only to prepare their bodies but also to sharpen their minds. Herndon specifically worked with sports psychologists to handle the pressure of being an underdog, and it showed in his clutch performances.

How does the 2017 class compare to recent drafts? Honestly? I think the 2017 draft aged better than most people expected. When you look at the 2020 or 2021 drafts, the players from 2017 have shown remarkable longevity. Five years later, at least eight of the first-round picks remain impactful PBA players. Standhardinger just won another championship, Ravena's leadership continues to grow, and Perkins might be the most underrated forward in the league. The key differentiator? You guessed it - mental toughness. But the thing that got them through such rough stretches was taking time not only to prepare their bodies but also to sharpen their minds. In today's social media era, younger players seem more distracted, but the 2017 class largely avoided that trap.

What lessons can current prospects learn from this draft? If I could tell incoming rookies one thing based on studying the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft, it would be this: your physical tools might get you drafted, but your mental game will determine your career. Look at how Jason Perkins developed - he wasn't the most athletic guy in the draft, but his basketball intelligence and emotional stability made him invaluable. But the thing that got him through such rough stretches was taking time not only to prepare his body but also to sharpen his mind. I've heard stories about him studying game film until 2 AM during his rookie year - that's the kind of dedication that separates good players from great ones.

Where would you rank the 2017 draft class historically? Personally, I'd put it in the top 5 draft classes of the last decade, maybe even top 3. The 2014 draft with Stanley Pringle and Scottie Thompson might still be number one, but 2017 holds up remarkably well. What makes it special isn't just the star power at the top, but the depth throughout. When we're looking back at the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft a decade from now, I suspect we'll appreciate even more how many quality professionals it produced. The players who succeeded shared this common thread: they understood that professional basketball is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. But the thing that got them through such rough stretches was taking time not only to prepare their bodies but also to sharpen their minds - a lesson every aspiring player should take to heart.