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

I still remember the excitement surrounding the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft like it was yesterday. The atmosphere at Robinson's Place Manila was electric, filled with hopeful young athletes and team executives making franchise-altering decisions. Having covered Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous draft classes, but this particular group held special promise. What fascinates me most isn't just where these players landed initially, but how they've navigated the turbulent waters of professional basketball over these past six years.

Christian Standhardinger going first overall to San Miguel felt like a foregone conclusion even back then. The German-Filipino big man had already shown glimpses of his potential during his stints in international leagues. What many didn't anticipate was how he'd bounce back after being traded to NorthPort in 2019. I've always believed that trades can either break or make a player's career, and in Christian's case, it definitely made him. He averaged 22.7 points and 12.3 rebounds during his first conference with the Batang Pier, numbers that eventually earned him a return to San Miguel where he's become crucial to their recent championships. His journey reminds me that sometimes taking a step back ultimately propels you two steps forward.

Then there's Kiefer Ravena, arguably the most hyped prospect from that draft class. His rookie season got delayed due to the infamous Fiba suspension, but when he finally debuted, he immediately showed why he was worth the wait. What impressed me wasn't just his basketball IQ - we all expected that - but how he handled the pressure of being "the next big thing" in Philippine basketball. I've had conversations with players who struggled with similar expectations, and Kiefer's approach stood out. He didn't just work on his physical game; he constantly studied film and developed his mental toughness, something that's served him well in his transition to playing internationally.

The real surprises of this draft class, in my opinion, were the late bloomers. Jason Perkins, selected fourth by Phoenix, took a couple of seasons to find his footing but has developed into one of the most reliable forwards in the league. His shooting percentage has improved from 42% in his rookie year to nearly 49% last conference. Meanwhile, J-Jay Alejandro, who many thought would be a steal for NLEX at eighth overall, struggled to find consistent playing time and has since moved to Terrafirma. It's tough watching talented players bounce between teams, but that's the reality of professional sports - not every promising prospect becomes a star.

What strikes me about this draft class is how many players have reinvented themselves multiple times. Sidney Onwubere, picked tenth by Rain or Shine, has transformed from an offensive-minded forward to a defensive specialist. I remember watching him during his rookie season thinking he'd be purely a scorer, but coaches saw different potential in him. His transformation didn't happen overnight - it took two full seasons of dedicated work on defense and understanding team schemes.

The thing that got these players through rough stretches in their careers was taking time not only to prepare their bodies but also to sharpen their minds. I've seen too many talented athletes rely solely on physical gifts, only to fade when faced with adversity. The successful ones from this draft class - Standhardinger, Ravena, Perkins - all share that commitment to mental preparation. They study opponents, work with sports psychologists, and develop resilience that serves them during slumps and injuries.

Looking back, the 2017 draft produced 4 All-Stars, 2 Finals MVPs, and several role players who've carved out respectable careers. About 65% of the drafted players are still active in the PBA or international leagues, which is actually above average for a six-year timeframe. The ones who've lasted share that balanced approach to development - physical readiness combined with mental fortitude.

As I reflect on this draft class today, I'm reminded that potential is only the starting point. The players who've succeeded didn't just rely on their draft position or initial hype. They adapted, evolved, and most importantly, they worked on their mental game as much as their physical skills. In many ways, this draft class taught me to look beyond the obvious talents and pay attention to which players have that deeper commitment to their craft. The PBA landscape has changed significantly since 2017, but the fundamental truth remains: sustainable success in professional basketball requires nurturing both body and mind.