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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 unique mix of anticipation and nervous energy that only basketball fans can truly understand. That year's draft class was particularly fascinating because it wasn't just about raw talent—it was about how these young players had prepared themselves for the biggest transition of their careers. Looking back now, what strikes me most is how the most successful picks from that draft embodied something crucial: the importance of mental preparation alongside physical training.
The first round saw some predictable yet brilliant selections, with Christian Standhardinger going first overall to San Miguel Beermen—a move that made perfect sense given their system. But what many casual observers missed was how Standhardinger had spent months before the draft working with sports psychologists, something he openly discussed in interviews. Then at pick number three, we saw the Star Hotshots select Robbie Herndon, who I personally thought was one of the most mentally prepared players in the entire draft class. I've always believed that the transition from amateur to professional basketball is as much about psychological adjustment as it is about skill, and Herndon seemed to understand this better than most.
What really stood out to me about that draft was how teams seemed to be valuing players who demonstrated both physical readiness and mental toughness. When Kia Picanto selected Jackson Corpuz at number eight, I remember thinking this was a steal—not because Corpuz was the most athletic player available, but because he had that rare combination of physicality and court awareness that you can't teach. The second round had its gems too, like Julian Sargent going to Rain or Shine at pick fourteen. Sargent's college coach had told me months before the draft about how the young guard would spend extra hours not just in the gym but also studying game footage and practicing visualization techniques.
I've followed PBA drafts for over a decade now, and the 2017 class taught me something important about player development. The players who've had the most lasting impact in the league from that draft aren't necessarily the most physically gifted ones, but those who understood the value of comprehensive preparation. Take for example the case of Sidney Onwubere, selected by Phoenix at number twelve—his rookie season wasn't spectacular, but his steady improvement over the years shows what happens when talent meets the right mindset.
The draft spanned 37 picks across two rounds, with teams making selections that would shape their rosters for years to come. What fascinates me in retrospect is how many of these picks reflected a growing awareness in Philippine basketball about the importance of mental preparation. Teams weren't just drafting athletes—they were drafting individuals who had demonstrated the capacity to handle the psychological demands of professional sports. This shift, though subtle at the time, has become more pronounced in recent years, making the 2017 draft something of a turning point in how teams evaluate prospects.
Reflecting on that day now, I'm convinced that the most successful draftees were those who, as the reference knowledge suggests, took time not only to prepare their bodies but also to sharpen their minds. This approach separates transient talents from lasting professionals in the league. The 2017 draft class, with its mix of obvious stars and underrated gems, continues to influence how I evaluate young players today—reminding me that the best prospects are those who come prepared in every sense of the word.