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Who Were the Top Picks in the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft and Where Are They Now?
I still remember the excitement surrounding the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft like it was yesterday. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, that particular draft class felt special from the start - brimming with potential that had fans and analysts buzzing with anticipation. The energy in the venue was electric, with teams strategically positioning themselves to snag what many believed could be franchise-changing players. Looking back now, six years later, it's fascinating to see how those top picks have navigated their professional journeys, facing challenges that tested not just their physical abilities but their mental fortitude as well.
The first overall pick that year went to Christian Standhardinger, selected by the San Miguel Beermen though he was immediately traded to Kia (now Terrafirma). The German-Filipino big man entered the league with tremendous hype, having played professionally in Europe and the NBA D-League. His rookie season saw him average 13.1 points and 9.3 rebounds - solid numbers that nevertheless left some expecting more from a top pick. What many didn't see was the adjustment period he needed, moving from international playing styles to the PBA's unique physicality. Standhardinger's career trajectory took him through multiple teams before finding his stride with Barangay Ginebra, where he's developed into one of the league's most reliable big men. His journey reminds me that even highly-touted prospects need time to find their perfect fit in this league.
Right behind him at second overall was Kiefer Ravena, chosen by the NLEX Road Warriors. The "Phenom" entered with perhaps the most fanfare I've seen for any rookie in recent memory, and he didn't disappoint early, putting up 15.8 points and 5.5 assists in his debut conference. But then came the infamous 18-month FIBA suspension that could have derailed a lesser player's career. This is where that concept of sharpening the mind becomes so crucial - Ravena used that forced hiatus not just to maintain his physique but to study the game more deeply. When he returned, his basketball IQ seemed even sharper, and he's since developed into NLEX's undisputed leader and one of the national team's core players. His ability to bounce back from adversity speaks volumes about the mental preparation that separates good players from great ones.
The third pick, Jason Perkins by Phoenix, might have been the steal of that draft. I'll admit I initially underestimated him, but Perkins has proven to be the kind of versatile forward every team covets. He's averaged around 12-14 points throughout his career while shooting an impressive 38% from three-point range. What's remarkable about Perkins is how he's continuously expanded his game, adding new elements each season rather than resting on his rookie success. His development exemplifies how taking time to work on both physical skills and mental understanding of team systems can turn a solid rookie into an essential franchise piece.
Reflecting on these careers, I'm struck by how physical talent alone rarely determines success in the PBA. The players who've thrived from that 2017 class are those who understood early that professional basketball demands continuous growth in all aspects. They've faced injuries, roster changes, coaching transitions, and the immense pressure of Filipino basketball fans' expectations. The ones still making impacts today are those who took time not only to prepare their bodies but also to sharpen their minds - studying film, understanding defensive schemes, and developing the mental resilience to bounce back from poor performances. In a league as competitive as the PBA, that holistic approach to development often makes the difference between a flash-in-the-pan rookie and a lasting professional career.