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Who Were the Top Picks in the PBA Rookie Draft 2017 and Where Are They Now?
I still vividly remember the excitement surrounding the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft - it felt like the league was welcoming its next generation of stars. Christian Standhardinger going first overall to San Miguel Beermen was hardly surprising given his dominant performance in the ASEAN Basketball League, where he averaged 21.3 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. What many didn't anticipate was how his journey would mirror that crucial lesson about preparing both body and mind for professional basketball's challenges.
Looking back, Standhardinger's career trajectory has been fascinating to follow. After being traded to NorthPort in 2019, he truly blossomed into the star we expected, putting up impressive numbers of 19.9 points and 12.9 rebounds during the 2021 Philippine Cup. But what really stood out to me was how he handled the pressure of being that top pick. I've spoken with several players who've struggled with the weight of expectations, and Christian's approach of mental preparation alongside physical training clearly made the difference. He's now considered one of the most consistent big men in the league, and honestly, I'd rank him among the top three centers currently playing.
The second pick, Kiefer Ravena, presented an entirely different narrative. His journey to NLEX Road Warriors was complicated by contractual issues that delayed his PBA debut. Watching his career unfold, I've come to appreciate how his time playing in Japan's B.League fundamentally changed his approach to the game. Ravena averaged about 13.4 points and 5.6 assists in his rookie season, solid numbers but perhaps not quite what everyone expected from the phenom we'd watched dominate college basketball. His experience reminds me of that essential truth about sharpening the mind alongside physical preparation - something I believe every young player should take to heart.
What's particularly interesting to me is comparing these top picks with later selections who've arguably had more impact. Jason Perkins, taken fourth by Phoenix, has developed into what I consider the steal of that draft class. His work ethic and basketball IQ have made him indispensable, and I'd argue he's been more valuable to his team than some of the higher picks. Then there's Sidney Onwubere, selected seventh by Rain or Shine, who carved out a solid role through sheer determination and defensive versatility.
The real lesson from tracking these players over six years goes beyond statistics and accolades. I've noticed that the most successful draftees shared that understanding of mental preparation alongside physical training. Some players who had tremendous physical gifts but neglected the mental aspect of the game eventually faded from the league, while those who worked on both aspects continue to thrive. Standhardinger's recent championship with Ginebra perfectly illustrates this - his game-winning plays came not just from physical ability but from basketball intelligence developed through years of mental conditioning.
Reflecting on the 2017 draft class today, it's clear that initial draft position meant less than we thought. What truly determined their professional journeys was their commitment to holistic development - that delicate balance between physical readiness and mental sharpness that separates good players from great ones. As I look at current prospects entering the league, this is the advice I'd emphasize: your body might get you drafted, but it's your mind that will determine how long and how successfully you'll last in this demanding profession.