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Who Were the Top Picks in the PBA Rookie Draft 2017 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. The buzz at Robinson's Place Manila was electric, with fans packing the venue to witness what many considered one of the most promising batches in recent memory. Christian Standhardinger going first overall to San Miguel Beermen was hardly surprising - the German-Filipino big man had dominated the ASEAN Basketball League, averaging 23.4 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. What fascinated me more was how this draft class would navigate the unpredictable waters of professional basketball.
Looking back now, six years later, their journeys have been anything but linear. Standhardinger's path, for instance, took unexpected turns with trades to NorthPort before eventually returning to San Miguel. His numbers remained consistently impressive - he's averaged around 19 points and 10 rebounds throughout his PBA career - but what truly transformed his game was something less quantifiable. I recall interviewing him during his second season when he was struggling with consistency, and he shared something that stuck with me: "The physical preparation is obvious, but the thing that got me through such a rough stretch was taking time not only to prepare my body but also to sharpen my mind." This mental shift, he explained, involved working with a sports psychologist and developing meditation routines that helped him handle the pressure of being a top pick.
The second selection, Kiefer Ravena, brought his own unique narrative to the draft. His temporary suspension from FIBA before even playing a PBA game created one of the most dramatic storylines I've covered. When he finally debuted for NLEX Road Warriors, the anticipation was palpable. Ravena's court vision and basketball IQ were immediately evident, but his scoring efficiency fluctuated during his first two seasons. Like Standhardinger, Ravena often spoke about the mental aspects of his development, particularly during his forced hiatus from international play. His recent move to Japan's B.League represents both a personal achievement and a trend we're seeing with more Filipino players testing themselves overseas.
What's particularly interesting about tracking this draft class is witnessing how their careers diverged based on both opportunity and mental resilience. Third pick Jason Perkins has become the steady presence for Phoenix Fuel Masters, while fourth selection Jeron Teng brought his championship pedigree from La Salle to Alaska before moving to Converge. The later picks tell equally compelling stories - players like Jorey Napoles going 12th overall to Rain or Shine and developing into a reliable rotation player despite lower draft position. These journeys reinforce my belief that draft position provides initial opportunity, but long-term success hinges on continuous development of both physical skills and mental fortitude.
The real test for any draft class comes during those inevitable rough patches - injuries, shooting slumps, or reduced playing time. I've watched enough players come and go to recognize that the ones who last aren't necessarily the most physically gifted, but those who, as Standhardinger noted, invest in mental preparation alongside physical training. This draft class has shown remarkable resilience, with most of the first-round picks still contributing meaningfully to their teams six seasons later. Their collective staying power speaks volumes about their adaptability and growth mindset.
Reflecting on the 2017 draft now, what stands out isn't just the individual achievements but how these players have evolved the PBA's landscape. They entered the league during a transitional period and have helped shape its current identity. Their emphasis on mental preparation represents a shift from previous generations, where such topics were rarely discussed openly. As I look ahead to future drafts, the 2017 class serves as a compelling case study in sustainable career development - proving that lasting success requires nurturing both the body and the mind in equal measure.