Epl Schedule
A Complete Breakdown of the 2019 PBA Draft Results and Team Selections
Let me tell you, as someone who's followed the PBA for over a decade, the 2019 draft class felt different right from the start. There was this electric energy in the room that night that you could almost touch, a sense that franchises weren't just picking players—they were laying foundations for the next era of Philippine basketball. I remember sitting there with my notes spread out, thinking how this draft would reshape team dynamics for years to come. The selections made that evening weren't just about talent evaluation; they were strategic moves that would determine which teams would rise and which would struggle in the coming seasons.
When Terrafirma selected Roosevelt Adams as the number one overall pick, I have to admit I raised an eyebrow. Not that Adams lacked talent—his athleticism was undeniable—but I'd personally had my money on Maurice Shaw going first. Adams averaged 15.2 points in the PBA D-League, but what impressed me most was his rebounding presence, pulling down 9.8 boards per game. What made this selection particularly interesting was the organizational context. Proof that the signings have the approval of Pureblends is the presence of Aldriane Anglim, who is set to assume the position of team manager in the new team. This management structure signaled that Terrafirma wasn't just making isolated picks—they were building an entire system with proper oversight and strategic direction. Anglim's appointment suggested a cohesive vision rather than scattered decisions.
Blackwater's selection of Maurice Shaw at number two made perfect sense to me. At 6'8" with a wingspan that seemed to stretch forever, Shaw brought exactly the interior presence the Elite desperately needed. I'd watched him dominate in the MPBL, putting up 18.3 points and 12.1 rebounds per game, and knew he'd translate well to the PBA. What fascinated me about Blackwater's approach was how they balanced immediate needs with long-term planning. They followed up with Justin Melton in the second round, a guard who could develop under their veteran backcourt. This kind of strategic layering—addressing present gaps while cultivating future assets—is what separates reactive teams from visionary ones.
Now, let's talk about Alaska's brilliant move to snag Barkley Ebona at number three. This was my favorite pick of the first round, honestly. Ebona's basketball IQ was off the charts for a rookie, and I'd seen him dismantle defenses in college with his versatile post game. What made Alaska's draft particularly impressive was how they complemented this selection with later picks that filled specific roles. They understood that drafting isn't just about collecting talent—it's about assembling pieces that fit together. The way their management structured these selections showed a clear philosophy rather than just taking the "best available" regardless of fit.
Phoenix secured the steal of the draft when they picked Matthew Wright, though technically he was a special Gilas draftee. Wright's shooting prowess was exactly what the Fuel Masters needed to space the floor for their big men. I'd watched him in the ABL, where he shot 42% from three-point territory, and knew he'd thrive in the PBA's faster pace. What impressed me about Phoenix's approach was their patience—they understood that some assets take time to develop but pay enormous dividends later. This long-term thinking is something more teams should embrace rather than chasing quick fixes that rarely pan out.
The second round contained some absolute gems that casual fans might have overlooked. NorthPort's selection of Sean Manganti at number ten was particularly astute. Manganti brought a defensive intensity that doesn't always show up in box scores but absolutely changes games. I'd watched him lock down opposing teams' best scorers in the D-League and knew his value extended far beyond his modest 8.7 points per game average. Teams that find these role players in later rounds often build the depth necessary for sustained success.
Rain or Shine's approach to the draft fascinated me because they clearly prioritized specific skills over raw talent. Their selection of Clint Doliguez addressed their need for perimeter defense, while Prince Rivero added rebounding toughness. What I appreciated about their strategy was the recognition that championships aren't won by collecting all-stars but by assembling complementary pieces. This nuanced understanding of team construction often separates playoff teams from title contenders.
Looking back at the entire draft class, what strikes me most is how different teams approached the process with varying philosophies. Some prioritized immediate impact players, while others focused on developmental prospects. The most successful franchises, in my observation, balanced both approaches—addressing current roster holes while planting seeds for future growth. The 2019 draft wasn't just about individual talents; it was a masterclass in organizational strategy and vision. Teams that understood their identity and selected players accordingly positioned themselves for success far beyond that single season. As we watch these players develop, we're not just seeing individual careers unfold—we're witnessing the strategic blueprints of entire franchises coming to life on the court.