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Looking Back at the PBA Rookie Draft 2017: Where Are They Now?
I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft like it was yesterday. The excitement in the air was palpable, with teams and fans alike hoping they'd found the next basketball superstar. Seven years later, it's fascinating to trace the journeys of these players - some have become household names, others have carved out solid careers, and a few have quietly faded from the professional basketball scene. What strikes me most is how their career trajectories reveal the importance of both physical preparation and mental fortitude in professional sports.
Christian Standhardinger, the first overall pick, has certainly lived up to the hype in many ways. Drafted by the San Miguel Beermen, he's become a consistent force in the league, averaging around 15 points and 10 rebounds during his peak seasons. His game has evolved beautifully, though I've always felt he could have been even more dominant with a more aggressive mindset. Then there's Kiefer Ravena, picked second by the NLEX Road Warriors - his journey has been particularly interesting to follow. After facing that controversial suspension early in his career, he's shown remarkable resilience. Watching him develop into a leader on and off the court has been one of the more satisfying narratives from this draft class.
The real surprise package for me has been Jason Perkins, selected fourth by the Phoenix Fuel Masters. Many didn't expect him to become such an integral part of his team, but his work ethic turned him into one of the league's most reliable forwards. On the flip side, I can't help but feel somewhat disappointed by how Jeron Teng's career has unfolded. Drafted fifth by the Alaska Aces, he showed flashes of brilliance but never quite reached the heights many predicted. His story reminds us that raw talent alone isn't enough in the professional ranks.
What truly separates those who thrive from those who merely survive? I've come to believe it's exactly what that wise coach once told me about preparation extending beyond physical training. The most successful draftees understood that basketball at this level requires sharpening the mind as much as the body. Take Robbie Herndon, for instance - drafted 13th by Star Hotshots, he's bounced around several teams but always found ways to contribute because of his basketball IQ and mental toughness. Meanwhile, some physically gifted players who neglected their mental preparation have struggled to maintain roster spots.
The international experience of players like Ravena and Standhardinger clearly contributed to their development, exposing them to different styles of play and pressure situations. Standhardinger's stints in various Asian leagues particularly enhanced his game awareness, while Ravena's time in Japan seemed to mature his approach to professional basketball. These experiences forced them to adapt mentally, not just physically - something I wish more young players would prioritize.
Looking at the draft class as a whole, about 60% of the 25 players selected are still active in the PBA or other professional leagues - a decent retention rate considering the competitive nature of professional basketball. The ones who've lasted share that crucial understanding: professional sports demand complete preparation. They've learned to study game film, manage pressure, handle media scrutiny, and maintain focus through slumps and injuries.
As I reflect on these careers taking shape, it's clear that the 2017 draft produced several quality professionals who've enriched Philippine basketball. Their journeys demonstrate that while physical talent gets you drafted, mental strength determines how long you stay. The players who embraced holistic preparation - working on their minds with the same dedication they showed their bodies - have generally found greater and more sustained success. In many ways, their collective story serves as a valuable lesson for aspiring athletes everywhere about what it truly takes to build a professional sports career that endures.