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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. The buzz at Robinson's Place Manila was electric, with fans and analysts alike debating who would go where. Looking back now, it's fascinating to trace how those top picks have navigated their professional journeys, especially considering how mental preparation has become just as crucial as physical training in modern basketball.
The first overall pick that year was Christian Standhardinger, selected by the San Miguel Beermen. At 28 years old during the draft, he was already considered a mature rookie with international experience. I've always admired how Standhardinger approached his transition to the PBA - he didn't just rely on his physical gifts but really worked on understanding the nuances of the local game. After being traded to NorthPort in 2019, he's blossomed into one of the league's premier big men, averaging around 19 points and 12 rebounds during his best seasons. What many don't see is how he's adapted his mental game, studying Filipino playing styles and adjusting his approach accordingly.
Kiefer Ravena went second to the NLEX Road Warriors, and honestly, I thought this was the steal of the draft. Having followed his collegiate career at Ateneo, I knew his basketball IQ was off the charts. His rookie season showed flashes of brilliance, but then came that FIBA suspension that sidelined him for 18 months. This is where that concept of sharpening the mind during tough stretches really applies. Rather than fading away, Ravena used that time to study the game more deeply and work on his leadership qualities. When he returned, he looked like a more complete player, and his recent move to Japan's Shiga Lakestars shows how his mental preparation paid off in expanding his career horizons.
Third pick Jeron Teng landed with the Alaska Aces, bringing his championship pedigree from La Salle. I'll admit I had doubts about how his game would translate to the pros, given that he wasn't the most explosive athlete. But Teng proved me wrong by developing a more cerebral approach to scoring. He's become craftier around the basket and has improved his decision-making significantly. Now with the Converge FiberXers, he's evolved into a reliable veteran who understands how to pick his spots rather than forcing the action.
The fourth selection was Jason Perkins by the Phoenix Fuel Masters, and what a revelation he's been. Perkins might not have the flashiest game, but his basketball intelligence is tremendous. He's the kind of player who always seems to be in the right place at the right time, which speaks volumes about his mental preparation. I've noticed how he studies opponents' tendencies and adjusts his positioning accordingly - it's this attention to detail that's made him so effective despite not being the most athletic forward in the league.
Reflecting on these players' journeys, what strikes me most is how their success correlates with their approach to the mental side of the game. The ones who've thrived understood early that professional basketball requires continuous growth both physically and mentally. They've embraced film study, meditation, sports psychology, and other tools that sharpen their mental edge. In today's PBA, raw talent alone isn't enough - the players who last are those who develop the resilience and basketball IQ to complement their physical skills. Watching this draft class mature has been a testament to how the modern athlete must cultivate both body and mind to navigate the challenges of professional sports.