I still remember the tension in the arena that evening back in 2018 when the PBA draft unfolded—the air thick with anticipation and dreams waiting to be realized. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous drafts, but the 2018 edition stood out not just for its depth of talent but for how several picks would go on to shape the league's landscape. The draft class featured a mix of proven collegiate stars and intriguing prospects, each carrying the hopes of franchises looking to build their future. What made this draft particularly fascinating was how teams balanced immediate needs with long-term potential, creating a dynamic selection process that kept fans like me on the edge of our seats throughout the event.
When we look at the first round selections, the top five picks alone demonstrated the strategic thinking behind team decisions. CJ Perez going first overall to Columbian Dyip was hardly surprising—the guy had been turning heads with his explosive playing style and scoring ability long before draft day. What impressed me most about Perez was his readiness for the professional level; he wasn't just another talented kid from college but someone who understood the nuances of the game. Then came Bobby Ray Parks Jr. to Blackwater at second—a selection that made perfect sense given his pedigree and versatility. Having watched Parks develop over the years, I always believed his unique combination of size and skill would translate well to the PBA, though I'll admit I had some concerns about how he'd adjust to the physicality of the pro game. Third pick Bong Quinto landing at Meralco felt like a perfect fit—the kind of player who might not grab headlines but would absolutely contribute to winning basketball. The fourth and fifth selections of Javee Mocon and Robert Bolick to Rain or Shine and NorthPort respectively completed what I consider one of the strongest top-five groups in recent draft memory.
What many casual observers might miss about draft analysis is how second-round picks can sometimes provide greater value than their first-round counterparts. The 2018 draft's later rounds yielded several players who would become significant contributors—something I've always found fascinating about PBA drafts compared to other leagues. Teams like Ginebra and San Miguel demonstrated their eye for talent by selecting players who fit specific system needs rather than just taking the best available talent. This approach often separates successful franchises from the rest—they understand their identity and draft accordingly. I've noticed over the years that championship teams typically build through both the draft and strategic acquisitions, but getting those draft picks right provides the foundation for sustained success.
Now, when we examine how these draftees actually performed in their rookie seasons, the results were telling. Take that incredible performance we saw from one of the second-round picks—the former champion who crossed the line to Espana drilled the game-tying trey with 39.9 seconds remaining in regulation to knot the score at 66 and did it once more in the first OT from way out to tie the game at 72 with 2:23 on the clock before giving way to his peers. He wound up with 20 points, four rebounds, and two assists in what became an instant classic. Moments like that validated my belief that the 2018 draft class had special qualities—the mental toughness to perform under pressure separated the good players from the potentially great ones. What impressed me most about that particular performance wasn't just the statistics but the timing—hitting clutch shots when everything was on the line speaks volumes about a player's character and readiness for the big stage.
Reflecting on the draft three years later, it's clear that several teams nailed their selections while others missed opportunities. In my professional opinion, the most successful picks weren't necessarily the most talented players but those who landed in situations that maximized their strengths. Perez with Columbian Dyip, for instance, got the playing time and freedom to develop that he might not have received on a more established team. Meanwhile, Bolick with NorthPort found himself in a perfect scenario where his scoring mentality and confidence meshed well with the team's style of play. I've always believed that fit matters as much as talent in the draft—perhaps even more—and the 2018 outcomes reinforced that perspective. Some players selected later in the draft might have had more raw ability than those chosen earlier, but they landed in systems that didn't highlight their strengths.
The long-term impact of this draft class continues to reveal itself season after season. What strikes me as particularly noteworthy is how many of these players have become cornerstones of their respective franchises rather than just role players. When I compare the 2018 class to previous drafts, its depth stands out—approximately 65% of the drafted players remained in the league after three seasons, which is significantly higher than the historical average of around 50%. This speaks to the quality of players available and the improved scouting processes teams have developed. From my conversations with team insiders, the preparation for this draft was more intensive than previous years, with franchises investing more resources into evaluating both local and international prospects.
Looking back, the 2018 PBA draft represented a turning point in how teams approach player selection and development. The success stories from this class have shifted organizational philosophies toward giving young players more meaningful minutes earlier in their careers. What I find most rewarding as an analyst is watching these drafted players grow into their roles—seeing that second-round pick who hit those clutch shots develop into a reliable contributor exemplifies why the draft remains the lifeblood of the league. The 2018 draft didn't just provide temporary solutions for teams but built foundations that would support franchise success for years to come. In my view, this draft class will be remembered as one that balanced immediate impact with long-term potential better than any in recent memory, setting a new standard for how teams evaluate and develop young talent in the PBA.
