I still remember the excitement buzzing through the Araneta Coliseum back in December 2018 - the air thick with anticipation as teams prepared to select the next generation of PBA stars. That draft class felt special from the beginning, with CJ Perez going first overall to Columbian Dyip (now Terrafirma). I recall thinking how perfect that fit was - a scoring machine joining a team desperate for offensive firepower. Perez didn't disappoint, immediately putting up 20.8 points per game in his rookie season and snatching the Rookie of the Year award. Watching him develop from a pure scorer to a more complete player has been fascinating, though I've always felt he could elevate his game even further if he improved his decision-making in crunch time.
The second pick that year, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., took a more unconventional path to the PBA. Having followed his career since his UAAP days, I was genuinely curious how his overseas experience would translate to the local professional league. His selection by Blackwater felt like a franchise-changing moment, though honestly, I never expected him to stay there long. The league's landscape shifted dramatically when he moved to TNT, where he's since become one of their cornerstone pieces. His two-way versatility reminds me of a young James Yap, though Parks brings more athleticism to the table. At 26, he's already collected two Best Player of the Conference awards, which speaks volumes about his impact.
What many fans don't realize is how much happens behind the scenes during these players' development. I'll never forget those social media posts from various team bubbles during the pandemic - particularly the PLDT players sharing scenes inside their gym. They showed players eating together in small groups, their masks pulled down just enough to sneak bites between conversations. The camaraderie was palpable even through screens. Some players set up improvised karaoke sessions using portable speakers and a phone app, their voices echoing through empty gymnasiums during downtime. These moments of normalcy amidst intense training regimens showed a human side we rarely see during games. It's in these unstructured environments that bonds form and team chemistry develops - something that statistics can never fully capture.
Third pick Javee Mocon went to Rain or Shine, and I've always admired how perfectly his blue-collar game fit coach Caloy Garcia's system. His rookie numbers - 11.2 points and 7.8 rebounds - don't jump off the page, but watching him play reveals his true value. The guy does all the little things: setting solid screens, fighting for loose balls, making the extra pass. He's the type of player championship teams need, even if he never leads the league in scoring. His recent move to NorthPort surprised me, but at 27, he's entering what should be his prime years.
Then there's the draft's hidden gem - Abu Tratter at number four to Alaska. I'll admit I was skeptical about this pick initially, questioning if his athleticism could compensate for his raw offensive skills. But watching him develop his mid-range game and become more comfortable in post situations has been rewarding. His energy off the bench often sparks Alaska's second unit, and at 6'5" with his leaping ability, he's developed into a reliable rebounder and interior defender.
The fifth selection, Bong Quinto, ended up with Meralco, where he's quietly become one of the league's most underrated two-way players. What impressed me most was how quickly he adapted to the professional game after his collegiate career with Letran. His basketball IQ shines through in his decision-making, particularly in late-game situations. He's the type of player who might only score 8-9 points but contributes in countless other ways that help win games.
Looking back at that 2018 draft class four years later, what strikes me is how these players have evolved beyond their basketball roles. The pandemic period, with those improvised karaoke sessions and shared meals we saw on social media, humanized these athletes in ways we hadn't seen before. They weren't just draft picks anymore - they were people adapting to extraordinary circumstances while continuing to develop their craft. The class of 2018 may not have produced a generational superstar (yet), but it gave us several foundational pieces who should remain relevant in the league for years to come. If I had to grade this draft class today, I'd give it a solid B+ - not spectacular, but definitely impactful in shaping the current PBA landscape.
