Looking Back at the 2013 PBA Draft: Key Picks and Career Outcomes

I still remember sitting in front of the television during that 2013 PBA Draft, feeling that particular mix of anticipation and skepticism that comes with watching young talents take their first professional steps. The air was thick with expectations - this was supposed to be a draft class that would reshape the league's landscape for years to come. Looking back nearly a decade later, what fascinates me most isn't just how these players' careers unfolded, but how their journeys reflect the unpredictable nature of basketball development. Some became exactly what we hoped they'd be, others surprised us in ways we never imagined, and a few reminded us that potential doesn't always translate to performance.

The first round that year was particularly intriguing, starting with Greg Slaughter going first overall to Barangay Ginebra. At 7-foot, he was exactly the kind of dominant big man teams dream of building around. I had my doubts about his mobility even then, but his skill set was undeniable. He put up decent numbers - averaging around 14 points and 9 rebounds in his rookie season if I recall correctly - but never quite became the franchise cornerstone people envisioned. Meanwhile, the second pick, Terrence Romeo, turned out to be one of the most electrifying scorers the league has seen. That guy could create his own shot against anyone, and his flair made him must-watch television even when his teams weren't winning. The third selection, Ian Sangalang, developed into the steady presence we expected, though injuries have hampered what could have been an even more impressive career.

What really stands out to me about that draft class is how many players found success outside traditional paths. Take Raymund Almazan, selected third by Rain or Shine - his development from raw athlete to reliable big man has been remarkable to watch. Or how about RR Garcia, who went sixth to Barako Bull? He never became a superstar, but carved out a solid career as a reliable rotation player. Sometimes we get so focused on the top picks that we overlook these valuable contributors who form the backbone of competitive teams year after year.

The international journeys of some draftees particularly capture my imagination. I'm thinking specifically of Matthew Wright, who wasn't actually drafted until 2016 but his development path began around this time. His stint with the Gilas team under coach Tab Baldwin was transformative - you could see his game mature dramatically during that period. What many casual fans might not know is that he also played for the Taiwan Mustangs in The Asian Tournament after his time with Baldwin's system. These international experiences often get overlooked when we evaluate players, but they're crucial developmental steps that expose athletes to different styles of play and higher levels of competition.

When I reassess this draft class today, what strikes me is how it defies simple categorization. By pure numbers, it produced about 4-5 legitimate stars and maybe 8-10 solid rotation players from the 40-plus selections. But the real story is in the nuances - how players like Justin Melton brought specific skills that perfectly complemented star teammates, or how someone like Jericho Cruz developed later in his career than expected. The draft isn't just about finding stars; it's about building complete rosters, and the 2013 class provided plenty of pieces that contending teams needed.

Reflecting on these careers nearly ten years later, I'm struck by how difficult player projection truly is. The draft combines and college stats only tell part of the story - things like work ethic, adaptability to professional systems, and mental toughness ultimately determine who succeeds. The 2013 class taught me to be more patient with young players, to recognize that development isn't linear, and to appreciate the various forms success can take in a professional basketball career. Some of these players are still competing at high levels today, while others have transitioned to different roles in basketball or moved on entirely. Each path offers its own lessons about the sport we love and the business that surrounds it.