List PBA Draft 2017: Complete Player Selections and Team Breakdowns

I still remember the excitement buzzing through the Mall of Asia Arena on that pivotal Sunday in December 2017. The air was thick with anticipation, a mix of raw hope and calculated strategy. As someone who has followed the PBA draft for over a decade, I can confidently say the 2017 edition was a fascinating turning point, a draft class that promised to reshape team dynamics for years to come. The process of selecting new talent is always a gamble, but what truly makes a team cohesive isn't just raw skill; it's that intangible element, a sentiment perfectly captured in that quote I often reflect on: "It’s because love talaga namin, di lang yung ginagawa namin, pero yung bawat isa talaga. Yun talaga yung nagki-keep sa'min together, na hindi kami bibitaw." It’s the genuine love for the game and for each other that keeps a team from falling apart, and this draft was all about finding players who could bring that spirit.

The first round unfolded with a clear focus on collegiate standouts. Christian Standhardinger, a formidable force from the Gilas Pilipinas pool, was the undeniable first pick, snapped up by the San Miguel Beermen. I recall thinking it was a typical San Miguel power move—acquiring a ready-made star to bolster an already dominant lineup. At 6'8", he was projected to be an immediate contributor, and honestly, who could argue with that logic? He was followed closely by Kiefer Ravena, a player whose UAAP legacy was nothing short of legendary. The NLEX Road Warriors selecting him second overall felt like a perfect match. Ravena wasn't just a point guard; he was a floor general, a clutch performer. I've always believed a team's engine is its point guard, and getting a player of Ravena's caliber was a coup for NLEX. The third pick saw the GlobalPort Batang Pier (now NorthPort) secure the services of another Ateneo star, Raymar Jose, a reliable big man known for his relentless energy. The first round continued with notable names like Jeron Teng going to Alaska Aces at number four, a pick I personally loved given his championship pedigree, and Jason Perkins being selected by the Phoenix Fuel Masters at number eight, a steal in my opinion who would later prove his immense value.

Looking at the second round and the special draft for Gilas cadets, the strategy shifted from star power to finding diamonds in the rough. The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, a team I've always admired for their developmental system, picked J-Jay Alejandro at 11th overall. He was a crafty guard from National University, and I thought he'd fit their system well. But the real intrigue for me was in the Gilas cadet pool. Players like Kobe Paras, though not selected in this particular draft, were part of the broader conversation about national team integration. Teams weren't just drafting for the upcoming season; they were planning for the future, considering how these young men could blend into a system where the bond between players is as crucial as their individual stats. The Columbian Dyip (now Terrafirma Dyip) had a significant number of picks, selecting players like Sidney Onwubere and Joseph Gabayni, focusing on shoring up their frontcourt with promising, if unproven, talent. It’s these later rounds where a team's scouting department really earns its keep, trying to find a player who possesses not just the skills, but the heart to fight for his teammates.

Breaking down the team strategies, it was clear that some franchises had a more defined vision than others. San Miguel, with their "win-now" mentality, used the Standhardinger pick to ensure their dynasty continued. It was a safe, powerful move. NLEX, on the other hand, was building a new identity around Ravena. I remember telling a colleague that Ravena's leadership would be the catalyst for that team's culture. He wasn't just a scorer; he was a player who could elevate everyone around him, embodying that "love for each other" that forges unbreakable teams. Teams like Phoenix and Rain or Shine seemed to be playing the long game, focusing on players who fit a specific system rather than just taking the biggest name available. Phoenix's selection of Jason Perkins is a testament to that; he wasn't the most hyped, but he was a perfect fit for their hard-nosed, blue-collar style. In contrast, some teams with multiple picks, like Columbian, seemed to be casting a wide net, hoping a few would pan out, a strategy that has had mixed results over the years.

Reflecting on it now, the 2017 PBA Draft was a masterclass in balancing immediate impact with long-term potential. The first round was stocked with players who were expected to contribute right away, and many of them did. Standhardinger and Ravena became cornerstone pieces for their franchises almost instantly. But the true success stories often emerge from the later rounds, from players who join a team and buy into a culture. That’s where that quote truly resonates. A draft pick is just a name on a list until they step into the locker room. Their success hinges on being integrated into a unit where the bond is real, where they don't let go of each other through the struggles of a long season. The 2017 class injected a fresh wave of talent into the league, but its lasting legacy will be determined by how those players fostered that essential chemistry with their teams. As a fan and an analyst, it’s been a privilege to watch this particular group of players grow, and I’m convinced the teams that prioritized that intangible "love" for the game and the collective are the ones who reaped the greatest rewards from this pivotal event.