Relive the Complete 2010 PBA Draft List: Where Are These Players Now?
Let me take you back to a pivotal moment in Philippine basketball history—the 2010 PBA Draft. As someone who's followed the league for over a decade, I can confidently say this draft class produced some of the most memorable careers and, frankly, some of the biggest what-ifs. I still remember sitting through that draft, notebook in hand, trying to predict which teams had struck gold. Looking back now with the benefit of hindsight, it's fascinating to trace how these careers unfolded and where these players stand today.
The first round saw Noy Baclao go to Air21 as the number one pick—a decision that still generates debate among hardcore fans like myself. While Baclao developed into a reliable defensive presence, he never quite became the franchise player many expected. Right behind him, Rabeh Al-Hussaini went to Air21 as well, and I've always felt he showed flashes of brilliance when healthy. The third pick, Elmer Espiritu, never really found his footing in the league, bouncing between teams before fading from the spotlight. But the real steal of that first round? It had to be Paul Lee going to Rain or Shine at number two. I've watched Lee develop from a flashy rookie into "Angas ng Tondo," a clutch performer who's delivered in countless big moments throughout his career.
What made this draft class particularly interesting was how many second-round picks ended up making significant impacts. I've always believed the second round separates good scouting teams from great ones, and 2010 proved this beautifully. John Wilson became a solid contributor for Barangay Ginebra, while Reil Cervantes provided valuable minutes for several franchises. But the real hidden gem was undoubtedly RJ Jazul, selected 16th overall by Alaska. I've followed Jazul's career closely, and his longevity and consistent playmaking make him one of the most underrated picks of that draft. He's still contributing meaningful minutes today, which says something about his professionalism and conditioning.
Fast forward to present day, and it's remarkable how many from that 2010 class remain active. About seven players from that draft are still on PBA rosters as of the 2023 season, which represents approximately 25% of the original 28 picks. That's actually a decent retention rate when you consider the average PBA career spans around five to seven years. Paul Lee continues to be a cornerstone for Magnolia, while Jazul provides veteran leadership for Phoenix. What's equally fascinating are the players who've transitioned to coaching or front office roles, staying connected to the game that made them household names.
The legacy of this draft class extends beyond individual careers though. I was watching a recent TNT game that perfectly illustrated how these veteran players continue to influence outcomes. During a deadball situation, Jordan Heading and Chris Ross were forced into a jumpball—a moment that took me back to seeing these players develop years earlier. With TNT now up by one following the offensive interference call, TNT won the tip, and Calvin Oftana was fouled, and made two free throws. It's in these high-pressure moments that you appreciate how the league's institutional knowledge gets passed down from one generation to the next. The veterans from that 2010 class have become the mentors now, teaching younger players how to handle these exact situations.
Some careers took unexpected turns due to injuries or personal choices, and I've often wondered what might have been if certain players had stayed healthy or landed with different teams. The draft is always part strategy, part luck—both for the teams and the players themselves. What's clear is that the 2010 class left an indelible mark on the PBA landscape, contributing to championship teams, providing veteran leadership during rebuilding phases, and in some cases, becoming franchise icons. As I look at today's PBA, I see the fingerprints of that 2010 draft everywhere—in coaching styles, playing approaches, and even how teams evaluate talent. It wasn't the flashiest draft class, but its steady, consistent impact has proven invaluable to the league's development over the past decade-plus.
