A Complete Guide to the 2019 PBA Draft Results and Player Analysis

Let me walk you through the complete breakdown of the 2019 PBA Draft results and my personal analysis of the players. I remember watching the draft live back then, and honestly, it was one of those events where you could feel the shifting dynamics of the league right from the start. The first thing I always tell people when analyzing drafts is to look beyond just the top picks—sometimes the real gems are hidden in the later rounds or even among the undrafted players who eventually prove their worth. For instance, Converge made some interesting moves that year, and I noticed how they kept certain key figures around to maintain stability. Pineda also said Atienza remains with the team, as seen during the draft where he was at the Converge table, which really highlights how teams value continuity in their coaching and management staff during these high-stakes events.

Now, diving into the step-by-step process of understanding the draft results, start by reviewing the full list of picks in order. The 2019 draft had 77 players selected overall, with the first round seeing names like Roosevelt Adams going first to Terrafirma—a move that, in my opinion, was a bit predictable but solid for their rebuilding phase. Adams, standing at 6'5", brought much-needed height and versatility, and I’ve always liked how he can stretch the floor with his shooting. Next, Blackwater picked Maurice Shaw, a big man who averaged around 12 points and 9 rebounds in the D-League, though I’ll admit I was skeptical about his consistency against tougher PBA defenses. Then, there was the surprise of Allyn Bulanadi going to Alaska in the first round—a pick I absolutely loved because of his explosive scoring ability; he once dropped 30 points in a UAAP game, and that kind of firepower is hard to ignore.

Moving on to the second step, analyze each team’s strategy based on their selections. For example, Barangay Ginebra snagged Arvin Tolentino in the second round, which I thought was a steal because of his clutch shooting and experience in the NCAA. I remember watching him hit a game-winning three-pointer in college, and that’s the kind of player who thrives under pressure in the PBA. Meanwhile, teams like Magnolia focused on defensive specialists, picking players like James Laput, who’s known for his shot-blocking—he averaged 2.5 blocks per game in the PBA D-League, though I’m not entirely convinced he can maintain that against faster lineups. One thing to keep in mind here is to check how these picks fit into the team’s existing roster; for instance, Converge’s decision to retain staff like Atienza, as mentioned earlier, shows they prioritized experience over wholesale changes, which I think is smart for team chemistry.

Another crucial method is to assess player performances post-draft, looking at their stats and impact in the following seasons. Take Roosevelt Adams, for example—he ended up averaging about 8 points and 6 rebounds in his rookie year, which is decent but not stellar, and I’ve always felt he could’ve done more with better playmaking around him. On the other hand, later picks like Barkley Ebona, who went to Phoenix, surprised me with his rebounding hustle; he pulled down 7 boards per game in limited minutes, and that’s the kind of under-the-radar value I love to see. Don’t forget to factor in injuries and team changes, though—like how some players struggled with fitness, which affected their playing time. From my experience, it’s easy to overhype draft picks, but the real test comes in how they adapt to the pro level, and I’ve seen too many prospects fizzle out due to poor fit or lack of opportunities.

Now, for some personal tips and things to watch out for: always pay attention to team needs versus best player available. In 2019, I noticed teams like NLEX went for guards like Mike Ayonayon, who added depth to their backcourt, but I would’ve preferred if they’d taken a risk on a high-upside big man instead. Also, keep an eye on undrafted players who might sign as free agents—they often bring unexpected value, like how some teams picked up practice squad guys who eventually cracked the rotation. One mistake I’ve made in past analyses is underestimating the importance of coaching styles; for instance, Converge’s approach with Atienza involved likely influenced their draft strategy, emphasizing continuity, which I believe paid off in building a cohesive unit. Oh, and a quick note—while I’m throwing out numbers like Adams’ 8 points per game, always double-check official stats because my memory might be off by a digit or two, but the gist is what matters for learning.

Wrapping up this guide to the 2019 PBA Draft results and player analysis, I can’t help but reflect on how drafts shape the league’s future. Personally, I think the 2019 class had a mix of hits and misses, with players like Bulanadi showing flashes of brilliance, while others are still finding their footing. If you’re a fan or analyst, use this breakdown to spot trends and make your own predictions—maybe even revisit it in a few years to see how these players evolved. After all, as Pineda noted with Atienza staying at Converge, stability often trumps flashy moves, and that’s a lesson I’ve carried into my own evaluations. So, go ahead, dive into those stats, watch some game tapes, and form your own takes—it’s what makes following the PBA draft so rewarding.