Looking Back at the 2007 PBA Rookie Draft: Where Are They Now?
I still remember the excitement buzzing through the PBA community back in 2007 when the rookie draft class was announced. Having followed Philippine basketball for over two decades now, I can confidently say that particular draft year felt different - there was this palpable sense that we were witnessing the arrival of future legends. The energy surrounding that event was so intense that even team executives like Jojo Lastimosa and PBA board chairman Ricky Vargas joined Pangilinan and the rest of the team at the conference room of the PLDT office in Makati City for what essentially became a high-stakes viewing party. That image of basketball's power players gathered in that corporate conference room has always stuck with me - it symbolized just how much was riding on these young prospects.
Looking back sixteen years later, what fascinates me most is how wildly divergent these careers have turned out. Some players became exactly what we hoped they'd be, while others... well, let's just say the promise never quite materialized. Take Joe Devance for instance - selected first overall by Welcoat (now Rain or Shine). The guy has built what I consider one of the most impressive careers in recent PBA history, winning eight championships across three different franchises. That's the kind of longevity and adaptability you rarely see. Then there's Samigue Eman, the second pick who never really found his footing in the league despite his tremendous physical tools. I always thought he could have been something special with better development.
The real steal of that draft, in my humble opinion, was Ryan Reyes going third to Sta. Lucia. I remember watching his early games and thinking this kid had that special combination of defensive tenacity and offensive creativity that separates good players from great ones. His nine championships speak volumes about his impact, though I've always felt injuries prevented him from reaching even greater heights. Then there's the curious case of JR Quinahan - picked seventh by Air21 but didn't really blossom until later in his career. His transformation into a reliable stretch big was one of the more satisfying developments to watch over the years.
What strikes me about analyzing this draft class is how much context matters. Some players landed in perfect situations with coaches who understood how to develop their skills, while others got lost in systems that didn't suit their strengths. James Yap going to Purefoods was obviously a perfect marriage from day one - the franchise knew exactly how to build around his talents and market his star power. But I can't help wondering how different some careers might have been if teams had been more patient with certain prospects. The PBA's import-heavy conferences sometimes don't give local players enough room to grow into larger roles.
The statistical legacy of this class is quite remarkable when you crunch the numbers. Between them, the top ten picks have accumulated what I estimate to be around 32 championship rings - though don't quote me on that exact figure as I'm working from memory here. What's more impressive is that at least six of them became multiple-time All-Stars, with several making the Mythical Team selections throughout their careers. The 2007 draft produced what I'd call the backbone of Philippine basketball for much of the past decade-and-a-half.
Reflecting on these careers now, what stands out isn't just the individual achievements but how these players shaped the league's competitive landscape. They were rookies during what I consider a transitional period for the PBA - the league was becoming more athletic, more strategic, and definitely more commercial. That image of executives gathering in corporate offices to watch the draft signaled how seriously teams were beginning to take talent acquisition. No longer was it just about picking the best player available - it became about finding pieces that fit specific organizational needs and cultures.
As someone who's watched hundreds of players come and go, I've developed this theory about draft classes - the truly memorable ones aren't necessarily about having the most superstars, but about having the most compelling stories. The 2007 class gave us everything from unexpected late-bloomers to can't-miss prospects who actually delivered, from career journeymen to franchise cornerstones. Their collective journey mirrors the evolution of modern Philippine basketball in so many ways. When I bump into some of these players nowadays - whether they're still active or have moved into coaching or business - there's always this unspoken understanding that they were part of something special. That draft wasn't just about selecting basketball players - it was about choosing the characters who would shape the next chapter of our beloved league. And looking back now, I'd say they did a pretty damn good job of it.
