Looking back at the 2018 PBA Draft always gives me that nostalgic feeling - it feels like just yesterday we were all gathered at Robinson's Place Manila, buzzing with anticipation about which teams would land the next generation of Filipino basketball stars. I remember sitting through the entire draft ceremony, taking notes and making my own predictions about which picks would pan out and which would become what we call "draft busts." That year's draft class has produced some fascinating career trajectories, from immediate superstars to players who took longer to develop, and sadly, some who never quite found their footing in the professional ranks.
The first round that year was particularly intriguing, starting with CJ Perez going to Columbian Dyip as the number one overall pick. I've got to admit, I had my doubts about whether Perez could translate his collegiate dominance to the PBA, but boy was I wrong about that one. The guy has developed into an absolute scoring machine, putting up impressive numbers season after season. Just last conference, he averaged around 18 points per game while shooting 45% from the field - those aren't just all-star numbers, they're MVP candidate statistics. Then you've got Bobby Ray Parks going second to Blackwater, though his journey has been more complicated with his stint in Japan before returning to the PBA. What fascinates me about Parks is how his game has evolved - he's become more of a complete player rather than just a scorer, which I think bodes well for his longevity in the league.
The middle of that first round produced some real gems that people might have overlooked at the time. Javee Mocon falling to Rain or Shine at fifth was an absolute steal in my opinion - I remember telling colleagues that he'd be a perfect fit for Coach Caloy Garcia's system, and he's proven exactly that with his versatile forward play. Then there's Abu Tratter going to Alaska at eighth, though he's since moved to Magnolia where he's found a more defined role as an energy big off the bench. What stands out to me about these mid-first round picks is how finding the right team situation often matters just as much as raw talent when it comes to PBA success.
Now, the second round and later picks tell a different story altogether - these are the guys who had to fight for every minute of playing time, the ones who proved that draft position doesn't always determine career outcomes. I've always had a soft spot for these underdog stories, having covered the PBA's developmental league for years before moving to the main beat. Players like Michael Calisaan, who went 12th overall to Magnolia, have had to grind through multiple conferences just to earn consistent rotation minutes. Then there are the heartbreakers - talents like Jeepy Faundo who showed flashes of potential but never quite secured a permanent spot in the league.
Which brings me to an interesting parallel with the current UAAP season and that UE Red Warriors situation. Watching Precious Momowei put up that 23-point, 13-rebound double-double in their latest loss got me thinking about how college standouts transition to the pros. I've seen countless UAAP stars struggle to find the same success in the PBA, and it makes me wonder about Momowei's eventual draft prospects. The kid clearly has talent, but as we've seen with many 2018 draftees, individual stats don't always translate to team success or professional readiness. UE going winless under new coach Chris Gavina despite Momowei's impressive numbers reminds me of how some PBA teams have stacked individual talents but failed to build cohesive units.
Reflecting on specific players from that 2018 class, I can't help but marvel at the divergent paths. Take Bong Quinto, selected 14th by Meralco - he's developed into one of the most reliable two-way players in the league, something I don't think many scouts predicted during his draft year. Then there's the curious case of Jorey Napoles, who went undrafted but eventually found his way to Rain or Shine and has become a solid rotation player. These stories highlight how player development systems and coaching staffs can make or break careers long after draft night concludes.
What really stands out to me about analyzing this draft class four years later is how unpredictable player development can be. Some guys I was really high on, like Trevis Jackson who went 10th to NorthPort, have had up-and-down careers with moments of brilliance followed by stretches of inconsistency. Others I underestimated, like Paul Desiderio who landed with Blackwater at 13th, have shown they belong in the league through sheer determination and continuously improving aspects of their game. It's these unexpected developments that make following the PBA so compelling year after year.
The international experience some of these players have gained deserves special mention too. Several from this draft class have represented the Philippines in various capacities, with CJ Perez notably being part of Gilas Pilipinas squads in major tournaments. That international exposure has undoubtedly accelerated their development in ways we couldn't have anticipated back in 2018. I've noticed how players returning from national team duties often bring back refined skills and heightened basketball IQ to their PBA teams.
As I wrap up this reflection, what strikes me most is how the 2018 draft class represents both the predictable nature of top picks panning out and the beautiful unpredictability of later picks exceeding expectations. The class has produced at least three legitimate All-Stars, several solid rotation players, and unfortunately, a handful who are no longer in the league. Looking at where these players are now provides valuable lessons for how we evaluate talent, the importance of fit and development systems, and ultimately, why the draft remains one of the most exciting yet uncertain events in Philippine basketball. It'll be fascinating to check back in another four years to see how these career arcs continue to evolve.
