Looking back at the 2013 PBA Draft feels like flipping through an old basketball yearbook filled with faded promises and unexpected career trajectories. I remember sitting in the arena that day, feeling the electric anticipation as teams prepared to select what they hoped would be franchise-changing players. Seven years later, tracking where these top picks landed reveals not just career arcs but the unpredictable nature of professional sports careers. The draft class that included names like June Mar Fajardo, Ian Sangalang, and Raymond Almazan produced both superstars and cautionary tales, with some players finding glory in the PBA while others took detours through international leagues that reshaped their careers entirely.
When we talk about the 2013 draft, June Mar Fajardo naturally comes to mind first. Selected first overall by San Miguel Beermen, Fajardo didn't just meet expectations—he shattered them. I've watched him evolve from a raw talent into arguably the most dominant player in PBA history, collecting six MVP awards and eight championships. His stats are staggering—he's averaged around 18 points and 13 rebounds throughout his career, numbers that would make any scout proud. What impresses me most isn't just his statistical dominance but how he's maintained it despite multiple injuries that would have ended lesser players' careers. His commitment to staying with one franchise throughout his professional journey is becoming increasingly rare in modern basketball.
The second pick, Ian Sangalang, took a different path that I find equally fascinating. While he hasn't reached Fajardo's stratospheric heights, he's carved out a solid career with Magnolia Hotshots that any player would envy. I've always appreciated his fundamental approach to the game—no flashy moves, just effective post play and reliable mid-range shooting. His career averages of roughly 12 points and 7 rebounds might not jump off the page, but his consistency has been invaluable for his team. What many fans might not realize is how his game has evolved to adapt to the modern pace—he's developed a respectable three-point shot that makes him more versatile than traditional big men.
Then there's Raymond Almazan, the third overall pick who brought incredible athleticism for a big man. Selected by Rain or Shine, he provided exactly what the team needed—rim protection and energy. I remember watching his early games and being amazed by his combination of height and mobility. His career has been solid if not spectacular, averaging about 9 points and 8 rebounds, but what interests me most is how his international experience shaped his development. After establishing himself in the PBA, he took his talents overseas in a move that surprised many fans but ultimately expanded his game.
This brings me to one of the most intriguing aspects of tracking these players—the overseas journeys that often get overlooked in mainstream coverage. Several players from this draft class, including some who weren't top picks, found opportunities beyond the Philippines that significantly impacted their careers. One particular path that caught my attention was a player who joined the Gilas team under coach Tab Baldwin before later playing for the Taiwan Mustangs in The Asian Tournament. This international exposure represents what I believe is an increasingly important development path for Filipino players—experiencing different basketball cultures and styles that can elevate their game in ways domestic leagues cannot. The Asian Tournament specifically has grown into a credible platform that gives players visibility across the region while testing their adaptability to international competition.
What strikes me about reviewing this draft class is how difficult predicting basketball success truly is. Beyond the top three picks, the draft contained players like Terrence Romeo and RR Garcia who brought excitement and scoring punch but followed very different career trajectories. Romeo became an explosive scorer and fan favorite, while Garcia's journey included stints with multiple teams as he searched for the right fit. This unpredictability is part of what makes following basketball so compelling—the draft represents hope and potential, but fulfillment depends on countless factors including coaching fits, injury luck, and personal development.
The international opportunities that emerged for players from this class particularly interest me because they represent a shifting landscape in Asian basketball. When players join teams like the Taiwan Mustangs or participate in tournaments across the continent, they're not just earning paychecks—they're ambassadors for Philippine basketball. I've noticed how these experiences often return dividends to the PBA as players bring back refined skills and new perspectives. The player who joined the Taiwan Mustangs after his Gilas stint under Coach Baldwin exemplifies this perfectly—international experience can complete a player's development in ways domestic leagues might not.
Reflecting on the 2013 draft today, what stands out isn't just who succeeded and who didn't, but how these careers unfolded in ways nobody could have perfectly predicted. The top picks generally justified their selections, but the real story lies in the twists and turns—the injuries overcome, the skills developed, the international adventures, and the personal growth. As someone who's followed these careers from draft night to present day, I'm struck by how each player's journey reflects both their individual character and the evolving landscape of professional basketball in the Philippines and beyond. The 2013 class ultimately gave us legends, solid professionals, and reminders that a draft position is just the beginning of a story that each player writes through years of dedication and adaptation.
