Complete List of PBA Draft 2017 Picks: Who Made the Cut and Where Are They Now?

I still remember the anticipation buzzing through the Mall of Asia Arena on that pivotal Sunday in October 2017. The PBA Draft is always a mix of raw hope and hard-nosed business, but that year felt particularly electric. We were about to witness the next generation of Filipino basketball talent find their professional homes, and frankly, I was just as excited as any fan in the stands. Looking back now, with the benefit of hindsight, it's fascinating to trace the arcs of these careers—some that soared, others that sputtered, and the few that truly defined an era. This isn't just a dry recap of names and teams; it's the story of where they landed and, more importantly, where they are now.

The first round was, as expected, where the franchises placed their biggest bets. Christian Standhardinger going first overall to San Miguel Beermen was the worst-kept secret in Philippine basketball. He was a beast in the ASEAN Basketball League, and everyone knew his inside scoring and relentless energy would fit perfectly with the Beermen's dynasty-seeking roster. He's since become a cornerstone, winning multiple championships and establishing himself as one of the most consistent big men in the league. The real intrigue started with the second pick. Kiefer Ravena, "The Phenom," was selected by the NLEX Road Warriors. His collegiate legacy was immense, and the expectation was for him to instantly elevate a middling franchise. His career, however, has been a compelling narrative of its own—a mix of brilliant playmaking, a well-documented suspension, and a stint in Japan that broadened his game. He's back now, still a vital piece for NLEX, but I can't help but feel his peak impact is still being defined. Then there was Raymar Jose. Picked sixth by the Meralco Bolts, his story is a testament to persistence. He wasn't the flashiest name, but his blue-collar work ethic has made him a valuable role player, a guy who does the dirty work that championship teams need.

But the draft isn't just about the first round. The gems are often found later, and the 2017 batch was no exception. J-Jay Alejandro, picked 13th by the NLEX Road Warriors, has bounced around a few teams, carving out a niche as a reliable backup guard. It's a tough league, and not every highly-touted prospect becomes a star. Some, like Robbie Herndon (18th pick, Rain or Shine), have found their stride by embracing a specific role—in his case, a defensive stopper with a reliable outside shot. What's truly captivating, though, is seeing how these players bond. I was once talking to a veteran player—not from this draft class, but the sentiment applies universally—and he told me something that stuck with me. He said, "It’s because love talaga namin, di lang yung ginagawa namin, pero yung bawat isa talaga. Yun talaga yung nagki-keep sa'min together, na hindi kami bibitaw." That genuine love for the game and for each other is the invisible glue. You see it in the teams that overperform, the ones where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. I suspect that kind of chemistry is what helped some of these 2017 draftees stick in the league long after others have faded away.

So, where are they now in 2024? Standhardinger is a bona fide star, a Finals MVP no less. Ravena remains a headline-grabber, a key part of NLEX's core. But let's talk about someone like Sidney Onwubere, picked 22nd by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. He's become the ultimate journeyman, a hustle player who has found a way to contribute on every team he's been on. His career may not be adorned with individual awards, but he's carved out a seven-year career from a second-round pick—that's a success story in my book. On the other hand, some first-round picks like Jon Gabriel (9th, GlobalPort) have seen their careers taper off, a reminder of how difficult it is to maintain a spot in the PBA. The league is a brutal meritocracy.

Reflecting on the entire 2017 draft class, it's clear that talent is only part of the equation. Longevity requires adaptability, a bit of luck with injuries, and that intangible quality my veteran friend described—the love for the collective struggle. The 2017 draft gave us about 35 new players, and I'd estimate around 15 to 18 are still active in the PBA today. That's a pretty standard attrition rate. The ones who made it, for the most part, are the ones who found their role and embraced it, whether as a star, a starter, or a specialist. They're the ones who understood that it's not always about being the best player, but about being the right player for your team. That's the real draft success story, and it's a lesson that goes far beyond basketball.