I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2015 PBA Draft like it was yesterday. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, that particular draft class felt different—there was this palpable sense that franchises were making decisions that would shape the league for years to come. The draft order itself created quite the drama, with teams jockeying for position and fans debating endlessly about who should go where. What made it especially fascinating was how some teams seemed to play the long game, while others went for immediate impact players. Looking back now, with the benefit of hindsight, we can truly appreciate how those selections have influenced the league's landscape.
The first round that year was absolutely stacked with talent. Talk 'N Text, holding the first overall pick, made what many considered a safe but smart choice by selecting Moala Tautuaa. At 6'7" and with incredible athleticism for his size, he was practically a can't-miss prospect. But what really caught my attention was how the draft unfolded after that. The third pick, Troy Rosario going to TNT as well, created this interesting dynamic where one team was essentially rebuilding its frontcourt in one night. I've always been fascinated by teams that double down on specific positions in drafts, and this was a prime example. Meanwhile, the second pick, Chris Newsome going to Meralco, proved to be one of those selections that just felt right from day one. Newsome brought this explosive athleticism that immediately translated to the professional level, and watching him develop into the star he is today has been one of the genuine pleasures of covering the league.
What really stands out to me about that draft class is how many players have become cornerstones of their franchises. I mean, when you look at players like Scottie Thompson going to Ginebra at fourth overall—that selection has paid dividends beyond what anyone could have reasonably expected. Thompson brought this unique guard skillset that perfectly complemented the existing Ginebra system. But the draft wasn't just about the early picks. The deeper selections like Raymond Almazan at third overall to Rain or Shine, and Norbert Torres going to Rain or Shine at seventh—these were players who filled specific organizational needs in ways that statistics alone couldn't capture.
The beauty of revisiting drafts years later is seeing how player development trajectories have played out. Some guys who were considered projects have blossomed into stars, while others who were more polished coming in have plateaued. I've always believed that a player's growth curve tells you as much about the team's development system as it does about the player himself. Take for instance the case of Jamie Malonzo, who wasn't in that 2015 draft class but represents the kind of impact player teams hope to find. I was watching a game recently where Malonzo was among five Barangay Ginebra players in double digits after he poured in 20 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. That stat line exemplifies what teams dream of getting from their draft picks—versatile contributors who fill up the box score. While Malonzo entered the league through a different path, his development mirrors what teams hoped to achieve with their 2015 selections.
There were definitely some head-scratchers in that draft too—picks that made me wonder what the front office was thinking. Every draft has them, but the 2015 class had its fair share of reaches that, frankly, haven't aged well. Meanwhile, some late-round gems have outperformed their draft positions spectacularly. What I've noticed over the years is that the most successful teams in the PBA tend to have a clearer philosophy about what they want from their draft picks. They're not just taking the best available athlete—they're considering fit, system compatibility, and developmental pathways. The teams that nailed their 2015 picks typically had done their homework on how these players would integrate into their existing roster construction.
Seven years later, the impact of the 2015 draft is still being felt across the league. The players selected have grown into veterans, some have changed teams through trades, and a few have even become faces of the franchise. When I look at current All-Star rosters and see names from that draft class, it reinforces how crucial draft decisions are in a league where player movement can be limited compared to other professional sports. The Ginebra franchise in particular has demonstrated how strategic drafting can maintain a team's competitive window for years. Their approach to building around drafted talent while supplementing with key acquisitions represents what I consider the gold standard for roster construction in the PBA.
Reflecting on that draft now, what strikes me most is how it represented a turning point in how teams valued different skillsets. The success of players from that class has undoubtedly influenced how teams evaluate prospects in subsequent drafts. Personally, I believe the 2015 draft will be remembered as one of the deeper classes in recent PBA history, not necessarily because it produced multiple MVP candidates, but because it yielded so many quality rotation players who have sustained lengthy careers. In a league where career longevity isn't guaranteed, that's perhaps the truest measure of a successful draft class. The decisions made in that draft room back in 2015 continue to echo through today's games, reminding us all that building a basketball team is both an art and a science—with a little luck mixed in for good measure.