Discover the Complete 2019 PBA Draft List and Find Your Next Basketball Star
As I sat down to analyze the 2019 PBA Draft list, I couldn't help but reflect on how far Philippine basketball has come and where it's headed. Having followed the league for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous draft classes come and go, but there's something particularly special about this year's selection that deserves closer examination. The draft, held on December 8, 2019 at Robinson's Place Manila, featured 49 promising athletes ready to make their mark in professional basketball, and I'm convinced we're looking at one of the most talent-rich pools in recent memory.
When I first scanned through the complete draft roster, what struck me immediately was the depth of talent across multiple positions. The top picks weren't just the usual suspects from Manila's basketball factories - we saw players from provincial teams and lesser-known collegiate programs making their way into the professional ranks. Take Roosevelt Adams, who went first overall to Terrafirma Dyip - standing at 6'5" with remarkable athleticism, he represented exactly the kind of modern forward the PBA needs more of. Then there was Isaac Go, selected by Terrafirma as the first pick in the special draft for the league's new teams - a cerebral center from Ateneo who I believe could develop into one of the smartest big men in the league. What many casual fans might not realize is that this draft class came at a pivotal moment for Philippine basketball, coinciding with the national team's ongoing efforts to compete at higher international levels.
This brings me to that vision I've heard basketball minds discuss repeatedly - the aspiration to see our Nationals compete against the likes of Tunisia, Egypt, and Iran, teams that have consistently been among the cream of the crop in international men's basketball. Having watched our Gilas Pilipinas squad struggle against these basketball powerhouses over the years, I've become convinced that the solution lies in developing talent through systematic programs, and the PBA draft represents a crucial component of this ecosystem. The 2019 draft class, in my view, contained several players who could potentially contribute to closing that gap. Players like Allyn Bulanadi, selected fifth by Alaska, brought that international-ready physique and skill set that could someday help against Middle Eastern opponents. I'm particularly high on Barkley Ebona, chosen by Phoenix at number eight - his combination of size and mobility reminds me of what we've seen from Iranian big men who've given us so much trouble in FIBA competitions.
Looking at the second round selections, there were some absolute steals that I'm surprised fell that far. Many fans focus only on the first round, but having studied draft patterns for years, I can tell you that gems often emerge from these later picks. Take the 23rd selection, Andre Paras going to Blackwater - while he eventually chose to focus on his entertainment career, his basketball pedigree and physical tools were undeniable. Then there was the 31st pick, selected by Rain or Shine - a player I had personally watched develop in the collegiate ranks and believed had first-round potential. This depth throughout the draft, in my professional opinion, signals a healthy talent pipeline that could eventually strengthen our national team pool.
What fascinates me about analyzing draft classes is projecting how these players will develop over their careers. Based on my observations of previous drafts, I'd estimate that approximately 60% of this class will still be in the league five years from now, with about 25% developing into legitimate stars. The PBA's unique structure, with its three conferences requiring different types of imports, actually creates more opportunities for local players to develop than many international leagues. This environment could accelerate the growth of draftees like Sean Manganti (selected 18th by NorthPort) or Mike Nieto (chosen 19th by Rain or Shine), both of whom I believe have the potential to become national team material within three to four years.
The connection between a strong domestic league and international success isn't just theoretical - we've seen how countries like Iran developed their basketball programs by strengthening their local leagues first. When I compare the 2019 PBA draft to previous years, what stands out is the better balance between fundamental skills and athleticism. Previous drafts tended to favor one over the other, but this class had players who checked both boxes. Take the case of fourth pick Maurice Shaw going to NorthPort - at 6'8" with decent footwork, he represented the type of big man we need to develop to compete with the towering centers of Iran and Egypt. I've always maintained that we don't necessarily need to find seven-footers - what we need are skilled big men who understand positioning and can hold their own against physically imposing opponents.
As I reflect on this draft class nearly four years later, what's remarkable is how quickly some of these players have adapted to the professional game. About 70% of the first-round picks have already become rotation players for their teams, which is higher than the historical average of around 50% for PBA drafts. This speaks to both the quality of the draft class and the improving player development systems within PBA teams. The success of players like Roosevelt Adams, who averaged 12.3 points and 9.1 rebounds in his rookie season, demonstrates that the league is producing ready-made talent capable of contributing immediately.
The ultimate test for any draft class, in my view, is how many players can elevate themselves to become difference-makers for both their clubs and the national team. While it's still early in their careers, I'm optimistic that the 2019 draft will produce at least three to four players who will become PBA All-Stars and potentially two who could become MVP candidates. More importantly, I believe this class could contribute three to four players to the national team pool within the next five years. That might not sound like much, but when you consider that our most successful international squads typically feature a core of eight to nine players from the PBA, having three to four from a single draft class would be significant.
What excites me most about following these players' development is witnessing how they're being groomed not just for PBA success but for international competition. The league and the national basketball federation have become more aligned in recent years regarding player development, and it shows in drafts like the 2019 class. The emphasis on versatile players who can defend multiple positions and shoot from outside reflects the modern international game's demands. When I watch these young prospects play now, I can't help but imagine how they might match up against the disciplined systems of Iran or the athleticism of Tunisia - and for the first time in a while, I feel genuinely optimistic about our chances.
The journey from draft day to international competitor is long and uncertain, but the 2019 PBA draft class gives me hope that we're moving in the right direction. These players represent not just the future of their respective clubs but potentially key pieces in the puzzle of elevating Philippine basketball to compete consistently with Asia's best. As they continue to develop and gain experience, I'll be watching closely, looking for signs that they can help realize that vision of our Nationals standing toe-to-toe with the region's traditional powerhouses. The foundation has been laid - now it's about patience, development, and seizing opportunities when they arise on the international stage.
