I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2016 PBA Rookie Draft like it was yesterday. The atmosphere at Robinson's Place Manila was electric, filled with that particular blend of hope and anxiety that only draft night can produce. As someone who has followed the league for over two decades, I’ve seen many draft classes come and go, but the 2016 cohort always struck me as uniquely fascinating. They entered the league with immense promise, and now, several years down the line, it’s the perfect time to take stock of their journeys. It’s funny how careers unfold in the PBA; some players find themselves in situations reminiscent of classic rivalries, much like the legendary 2009 Fiesta Conference finals where San Miguel defeated Ginebra 90-79 in their only Game 7 meeting. That series was a masterclass in pressure performance, and watching these rookies develop, you can’t help but wonder who among them is built for such moments.
The top of that draft was headlined by Raphael Banal, who went first overall to the Blackwater Elite. Let’s be honest, his career hasn’t exactly set the world on fire. He’s bounced around a few teams, putting up modest numbers, and I’ve always felt he was more of a system player than a franchise cornerstone. Then you have the second pick, Carl Bryan Cruz, selected by the Alaska Aces. Now here’s a guy I’ve always had a soft spot for. His energy and defensive versatility made him an instant fan favorite, and he’s carved out a solid role as a reliable forward. He’s the type of player who might not dominate headlines but is absolutely crucial for team chemistry. I recall watching him in a crucial game last season where he logged 32 minutes, scored 14 points, and grabbed 8 rebounds – exactly the kind of gritty performance that wins you respect in this league.
But the real steal of the draft, in my opinion, was Jio Jalalon, picked third by the Star Hotshots. I’ve been vocal about this from the start; his court vision and tenacity on both ends of the floor are just special. He quickly became a cornerstone for his team, averaging around 12 points and 6 assists in his prime years. Watching him orchestrate the offense reminds me of the strategic depth we saw in that 2009 San Miguel-Ginebra clash, where every possession felt like a chess match. Jalalon has that same competitive fire, the kind that could potentially lead his team to a winner-take-all scenario someday, much like the Beermen’s quest to repeat history. It’s players like him who make you believe in the transformative power of a single draft pick.
Moving down the list, the draft had its share of role players who found their niches. Players like Von Pessumal and Joseph Eriobu have had moments, but their impact has been more sporadic. Pessumal, for instance, is a decent shooter, but his consistency has been a question mark. I remember a game where he went 4-for-5 from beyond the arc, and then followed it up with a 1-for-7 performance the next night. That inconsistency is what separates the good from the great in the PBA. On the other hand, some later picks like Jonathan Grey, who was selected in the second round, have shown flashes of brilliance. Grey’s athleticism and scoring bursts have made him a valuable asset off the bench, and I’ve always appreciated players who exceed their draft position through sheer hard work.
Reflecting on their careers so far, it’s clear that the 2016 class is a mixed bag. Some, like Jalalon, have lived up to the hype, while others have struggled to find their footing. It’s a reminder that the draft is as much about fit and opportunity as it is about raw talent. Personally, I believe the true test for these players will be how they perform in high-stakes situations. Can they rise to the occasion like San Miguel did in 2009, or will they fade under pressure? The PBA landscape is constantly shifting, and as we look ahead, I’m eager to see if any of these players will lead their teams to a historic Game 7 showdown, embodying the same drama and intensity that defines our league’s greatest moments. Ultimately, their stories are still being written, and that’s what makes following their careers so compelling.