Looking Back at the PBA 2016 Draft: Key Picks and Where They Are Now
I still remember sitting in front of the television during that humid June evening in 2016, watching the PBA Draft unfold with the kind of anticipation that only true basketball fans would understand. The draft class promised to shape the future of Philippine basketball, and eight years later, I can confidently say it delivered—though not always in the ways we expected. As someone who's followed these players' careers from their rookie seasons to where they stand today, I've witnessed both meteoric rises and quiet fade-outs, and that's exactly what makes looking back so fascinating.
The first round that year was particularly stacked with talent, starting with the number one pick Christian Standhardinger going to San Miguel. At 6'8" with a relentless inside game, he was practically destined for greatness, but what many didn't predict was how he'd evolve into one of the most consistent big men in the league. I've watched him put up numbers that casual fans might overlook—like his average of 16.3 points and 9.7 rebounds per game last season—but it's his basketball IQ that truly sets him apart. Then there was Kiefer Ravena, picked second by NLEX, who brought that UAAP superstar aura with him. His court vision remains exceptional, though I'll admit I expected his scoring numbers to be slightly higher by now. Still, when he's controlling the tempo, there are few guards I'd rather have running the offense.
What fascinates me most about revisiting this draft class is how some players took longer to find their footing. Take Jason Perkins, who went fourth to Phoenix. His rookie season was solid but unspectacular, yet watching him develop into a reliable stretch four has been one of the more satisfying developments in recent PBA memory. His three-point percentage climbed from 28% in his first year to a respectable 36% last conference, and that kind of growth speaks volumes about his work ethic. Then there's the curious case of Robbie Herndon, selected seventh by Star Hotshots. He's shown flashes of brilliance—that 25-point outburst against Ginebra last season comes to mind—but consistency has been his challenge. If I'm being honest, I thought he'd be an All-Star by now, but the reality is he's settled into more of a rotational role than a starring one.
The second round produced its own gems, which is something I always pay close attention to because finding value there separates good teams from great ones. Lervin Flores going to GlobalPort at pick eleven never quite found his rhythm in the PBA, eventually moving to the MPBL where he's been more effective—a reminder that not every talent thrives in the same environment. But the real steal, in my opinion, was Sidney Onwubere to Rain or Shine at number thirteen. He's become that quintessential glue guy who doesn't fill up stat sheets but does all the little things that help teams win. I've lost count of how many times I've seen him take a crucial charge or secure an offensive rebound that led to a second-chance three.
Which brings me to Calvin Oftana—originally drafted in the special Gilas round and now making waves in a way that reminds me why I love tracking these players' journeys. I was checking the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Facebook page recently, and they highlighted how Oftana was among the players who hit key threes in the fourth quarter during crucial national team games. That's the kind of clutch performance you can't teach, and it's exactly what TNT hoped for when they brought him onboard. His development from a college star to a reliable PBA contributor has been impressive to watch, especially his three-point shooting which has improved to around 34% this season compared to his rookie numbers. When I think about players who've exceeded their draft expectations, Oftana definitely comes to mind.
Looking at where these players are now, what strikes me is how their career trajectories have diverged. Some, like Standhardinger, have become franchise cornerstones, while others have carved out important roles as specialists or veteran leaders. The 2016 draft class has given us at least five current All-Stars, which isn't bad considering how unpredictable player development can be. From my perspective as both a fan and analyst, this draft stands out for its depth rather than having a single transcendent superstar. These players have collectively contributed to multiple championship runs, national team successes, and have generally raised the level of competition in the league.
If there's one lesson I've taken from following this draft class, it's that initial expectations often don't tell the full story. Players develop at different paces, fit matters tremendously, and sometimes the late bloomers end up having the most satisfying careers. The 2016 draft might not have produced a once-in-a-generation talent, but it gave us quality professionals who've shaped the PBA landscape for nearly a decade now. As I look at current drafts, I find myself applying the patience I learned from watching this class develop—because in basketball, as in life, the final story is never written on draft night.
