I still remember the excitement buzzing through the Mall of Asia Arena back in October 2016. The PBA Rookie Draft that year felt particularly significant—a class that promised to shape the league's future for years to come. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over two decades, I've learned to temper my expectations about draft classes, but even I found myself caught up in the anticipation surrounding these young prospects. What made this draft special wasn't just the raw talent available, but the intriguing mix of players who seemed ready to contribute immediately alongside those needing more development time.

Looking back seven years later, what strikes me most about the 2016 draft is how it produced exactly what it promised—several franchise cornerstones, some solid role players, and a few what-could-have-been stories. The first round alone delivered three players who would become national team mainstays, which is remarkable when you consider how few draftees typically reach that level. I've always believed you need at least five years to properly evaluate a draft class, and now with that perspective, I can confidently say this was one of the stronger groups in recent PBA history, though not without its disappointments.

The draft's top selection was no surprise—Christian Standhardinger going to San Miguel Beermen via Kia. At the time, I questioned whether a team that already had June Mar Fajardo needed another dominant big man, but Standhardinger has proven his worth repeatedly. What's impressed me most about his development isn't just his consistent double-double production—he's averaged around 18 points and 10 rebounds throughout his PBA career—but how he's adapted his game. He arrived as primarily a post player but has developed a reliable mid-range jumper that makes him nearly impossible to defend one-on-one. His journey through multiple teams has actually benefited his game, exposing him to different systems and coaching philosophies.

Then there was the third overall pick, Ray Parks Jr. to Blackwater. Now here's a player whose career trajectory has fascinated me. Coming out of the draft, many experts, myself included, believed he had the highest ceiling of anyone in the class. His athleticism and scoring ability were undeniable, but what we couldn't predict were the overseas stints and personal decisions that would create an unconventional career path. When he's been on the court, he's shown flashes of brilliance—I particularly remember his 30-point explosion against Ginebra in the 2019 Governors' Cup finals. But consistency and availability have been concerns, which is why I'd rate his career as solid but not quite reaching the superstar expectations many had for him.

The real steal of the draft, in my opinion, was Jio Jalalon going to Star Hotshots at number eight. I'll admit I underestimated him coming out of college—I thought his lack of size would limit his effectiveness against PBA guards. How wrong I was. His energy and pesky defense have made him one of the league's premier point guards. What separates Jalalon isn't just his quickness but his basketball IQ—he reads passing lanes better than any local guard I've seen in years. His development as a three-point shooter—from a non-factor to respectable—demonstrates the work ethic that has made him so valuable.

Among the second-round picks, several have carved out meaningful careers, none more impressive than Rashawn McCarthy. Going 18th overall to Blackwater, McCarthy has transformed from a fringe rotation player to a legitimate scoring threat. His journey through the PBA's D-League and multiple PBA teams taught him how to adapt his game, and now he's become that rare combo guard who can create his own shot while setting up teammates. I've always appreciated players who maximize their opportunities regardless of draft position, and McCarthy embodies that perfectly.

Which brings me to Calvin Oftana, who wasn't actually part of the 2016 draft but represents what many of these players have achieved—becoming clutch performers in big moments. I was watching when Oftana hit those crucial fourth-quarter three-pointers that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Facebook page highlighted, and it reminded me of how several members of the 2016 draft class have developed into players you want taking big shots. The transformation from college star to professional often hinges on developing that clutch gene, and seeing Oftana's growth makes me reflect on how players like Roger Pogoy from this draft class have similarly embraced late-game responsibilities.

Speaking of Pogoy, selected fifth by TNT, he's arguably exceeded even the loftiest expectations. His scoring average has increased nearly every season, and he's developed from a pure shooter into a complete offensive threat. What I admire most about Pogoy is his durability—he's missed remarkably few games despite his physical style of play. In a league where injuries frequently derail promising careers, his consistency has been invaluable for TNT's championship aspirations.

Not every story from this draft class has been triumphant. The second overall pick, Kobe Paras, never quite found his footing in the PBA despite his social media fame and highlight-reel athleticism. I always thought he needed more time developing his fundamental skills rather than relying on athleticism alone. Then there's Von Pessumal, who showed flashes of being an elite shooter but never secured a consistent rotation spot. These cases remind me that draft position guarantees nothing—development depends on fit, opportunity, and sometimes plain luck.

What stands out to me now, with the benefit of hindsight, is how this draft produced the core of what would become Gilas Pilipinas' next generation. Standhardinger, Pogoy, and several others have become integral to the national team program. Their development through the PBA system demonstrates the league's continuing role in nurturing Philippine basketball talent, even as other pathways emerge. The 2016 class may not have produced a once-in-a-generation superstar, but it delivered depth and quality that has strengthened both individual franchises and the national program.

As I reflect on this draft seven years later, what strikes me most isn't any single player's statistics or achievements, but how collectively they've shaped the PBA's competitive landscape. Several franchises built their cores around players from this class, and the league's balance of power shifted accordingly. The true measure of a draft class isn't just the stars it produces but the depth of quality rotation players, and by that measure, 2016 delivered exceptionally well. Watching these players evolve from wide-eyed rookies to established veterans has been one of the pleasures of covering Philippine basketball, and I suspect we'll continue seeing their impact for several more seasons.