2017 PBA Draft - Grading the Round 1: The Fruit of Corruption



This is not your usual draft grades. Why? Because the baseline is the expectation. Meaning, the team who drafted the expected guy will get a grade of C. It doesn't mean that they did not do well. It only means that they simply agreed with the consensus.

#1 Christian Standhardinger - San Miguel

Grade: C

He is the biggest player in the draft and the most impactful one. If you want to compete, he should be your guy. 


#2 Kiefer Ravena - NLEX
Grade: C

With the right system, Kiefer could end up as a much better player than Standhardinger. His unexpected athleticism pumped his athleticism to an MVP level.



#3 Raymar Jose - Blackwater
Grade: B


With high-usage players in Allein Maliksi and Mike DiGregorio, getting a bigman was a wise decision. Unfortunately, Jose is undersize and not skilled enough to warrant an A.
#4 Jason Perkins - Phoenix 

Grade: C 

The decision to get Perkins over Teng got them a C. Why? They got a player who fits with the team, very well. A player who can pass, go to the post, defend bigs, shoot and defend wings is very valuable. But, Perkins may not reach a high level of that type.
#5 Jeron Teng - Alaska
Grade: C

If Alaska did not grab Teng, no one will forgive them. I cannot wait for the Teng-Abueva fastbreak. 



#6 Robbie Herndon - Star
Grade: C

In my eyes, Herndon is a high level prospect. I just don't think Star is the best fit for him. Unless another trade happens, I do not expect the backcourt and wing players of Star will all be happy with their usage rate in the middle of the Philippine Cup.

#7 Rey Nambatac - Rain or Shine

Grade: D

The familiarity of Coach Caloy with Nambatac is a good thing. Other than that, I just don't think grabbing another guard in a loaded rotation is right. It is not as if their guards are aging already.

#8 Sidney Onwubere - Phoenix

Grade: A 

Phoenix needs a legit defensive stopper. They got, arguably, the best stopper in this class! Other than that, they also drafted my #1 sleeper. The guy that could have a better career than Ravena or Standhardinger.



#9 Lervin Flores - Globalport 
Grade: B

Big rookies with above average potential is a luxury. Globalport was savant enough to recognize that and now they have a high-leaper who can be a lob target for their dynamic backcourt.

#10 Mark Tallo - TNT

Grade: B

He is your regular heady, steady and fearless point guard. TNT is already at the max in terms of fil-foreigners so drafting a guard who is a good learner is not that bad.

#11 Jonjon Gabriel - TNT

Grade: A

You know what is a gem in the PBA? A bigman with long arms that can protect the rim and can shoot from the outside. That is Gabriel. A nice try for TNT with the #11 pick.

#12 Jett Manuel - Ginebra

Grade: A


Ginebra is already a title contender. Their bench is missing another guy who be a spark-plug. Other than that, Manuel is big enough to be an understudy of Mark Caguioa. 

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