(c) PBA Media Bureau
The 2017 draft was hyped as a top-heavy class and that has been the reality so far. Christian Standhardinger and Kiefer Ravena are currently the best players of this draft and the deserving top 2 picks.
But, this draft turn-out to be deeper than what was expected. So, if the teams with their same pick draft again today, who should they take? Let us see.
#1 SMB - Christian Standhardinger
During the 2017 draft, there was a debate about the #1 pick between Standhardinger and Ravena. That is not debatable already. Yes, Ravena's rookie season was awesome but Standhardinger's performance was beyond awesome. In two games this conference without Fajardo, he averaged 28.0 points and 12.5 rebounds.
#2 NLEX - Kiefer Ravena
NLEX made the right choice. In the Philippine Cup, Ravena exhibited his ability to be the ace player of their franchise, right away. He produced 15.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 34% 3FG per game. In short, he is already one of the top 10 guards in the league and yet he is only a rookie.
#3 BWE - Jason Perkins
Blackwater was in need of a big and they chose between Jose and Perkins. They should have chosen the more skilled one which was a better fit with Eram. Perkins has been the efficient machine that we anticipated and his playmaking skills were underrated during the draft.
#4 PHX - Jeron Teng
Jeron's ability to reach the rim is legit. With his size, strength, and tenacity, Teng has shown the promise of being an All-Star in the future. In the Philippine Cup, he manufactured 13.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.0 steals per game.
#5 ALA - Raymar Jose
It seems like Blackwater is going slowly with Jose. Which is understandable because bigs are harder to develop in the league. His low playing time doesn't mean Jose is a bad prospect. His awareness and feel for the game is really lacking but his ability to be physical inside and rebounding is legit.
#6 NOR - Robbie Herndon
Globalport franchise drafted Herndon and traded him for Lervin Flores, Joseph Gabayni and Julian Sergent. In a way, Star did not make a wrong decision because Herndon has been a willing role player with the potential to be a great 3-and-D in the future.
#7 ROS - Rey Nambatac
I think, Rain or Shine did not draft Nambatac for this season or even the next one. The competition in the backcourt of Elasto Painters is providing a hard challenge to Rey and if he doesn't back down, he will still be the future of the Painters.
#8 PHX - Joseph Gabayni
After the top 3 bigs, Gabayni is currently the fourth best big in terms of performance. Gabayni has been a steady backup big for Northport with his size and strength. I don't think he has the upside to be a starter but backup bigs are way more vital than the back-ups of the other positions.
#9 MAG - Julian Sargent
Globalport trusted Sargent with a consistent role in his rookie season because of his steady defense and above average physical tools. Sargent is already a very good defender and that is a need of Magnolia, right now.
#10 TNT - Mark Tallo
Coach Yeng Guaio's system always brings out the best from its player. That has been proven again with Tallo who took over the main guard role from Ravena and he is averaging 10.0 points, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 51% FG per game. TNT let him go for nothing.
#11 TNT - Jonjon Gabriel
Yes, TNT drafted the right guys at the right spots. Unfortunately, they also cut Gabriel and got nothing in return. Jonjon is not yet an impact player in the PBA but his athleticism and fluidity in the court provide promise for his future.
#12 BGSM - Jett Manuel
The need of shooter will push Ginebra to choose Manuel over Sidney Onwubere and Lervin Torres. Coach Tim Cone is known to be slow in giving responsibilities to young rookies but with Chan as his mentor, Manuel can still turn out to be a steal.
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