I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2018 PBA Draft like it was yesterday. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, that particular draft class felt special from the start - a perfect storm of raw talent and proven collegiate stars coming together at just the right moment. The excitement wasn't just about who would go where, but about how these young players might reshape the league's landscape for years to come. Looking back now, with the benefit of hindsight and having watched these athletes develop through multiple seasons, it's fascinating to see which picks truly delivered on their promise and which ones might have taken unexpected paths.
The top selection that year seemed almost predetermined - CJ Perez heading to Columbian Dyip as the first overall pick. I've got to admit, I was among those who thought this was a no-brainer, and time has proven us right. Perez immediately made his presence felt, putting up 20.8 points per game in his debut season and never looking back. What's impressed me most about CJ isn't just his scoring ability, but how he's evolved into a more complete player. I remember watching him during his rookie year thinking he was all offense, but now he's become a legitimate two-way threat. His energy is just contagious, and you can see it rubs off on his teammates. The man plays with a motor that never quits, and in today's fast-paced PBA, that's worth its weight in gold.
Then there was Bobby Ray Parks going to Blackwater at number two - another selection that made perfect sense at the time. Parks had that rare combination of size and skill that you just can't teach. I'll never forget his debut game where he dropped 30 points like it was nothing. But what's been interesting to watch is his journey since then - the move to TNT, the leadership role he's taken on, and how his game has matured. He's become more selective with his shots, better at reading defenses, and honestly, he's turned into one of the most clutch performers in the league. When the game's on the line, there are few players I'd rather have with the ball than Parks.
The third pick brought us Robert Bolick to NorthPort, and man, what a steal he turned out to be. I remember some analysts questioning whether his game would translate to the pros, but he silenced every doubter pretty quickly. His rookie numbers - 16.8 points and 4.2 assists per game - told only part of the story. It was his fearlessness, that killer instinct in crucial moments, that really stood out. I've lost count of how many games I've watched where Bolick just took over in the fourth quarter. There's a certain swagger to his game that you either have or you don't, and he's got it in spades.
What made the 2018 draft particularly memorable wasn't just the top-tier talent, but the depth of quality players throughout. Javee Mocon falling to Rain or Shine at sixth still baffles me - the man was a proven winner from San Beda and had all the tools to succeed. And then there was Abu Tratter going seventh to Alaska, bringing that physical presence and energy that every team needs. But you know what really stands out when I look back at that draft class? How these players developed not just on the court, but in their team environments. I recall seeing those social media posts from PLDT players during the pandemic - players sharing scenes inside their gym and setting up improvised karaoke sessions to pass the time. Those moments matter more than people realize. That camaraderie, that ability to bond off the court, it translates to better chemistry during games. I've always believed that the best teams aren't just collections of talent - they're groups of players who genuinely enjoy playing together, who build connections beyond basketball. Seeing those informal karaoke sessions and shared meals gave me insight into how these young athletes were adapting to professional life, forming bonds that would help them through tough seasons and pressure-filled moments.
As the draft moved into later rounds, we saw some absolute gems emerge. Bong Quinto going to Meralco at 14th overall turned out to be one of the smartest picks of the draft. He's become that classic glue guy who does all the little things that don't always show up in stat sheets but win basketball games. And Jorey Napoles at 18th to Rain or Shine - another late-round find who's developed into a reliable contributor. This is where scouting departments really earn their keep, finding value where others might overlook it.
Five seasons later, the impact of the 2018 draft class is undeniable. These players aren't just role players anymore - they've become stars, franchise cornerstones, and in some cases, even national team mainstays. Perez, Parks, and Bolick have all become marquee names, the kind of players you build marketing campaigns around. But what's more impressive to me is how they've raised the overall level of competition in the league. They pushed veterans to step up their games and set new standards for what young players can achieve in their first few seasons.
If I'm being completely honest, I don't think anyone predicted just how transformative this draft class would be. We knew it was deep, we knew there was talent, but the way these players have shaped the PBA landscape has been remarkable. They brought a new energy to the league, a different style of play, and honestly, they've made Philippine basketball more exciting to watch. The 2018 draft didn't just produce good players - it produced must-watch television, the kind of athletes who make you cancel plans when their games are on. And in today's crowded sports entertainment landscape, that's the ultimate compliment.
