As I sit here reviewing the complete PBA Draft 2020 list, I can't help but reflect on how this particular draft class has shaped the current landscape of Philippine basketball. Having followed the PBA for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous drafts come and go, but the 2020 selection stands out for several compelling reasons that I'll explore throughout this piece. The draft, held on March 14, 2020, at the Robinson's Place Manila, unfolded under unique circumstances due to the emerging pandemic, creating an atmosphere of both uncertainty and excitement that I still remember vividly.
When we look at the first round selections, it's impossible not to start with the top pick - Roosevelt Adams going to Terrafirma Dyip. Standing at 6'5" with impressive athleticism, Adams represented exactly what struggling franchises need - immediate impact players. I remember watching his pre-draft workouts and thinking this kid had something special. What many casual fans might not realize is that Adams actually averaged 15.2 points and 9.8 rebounds in the PBA D-League before making the jump to the big league. Following Adams, NorthPort Batang Pier selected Sean Anthony's replacement in Joshua Munzon, who many considered the best scorer in the draft class. Munzon's selection made perfect sense to me given his proven track record in the ASEAN Basketball League, where he put up impressive numbers against professional competition.
The third pick saw Alaska Aces taking a calculated risk on Larry Muyang from Letran, a move I initially questioned but have since come to appreciate. Muyang brought exactly what the Aces needed - toughness and interior presence. What fascinates me about evaluating draft picks is how some players immediately validate their selection while others take time to develop. Take for instance the fourth selection, Mike Ayonayon going to NLEX Road Warriors. Having watched him develop from the MPBL, I knew his scoring ability would translate well to the PBA, though I must admit I was surprised he went this high in the draft.
As we move through the middle of the first round, we encounter what I consider one of the steals of the draft - Aaron Black going to Meralco Bolts at pick number nine. Being the son of coach Norman Black, Aaron had basketball in his blood, but what impressed me most was how he carved his own identity rather than riding his father's coattails. His selection represented the perfect marriage of team need and player talent, something that doesn't always happen in drafts. Meanwhile, Rain or Shine's selection of Adrian Wong at number ten showed their commitment to adding shooting, though I personally felt there were better options available at that position.
The second round brought its own set of intriguing selections that demonstrated the depth of this draft class. Barangay Ginebra picking Arvin Tolentino at number 13 stood out to me as particularly savvy. Having watched Tolentino develop through the UAAP, I knew his combination of size and skill would fit perfectly in Tim Cone's system. What many fans might not realize is that Tolentino actually shot 38% from three-point territory in his final college season, making him an ideal stretch four in today's pace-and-space oriented PBA. Another second-round selection that caught my eye was Tyrus Hill going to Phoenix Super LPG at number 17. His athleticism was undeniable, though I questioned whether he had developed enough offensively to contribute immediately.
When we examine the later rounds, we find gems like Rey Suerte going to Blackwater at pick 19 and Aljun Melecio joining Magnolia at 23. These later selections often separate good drafting teams from great ones. I've always believed that finding value in the second round requires exceptional scouting and a bit of luck. What struck me about this particular draft was how many teams seemed to find contributors beyond the first round, which is somewhat unusual in the PBA context.
Reflecting on the complete draft list now, several patterns emerge that I find fascinating. The emphasis on versatile forwards was particularly noticeable, with teams clearly valuing players who could defend multiple positions and space the floor. This trend aligns with how I see the game evolving globally, though the PBA has its own unique characteristics that teams must consider when building their rosters. The success rate of this draft class through their first two seasons has been remarkably high compared to historical averages, with approximately 65% of drafted players still on PBA rosters as of the 2022 season.
What makes the 2020 draft particularly memorable for me is how these players developed under challenging circumstances. The pandemic disrupted their rookie seasons, yet many managed to adapt and contribute meaningfully to their teams. This resilience speaks volumes about the character of this draft class and the quality of player development programs across the league. As I look back at the complete selection list, I'm struck by how several teams managed to address immediate needs while also planning for the future - a delicate balancing act that few franchises master.
The legacy of the 2020 PBA draft continues to unfold, but already we can see its impact on team competitiveness and league parity. From my perspective, this draft will be remembered not just for the star power at the top, but for its remarkable depth and the number of quality rotation players it produced. As these players continue to develop and take on larger roles, I suspect we'll look back on the 2020 draft as a turning point for several franchises. The complete list tells a story of hope, strategy, and basketball evolution that fascinates me more with each passing season.
