I still remember the excitement buzzing through the Philippine basketball community when the 2020 PBA Draft list was finally announced. Having followed the league for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous draft classes, but this particular one felt different—it came during unprecedented times when the pandemic had reshaped how we experienced sports. The draft, originally scheduled for March, was pushed to December, creating an extended period of speculation and analysis that had fans and experts like myself constantly debating potential selections. What made this draft particularly fascinating wasn't just the delayed timing but the unique blend of talent available—from seasoned veterans to fresh college standouts ready to make their mark in the professional arena.
When I first scanned the official draft list, one name that immediately stood out to me was Mikey Williams. As someone who's analyzed player trajectories for years, I could tell he had that special combination of athleticism and court vision that translates well to the PBA level. His selection by TNT as the fourth overall pick didn't surprise me one bit, though I'll admit I had him pegged going even higher. The way he dominated in the PBA bubble later proved my instincts right—the man averaged 17.7 points per game in his rookie season, numbers that would make any scout's eyes light up. Then there was Jamie Malonzo going second to NorthPort, another selection I personally loved. At 6'6" with that incredible wingspan, he brought exactly the kind of modern forward game that today's basketball demands.
What many casual observers might have missed was the strategic thinking behind some of these picks. Teams weren't just selecting the best available talent—they were building specific systems. Take Calvin Oftana going to NLEX as the third pick. Having watched him develop in the NCAA, I believed he was arguably the most pro-ready player in the entire draft. His MVP season in college wasn't just a fluke—it demonstrated a polished offensive game that I knew would translate immediately to the PBA level. The Road Warriors needed someone who could contribute right away, and Oftana fit that bill perfectly. Meanwhile, Jordan Heading's selection by Terrafirma at number 13 was one of those under-the-radar moves that I found particularly clever. His international experience gave him a maturity beyond his years, something that's often overlooked in draft evaluations.
The draft's second round contained several gems that I think will be remembered fondly in years to come. Alvin Pasaol going to Meralco at number 9 in the second round was a personal favorite of mine—I've always had a soft spot for players who might not have prototypical measurements but possess that undeniable scoring instinct. His 49-point game in the UAAP wasn't just a statistical anomaly—it demonstrated a fearlessness that you simply can't teach. Another selection that caught my eye was Taylor Browne going to Alaska. Having tracked his development through the Canadian university system, I appreciated how his shooting mechanics would fit perfectly in the Aces' spacing-oriented offense. These second-round picks often separate good drafting teams from great ones, and I believe we'll look back at several of these selections as absolute steals.
Reflecting on the complete draft list now, what strikes me most is how teams balanced immediate needs with long-term development. The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters' decision to select Santi Santillan at number 7 overall demonstrated this balance beautifully. At 6'5" with a developing outside shot, he wasn't necessarily the flashiest pick, but he addressed their need for frontcourt depth while offering upside for the future. Similarly, Barkley Eboña going to Alaska at number 10 filled a specific role as a defensive-minded big—the kind of player who might not generate headlines but wins games through hustle and positioning. As someone who values team construction as much as individual talent, I found these nuanced selections particularly satisfying to analyze.
The unique circumstances of the 2020 draft—conducted virtually for the first time in PBA history—added an extra layer of intrigue that I won't soon forget. Watching team representatives make their selections from remote locations felt surreal, yet it somehow heightened the drama of each announcement. This draft class has already begun making its mark on the league, with several rookies making significant contributions in their debut seasons. While it's still too early to deliver definitive judgments, my prediction is that we'll look back at the 2020 PBA Draft as one that successfully navigated unprecedented challenges to deliver talent that will shape the league for years to come. The delayed timing, the virtual format, the unique player pool—all these elements combined to create what I believe will be remembered as a truly transformative draft class in Philippine basketball history.
