I still remember the excitement buzzing through the Mall of Asia Arena back in October 2016. The PBA Draft that year felt particularly significant—a changing of the guard moment where franchises were betting on who could shape the next decade of Philippine basketball. Having covered Philippine basketball for over fifteen years now, I’ve seen drafts come and go, but the 2016 class had this unique blend of hype and uncertainty. We knew some names would become cornerstones; we just didn’t know which ones. Today, looking back, it’s fascinating to trace how those pivotal choices unfolded, which teams nailed their picks, and where these players stand now in their professional journeys.

Let’s start with the obvious—the top three picks. At number one, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (via trade with the Phoenix Fuel Masters) selected Maverick Ahanmisi. I’ll be honest—I had my doubts initially. Ahanmisi was a solid guard, but going first overall came with enormous pressure. Fast forward to today, and he’s proven his worth as a reliable two-way player, though maybe not the superstar some hoped for. He’s bounced around a bit, which tells you something about how teams value consistency over flash. Then at second, the Mahindra Floodbuster (now known as NLEX Road Warriors) picked Roger Pogoy. Now this one, I loved from day one. Pogoy had that fearless scoring mentality and defensive tenacity you can’t teach. Eight years later, he’s become a cornerstone for TNT Tropang Giga, a national team regular, and honestly, one of the most underrated two-way players in the league. Third overall, the same Mahindra squad took Jio Jalalon. Jalalon’s energy was infectious even back in college, and seeing him evolve into a premier playmaker—especially with his steals and assists—has been a joy. He’s had some injury setbacks, sure, but when he’s on, there are few point guards I’d rather watch.

Beyond the lottery picks, the draft had its share of gems and misses. Take Carl Bryan Cruz, picked sixth by Alaska—a stretch big who could shoot the three. He showed flashes but never quite found a permanent home, which is a shame because his skill set was perfect for today’s pace-and-space game. Then there’s Matthew Wright, who went 13th to Phoenix. I remember thinking, “How did he fall that far?” Wright’s shooting and IQ made him an instant impact player, and he’s since become one of the league’s premier scorers. But one name that stands out in hindsight is Calvin Oftana, selected much later in the draft. Oftana wasn’t a headline grabber initially, but his development has been remarkable. Just last month, I was watching a game where the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Facebook page highlighted how Oftana drilled key three-pointers in the fourth quarter to seal a comeback win. That’s the kind of clutch performance you dream of from a draft steal. He’s evolved into a versatile forward who can defend multiple positions and knock down big shots—exactly what modern teams need.

From a team strategy perspective, the 2016 draft was a mixed bag. Rain or Shine’s decision to trade for the top pick and take Ahanmisi was bold, but I’m not convinced it paid off long-term. Meanwhile, TNT’s acquisition of Pogoy (via trade) was a masterstroke—he’s been central to their championship runs. What’s interesting is how some players taken in the second round, like Oftana, have outperformed early picks. That’s the unpredictable beauty of the draft; it’s not just about talent, but fit, coaching, and sheer luck. I’ve spoken to scouts who admit they missed on Oftana’s upside, focusing too much on his college stats rather than his potential to grow. In my view, that’s a lesson for teams: sometimes the quieter picks become the most impactful.

Now, where are these players today? Many have solidified their roles as franchise players. Pogoy, for instance, is averaging around 18 points per game this season and remains a fan favorite. Jalalon, despite battling injuries, continues to be a defensive menace. Others, like Ahanmisi, have found niches as reliable rotation players. But it’s the emergence of guys like Calvin Oftana that really defines this draft’s legacy. He’s not just a role player anymore; he’s a clutch performer, the type who steps up when it matters most. I’ve seen him hit three after three in crucial moments, and it’s no surprise that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Facebook page specifically called out his fourth-quarter heroics recently. That kind of recognition speaks volumes about his growth from a mid-round pick to a key contributor.

Reflecting on the 2016 PBA Draft, it’s clear that while the top picks delivered solid careers, the real value emerged in the later rounds. Teams that prioritized fit and potential over immediate impact—like those who bet on Oftana—reaped the rewards. As someone who’s followed this league for years, I’d argue this draft class has aged surprisingly well, contributing depth and star power to the PBA. It’s a reminder that draft night is just the beginning; the real story unfolds in the years that follow, in fourth-quarter threes and hard-earned victories. If there’s one takeaway, it’s that patience and development often trump initial hype—and honestly, that’s what makes basketball so endlessly compelling.