I still remember the tension in the PBA Café that draft night back in 2017 - the air thick with anticipation and nervous energy. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous drafts, but this particular one felt different somehow. The 2017 PBA Draft wasn't just about selecting players; it was about building foundations for franchises that desperately needed fresh talent. What struck me most was how many teams were looking beyond mere athletic ability, seeking players who embodied that special quality Filipino basketball fans cherish - the heart, the passion, the undeniable love for the game and teammates that keeps teams together through tough seasons.

The first round unfolded with predictable yet exciting picks. Christian Standhardinger going first overall to San Miguel Beer made perfect sense - the guy was a beast in the ASEAN Basketball League and had that international experience teams covet. But what really impressed me was how Standhardinger immediately talked about building chemistry with his new teammates. It reminded me of that beautiful Filipino concept of team unity I've heard so many players express over the years. I recall one veteran player once telling me, "It's because love talaga namin, di lang yung ginagawa namin, pero yung bawat isa talaga. Yun talaga yung nagki-keep sa'min together, na hindi kami bibitaw." That genuine care for each other often separates successful PBA teams from the rest, and I could see teams looking for players who understood this intangible quality.

Kiefer Ravena's selection by NLEX at number two was arguably the most anticipated moment - the Phenom finally entering the pros after his suspension. Having watched Ravena since his UAAP days, I've always believed his basketball IQ was his greatest asset. The third pick saw Jeron Teng joining Alaska, a move that surprised exactly nobody given his stellar collegiate career. What fascinated me was how these top picks represented different basketball pedigrees - Standhardinger with his international background, Ravena with his legendary UAAP career, and Teng bringing that DLSU championship mentality. The diversity in player backgrounds made this draft class particularly intriguing to analyze.

As the draft progressed into the later first round, we saw some fascinating selections that demonstrated teams' specific needs. Jason Perkins to Phoenix at number four was a solid choice - I'd watched him dominate in the PBA D-League and knew his physical style would translate well. Then came the surprise of the night - Raymar Jose going to Blackwater at number seven. Honestly, I hadn't expected him to go that high, but the Elite clearly saw something special in his rebounding prowess. The first round wrapped up with players like Robbie Herndon, Sidney Onwubere, and Lervin Flores finding homes - each bringing unique skills that addressed specific team deficiencies.

The second round is where draft strategies really revealed themselves, and where my personal opinions about team decisions started forming. I've always believed the second round separates the great drafting teams from the mediocre ones. Teytey Teodoro to NLEX at number ten felt like a steal - the guy had shown flashes of brilliance in the D-League that reminded me of a young Jimmy Alapag. Then came the head-scratcher - Gelo Alolino falling to Phoenix at number thirteen surprised me given his solid collegiate career. Sometimes I wonder if teams overthink these decisions, passing on proven performers for perceived "upside" that never materializes.

What made the 2017 draft particularly memorable was the number of players who went undrafted but eventually found their way to teams. Approximately 65 players declared for the draft, but only 37 heard their names called that night. Among the notable omissions was Joseph Gabayni, who I thought would definitely get picked given his size and mobility. Another surprise was Andretti Stevens going undrafted despite his impressive D-League performances. These omissions taught me that the draft is as much about team needs and roster construction as it is about pure talent evaluation.

Reflecting on this draft three years later, I can confidently say it produced about 8 legitimate rotation players who've made significant impacts. Standhardinger has lived up to his billing, averaging around 18 points and 10 rebounds in his rookie season. Ravena immediately became one of the league's premier guards, though his international commitments have limited his PBA availability. The real success stories emerged from the later picks - players like Abu Tratter (picked 18th by Alaska) have developed into reliable contributors beyond what anyone expected on draft night.

The undrafted players who eventually made rosters demonstrated the importance of perseverance in Philippine basketball. Several found their way through the PBA D-League or earned spots through tryouts, proving that draft night isn't the final word on a player's career. This aspect of the process always reminds me why I love covering Philippine basketball - the community often gives second chances to deserving players who might have been overlooked initially.

Looking back, I'd rate the 2017 draft as above average compared to recent classes. The top three picks have largely justified their selections, and the depth proved better than many anticipated. Teams like NLEX and Phoenix particularly impressed me with their selections, addressing immediate needs while adding developmental pieces. The draft's legacy will likely be how it reinforced the importance of character and fit alongside pure talent - something that resonates with that beautiful Filipino basketball philosophy of team unity and genuine care that keeps players together through challenges. In the PBA, talent gets you drafted, but heart and chemistry determine whether you'll stick around and build something meaningful.