Looking back at the PBA Draft 2007 feels like flipping through an old photo album where some faces have faded while others remain strikingly vivid. As someone who’s followed Philippine basketball for over two decades, I’ve always found the draft to be a mix of hope, hype, and hindsight. That year, in particular, stands out—not just for the names called, but for the careers that unfolded, some soaring, others stalling.
So, what made the 2007 PBA Draft so memorable?
Well, for starters, it was stacked with talent that promised to reshape the league. The first round alone featured future national team players, clutch scorers, and a few who’d become household names. But what really sticks with me is how this draft class reflected a shift in the PBA’s style—more emphasis on versatility, on players who could slide between positions. I remember sitting in the crowd that day, buzzing with speculation. Would teams prioritize size over skill? Or had the league evolved past that?
Who were the standout picks, and how did they pan out?
Joe Devance going first overall to Welcoat (now Rain or Shine) was a no-brainer. At 6’7”, he brought a guard’s finesse to the forward spot—a rarity back then. Over his career, he snagged eight PBA championships, proving his worth as a glue guy. Then there’s Ryan Reyes, picked third by Sta. Lucia. Man, that guy was a defensive menace from day one. He bagged Rookie of the Year honors and later became a key piece for TNT Tropang Giga. Speaking of TNT, this ties into that recent social media buzz Jojo Lastimosa mentioned. Their import’s post about NBA training camps? It reminds me how PBA talents, like those 2007 draftees, often flirt with bigger leagues but find their legacy here.
Why does the 2007 draft still resonate today?
It’s simple: longevity. Several players from that class are still active, like Devance, who’s transitioned into a mentorship role. Others, like Jayson Castro (who entered as a direct hire but feels part of this era), evolved into superstars. Castro’s speed? Unmatched. He’d blow by defenders like they were standing still—I once saw him drop 15 points in a quarter against Ginebra. But beyond stats, this draft symbolizes an era where the PBA began valuing IQ as much as athleticism.
What about the underrated picks?
Ah, this is where it gets personal. I’ve always had a soft spot for Jonathan Fernandez, picked late by Purefoods. He never became a star, but he carved out a solid 7-year career as a role player—the kind of guy who’d dive for loose balls in practice. Then there’s Mark Yee, who went undrafted but later made noise in the MPBL. It’s a reminder that drafts aren’t just about the early rounds; they’re about grit.
How do the 2007 picks compare to recent drafts?
Honestly, the 2007 group set a high bar. They combined for over 20 All-Star appearances in their prime, and at least five became national team mainstays. Today’s drafts feel more guard-heavy, but back then, it was about balance. I mean, look at the Tropang Giga’s current roster—it’s built on that same philosophy. Jojo Lastimosa’s comment about their import seeking NBA spots? It echoes how PBA talents then and now chase bigger stages, but the 2007 crew mostly stayed and built legacies here.
Where are the key picks now?
Devance is semi-retired, coaching youth leagues—I ran into him at a clinic last year, and he’s still as passionate as ever. Reyes is off the radar, last I heard, focusing on family. But the legacy lives on; these guys are why "Looking Back at the PBA Draft 2007: Key Picks and Where They Are Now" isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a lesson in how drafts shape decades.
What’s the biggest takeaway?
For me, it’s that drafts are more than transactions. They’re stories. The 2007 class had its share of twists, from MVP-caliber careers to quiet exits. And with folks like Lastimosa still in the mix, managing talents who eye the NBA, it’s clear the PBA’s draft pulse keeps beating. So yeah, 2007 wasn’t perfect—but boy, did it deliver.