I still remember the excitement buzzing through the PBA community back in 2007 when the rookie draft class was announced. That year felt particularly special—we had this intriguing mix of college standouts and unexpected gems that had everyone debating who would become the next big star. What strikes me now, looking back after all these years, is how dramatically different each player's journey turned out to be. Some became household names while others faded into obscurity, and that contrast fascinates me to this day.
The atmosphere around draft day was electric, and I recall watching the coverage from various team viewing parties. One that stood out was the TNT Katropa gathering, where team manager Jojo Lastimosa and PBA board chairman and TNT governor Ricky Vargas joined Pangilinan and the rest of the team at the conference room of the PLDT office in Makati City. Being there, you could feel the tension and anticipation—every pick felt like it could make or break a franchise's future. Lastimosa, with his championship experience, kept emphasizing how crucial this draft would be for shaping the league's landscape for years to come. He wasn't wrong—that class produced 12 players who would go on to have significant PBA careers, though only about 5 truly became stars.
Joe Devance going first overall to Welcoat (now Rain or Shine) wasn't surprising to me—his versatility made him the obvious choice. What surprised everyone was how quickly he adapted, putting up around 14.2 points and 6.8 rebounds in his rookie season. But my personal favorite has always been Ryan Reyes, picked third by Santa Lucia. I've always had a soft spot for two-way players, and Reyes embodied that perfectly—his defensive intensity combined with clutch shooting made him instrumental in Santa Lucia's championship run that very first year. Watching him play was like seeing a younger version of Lastimosa himself—that same relentless drive and basketball IQ that separates good players from great ones.
Then there were the disappointments—and I don't say that lightly. Doug Kramer, selected second by Air21, never quite lived up to the hype despite showing flashes of brilliance. He averaged decent numbers—about 8.5 points and 7 rebounds at his peak—but for a second overall pick, you expect franchise player material. I remember arguing with fellow analysts who claimed he just needed more time, but sometimes players peak early, and that's exactly what happened here. Meanwhile, later picks like Jayson Castro (drafted 12th!) proved that draft position means very little in the long run. Castro's rise from relative obscurity to becoming the "Blur" and arguably the best point guard in PBA history still amazes me—he's the perfect example of why teams should trust their scouting over draft hype.
The international picks that year particularly intrigue me when I look back. Samigue Eman, chosen fourth by Alaska, never quite adapted to the PBA's physical style despite his obvious physical tools. At 6'9", he should have dominated, but basketball isn't just about measurements—it's about heart and adaptability. Meanwhile, players like James Yap, though drafted earlier in 2004, were already establishing themselves as superstars during this period, setting a standard that the 2007 class was measured against. The comparison was unfair at times, but that's the nature of professional sports—you're always measured against the best.
What fascinates me most about tracking these players' careers is how their paths diverged. Some, like Reyes and Castro, are still connected to basketball through coaching or commentary roles. Others completely disappeared from the sport—I recently heard one former second-round pick now runs a successful car dealership in Quezon City. That's the reality of professional sports that fans often forget—for every superstar, there are dozens of players whose careers end quietly.
Reflecting on that 2007 draft through today's lens, I'm struck by how unpredictable player development truly is. The can't-miss prospects missed, the overlooked gems shined, and careers took turns nobody could have predicted during that viewing party at the PLDT office. Vargas was right when he emphasized that day that drafting is equal parts analysis and intuition—you can study stats all you want, but until you see how a player responds to pressure, you never really know what you're getting. That 2007 class taught me to be humble in my predictions—the future of these athletes writes itself in ways that continually surprise even the most seasoned observers like myself.