Looking Back at the 2018 PBA Draft: Key Picks and Where They Are Now
I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2018 PBA Draft like it was yesterday. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, that particular draft class felt special from the start. The tension in the arena was palpable, with team executives huddled together and players nervously waiting for their names to be called. What made this draft particularly memorable wasn't just the talent available, but the unique context - these players were entering a league that was still finding its footing in the modern basketball landscape, balancing traditional Filipino basketball values with evolving global trends.
When we look back at the first round selections, CJ Perez going first overall to Columbian Dyip was hardly surprising. The Lyceum standout had been turning heads for years with his explosive scoring ability, and his 2018 PBA season averages of 20.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists immediately justified the selection. What many don't realize is how raw he was defensively back then - I remember watching his early games and thinking he'd never become the two-way player he is today. But his work ethic proved me wrong. Bobby Ray Parks Jr., selected second by Blackwater, brought that unique blend of NBA G-League experience and local flair that had scouts buzzing for months. His decision to play in the ASEAN Basketball League first showed a maturity beyond his years - he understood the value of getting consistent minutes rather than riding the bench somewhere.
The third pick, Robert Bolick to NorthPort, might have been the steal of the draft. I'll admit I had doubts about whether his college success at San Beda would translate to the pros, but his clutch gene quickly silenced critics like myself. His 26-point explosion against Ginebra during his rookie season announced his arrival in dramatic fashion. Then there was Javee Mocon going sixth to Rain or Shine - this pick fascinated me because he wasn't the most athletic prospect, but his basketball IQ was off the charts. I remember telling fellow analysts that he'd either become a rotational player or surprise everyone - well, he's done the latter, developing into one of the most reliable two-way forwards in the league.
What's particularly interesting is how these players developed during the unusual pandemic period. The reference to PLDT players sharing scenes from their gym and setting up improvised karaoke sessions perfectly captures the adaptation required during those challenging times. These weren't just athletes going through the motions - they were young men finding ways to bond and maintain team chemistry despite circumstances none of us could have predicted. I've spoken with several players from that draft class who mentioned how those informal sessions, whether sharing meals or belting out tunes, actually helped them develop the mental toughness needed for the bubble tournaments that followed.
Fast forward to today, and the impact of the 2018 draft class is undeniable. Perez has become the face of San Miguel Beermen's continued dominance, evolving from a volume scorer to an efficient offensive weapon while improving his defense dramatically. Parks has found his groove with TNT, becoming that versatile wing who can defend multiple positions while creating his own shot. Bolick's recent move to NorthPort has reinvigorated the franchise, proving that some players just have that special connection with certain teams. Meanwhile, second-round picks like Michael Calisaan have carved out important roles, exceeding expectations and demonstrating the draft's surprising depth.
The legacy of this draft class extends beyond individual achievements though. These players represent a bridge between the old guard and the new generation - they respect the PBA's traditions while pushing for modernization in training methods and playing styles. I've noticed how they've influenced younger players coming into the league, emphasizing skill development alongside physical conditioning in ways we hadn't seen before. Their collective impact has helped raise the league's overall competitiveness, forcing veterans to step up their games while setting new standards for incoming rookies.
Reflecting on this draft five years later, what strikes me most is how these players have matured both on and off the court. They've navigated pandemic disruptions, adapted to changing team dynamics, and developed into leaders while maintaining that genuine love for the game that was so evident during their draft night. The impromptu karaoke sessions and shared meals during lockdowns weren't just ways to pass time - they were building blocks for the resilience and camaraderie we see in today's PBA. As the league continues to evolve, the 2018 draft class stands as a testament to the value of selecting not just talented athletes, but adaptable individuals who can grow with the sport. They've given us five exciting years already, and I have a feeling their best contributions to Philippine basketball are still ahead of them.