I still remember sitting in front of the television during that humid June evening in 2013, watching the PBA draft unfold with the kind of anticipation that only true basketball enthusiasts would understand. The draft class had been touted as one of the most promising in recent memory, and as the picks were announced, I found myself mentally cataloging which teams would emerge as winners and which would face regrets in the coming years. Looking back now, with nearly a decade of hindsight, it's fascinating to see how these players' careers have evolved—some becoming household names, others fading into relative obscurity, and a few taking unexpected international detours that added unique chapters to their professional journeys.
The first round that year was particularly intriguing, starting with Greg Slaughter going first overall to Barangay Ginebra. At 7 feet tall, he was practically destined to be a top pick, and I recall thinking Ginebra had secured their franchise center for the next decade. His rookie season didn't disappoint—he put up solid numbers of about 14 points and 9 rebounds per game, earning Rookie of the Year honors. But if I'm being completely honest, I always felt he never quite reached his full potential in the PBA. There were flashes of dominance, sure, but consistency proved elusive. Meanwhile, the second pick, Terrence Romeo, ended up being my personal favorite success story from that draft. Selected by GlobalPort, this flashy guard brought an entertainment factor that the league desperately needed. His scoring explosions—remember that 41-point game against Alaska?—made him must-watch television. Though his career has seen some turbulence with team changes, that man could create his own shot better than anyone I've seen come through the PBA in recent years.
What made the 2013 draft particularly memorable was the depth of talent beyond those top picks. Raymond Almazan going third to Rain or Shine felt like a steal at the time, and history has proven that correct. His defensive presence and evolving offensive game made him one of the most reliable big men in the league. Then there was Ian Sangalang at fourth to San Mig Coffee (now Magnolia), who developed into that reliable low-post scorer every championship team needs. I've always had a soft spot for players who outperform their draft position, and that's exactly what Justin Melton did when he was picked seventh. That guy brought athleticism to the guard position that we hadn't seen in quite some time—his dunking ability as a relatively small guard was something special.
The later rounds produced some interesting role players too, though many have flown under the radar of casual fans. Norbert Torres provided serviceable minutes for various teams, while Anthony Gavier found his niche as a defensive specialist. But what really fascinates me about tracking these players' careers are the unexpected turns—like those who took their talents overseas. This brings me to an interesting case that connects to our reference knowledge: one draftee from that class eventually played for the Taiwan Mustangs in The Asian Tournament after a stint with the Gilas team of coach Tab Baldwin. While I won't name specific players to maintain accuracy, this career path highlights how the PBA draft isn't necessarily the final destination for these athletes but rather a launching pad for diverse professional experiences across Asia's basketball landscape.
Reflecting on this draft class, I can't help but feel somewhat disappointed that we didn't see more players sustain elite performance levels throughout their careers. Injuries certainly played a role—I count at least three players from that draft whose careers were significantly derailed by health issues. The physical demands of the PBA are brutal, and not every body can hold up. Still, the 2013 draft produced approximately 65% of players who remained in the league for at least five seasons, which is actually a pretty decent retention rate compared to other years. What's equally interesting is tracking where these players ended up—several have transitioned into coaching roles, while others have found success in business ventures outside basketball.
As I wrap up this retrospective, I'm struck by how the 2013 draft represents both the predictability and unpredictability of talent evaluation. Some picks were no-brainers who panned out exactly as expected, while others developed in ways nobody could have predicted. The international opportunities that have emerged for PBA players in recent years—like the Taiwan Mustangs option mentioned earlier—add another layer to how we assess draft success. It's no longer just about PBA championships and statistics, but about the overall career trajectory and global impact. Though I might quibble with some team decisions from that night, the 2013 draft ultimately delivered a compelling mix of stars, role players, and international ambassadors for Philippine basketball—a legacy that continues to unfold even today.
