A Look Back at the PBA Rookie Draft 2015: Where Are They Now?

I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft like it was yesterday. The atmosphere at Robinson's Place Manila was electric, filled with hopeful young athletes and seasoned team managers all wondering which prospects would become the league's next superstars. Nearly a decade later, it's fascinating to trace where these players landed—some became household names, others faded into obscurity, and a few took unexpected detours that nobody could have predicted. What makes this draft class particularly memorable isn't just the talent on display, but how their careers unfolded in ways that reflect both the brutal realities and surprising opportunities within professional basketball.

Looking back, the 2015 draft class was headlined by Moala Tautuaa going first overall to Talk 'N Text, followed by Troy Rosario at number two. Both players have had respectable careers, with Rosario establishing himself as a reliable forward and Tautuaa becoming a consistent presence in the paint. But what really stands out to me is how this draft produced several players who took unconventional paths to success. Take CJ Perez for instance—selected third overall by Columbian Dyip, his journey has been nothing short of remarkable. I recall interviewing him during his rookie season when he was still recovering from an injury, and his determination was palpable even then. He told reporters, "I hope bago mag-first game namin, makahabol ako. Ngayon talaga, nagre-rehab pa at strengthening." That statement perfectly captured the mindset of these rookies—eager to contribute but aware of the work required. Perez has since evolved into one of the league's premier scorers, averaging around 24.4 points per game in the 2022 season and eventually winning the MVP award in 2024, proving that patience and rehabilitation truly pay off.

The middle picks of that draft tell equally compelling stories. Players like Maverick Ahanmisi (picked 5th) and Von Pessumal (13th) have carved out solid roles as reliable rotation players, though neither has become the superstar some projected. What's interesting to me is how their careers demonstrate the value of finding your niche in the league. Ahanmisi developed into a dependable three-point shooter, connecting on approximately 38% of his attempts last conference, while Pessumal became known for his defensive intensity. Meanwhile, some second-round picks like Joseph Eriobu (16th overall) have bounced around multiple teams, playing for at least four different franchises while never quite securing a permanent role. This volatility in careers highlights how precarious a professional basketball career can be—talent alone isn't enough without the right opportunities and circumstances.

From my perspective covering the PBA for over fifteen years, the 2015 draft class stands out for its depth rather than its star power. Unlike the 2014 draft that produced June Mar Fajardo or the 2012 class with Calvin Abueva, the 2015 group didn't have that one transcendent talent. Instead, it gave us about eight to ten solid rotation players who've contributed meaningfully to their teams. What I find particularly compelling is how their career trajectories mirror the evolution of the PBA itself during this period. As the league shifted toward more positionless basketball and three-point shooting, players like Perez adapted beautifully while others who relied on more traditional skills saw their roles diminish. This adaptability factor is something I believe teams should consider more heavily during draft evaluations—it's not just about current skills but potential to evolve with the game's changing demands.

Some draft analysts initially criticized the 2015 class as underwhelming, but time has proven them somewhat wrong. While it's true that only about 60% of drafted players remained in the league beyond their fifth season—compared to the league average of approximately 65%—the quality of the top performers has been exceptional. Perez alone has exceeded all expectations, transforming from an injury-recovering rookie into a franchise cornerstone. His development path should serve as a blueprint for how teams handle young talent—patient investment in proper rehabilitation and skill development yields tremendous returns. I've noticed that teams are now more willing to redshirt rookies or give them extended development time, a strategy that arguably began gaining traction after seeing success stories like Perez's.

Reflecting on where these players are now, it's striking how their careers have diverged. Tautuaa and Rosario remain productive starters, Perez has reached elite status, while others like Alfred Aroga (7th pick) and Jom Sollano (14th pick) have moved on to other leagues or retired entirely. The draft's legacy isn't just about individual achievements but how these players collectively shaped their teams' fortunes. Teams that invested in player development, like San Miguel with Perez after his trade, reaped significant benefits, while franchises that frequently changed direction struggled to maximize their draft capital. If I were advising teams today, I'd emphasize the importance of patience and systematic development—the 2015 draft proves that initial assessments often miss the bigger picture of a player's potential.

What continues to fascinate me about tracking these career arcs is the human element behind the statistics. These weren't just draft picks—they were young men with dreams, facing the immense pressure of professional sports. Some flourished under that pressure, others buckled, and many found their own unique paths to sustainable careers. The 2015 class serves as a valuable case study in talent evaluation, development systems, and the unpredictable nature of athletic careers. As we look toward future drafts, the lessons from this group remain relevant: initial draft position matters less than fit, development, and that intangible quality of resilience that separates transient talents from lasting contributors to the game we love.