Who Were the Top Picks in the 2016 PBA Rookie Draft and Where Are They Now?

I still remember the excitement surrounding the 2016 PBA Rookie Draft like it was yesterday. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over two decades, I've witnessed numerous draft classes come and go, but this particular batch felt special from the start. The buzz at Robinson's Place Manila was electric, with fans packing the venue to capacity, all wondering which future stars would emerge. What made this draft particularly intriguing was how it unfolded against the backdrop of the league's historic rivalries, including that memorable 2009 Fiesta Conference where San Miguel defeated Ginebra in their only Game 7 finals meeting. That championship mentality seemed to hover over the draft proceedings, as teams looked for players who could replicate such legendary moments.

The first overall pick that year went to Blackwater Elite, who selected Mac Belo, the versatile forward from Far Eastern University. I had watched Belo develop through his UAAP career and believed he was the complete package - a player who could score inside and out while bringing defensive intensity. Right behind him at number two, Rain or Shine picked another FEU standout, Mike Tolomia, creating an interesting dynamic where college teammates became top draft rivals. The third selection saw TNT Katropa take Roger Pogoy, who I personally thought had the most polished offensive game in the draft class. These three players represented what I considered the cream of the crop, though there were certainly other notable names called that day, including Jio Jalalon at number six to Star Hotshots and Matthew Wright going ninth to Phoenix.

Looking back seven years later, it's fascinating to see how these careers have unfolded. Mac Belo has become a reliable contributor, though perhaps not quite the superstar many envisioned when he went first overall. He's bounced around a bit, playing for Blackwater, Meralco, and now San Miguel - which ironically connects him to that 2009 championship legacy I mentioned earlier. Meanwhile, Roger Pogoy has arguably developed into the most successful player from this draft class, becoming a cornerstone for TNT and winning multiple championships. His scoring ability has translated beautifully to the professional level, and I'd argue he's been the steal of the draft considering he went third. Mike Tolomia has had a more journeyman career, showing flashes of brilliance but never quite finding a permanent home, which honestly surprises me given his college pedigree.

The mid-first round picks have had equally interesting trajectories. Jio Jalalon became exactly what I expected - a pesky defender and floor general for Magnolia (formerly Star). His energy and playmaking have made him a fan favorite, though his shooting limitations have prevented him from reaching elite status. Matthew Wright, selected much later than he should have been in my opinion, developed into one of the league's premier shooters before recently retiring, which came as a shock to many of us who cover the league. His career three-point percentage of around 38% doesn't fully capture how defenses had to account for him every second he was on the court.

What's particularly interesting to me is how several players from this draft have found themselves involved in the historic San Miguel-Ginebra rivalry I referenced earlier. That 2009 Game 7 between these two franchises represented the pinnacle of PBA competition, and now we see draft picks like Belo potentially writing new chapters in this ongoing saga. The championship DNA from that 2009 San Miguel team seems to have trickled down through the organization, affecting how they develop and utilize their drafted players. Meanwhile, Ginebra has built their roster differently, often relying on veteran presence rather than rookie contributions, which I think speaks to their distinct team-building philosophy.

Some second-round picks from that draft have carved out meaningful careers too. Rashawn McCarthy, selected 13th overall by Mahindra, has become a solid rotation player despite being overlooked initially. I've always appreciated his development story - from barely making rosters to becoming a reliable contributor. The same goes for Joseph Eriobu, who went 16th to Star and has managed to stick around through sheer hustle and defensive effort. These players may not get the headlines, but they're the backbone of any successful franchise.

Reflecting on the entire 2016 draft class today, I'd grade it as above average but not exceptional. We've seen two All-Stars emerge in Pogoy and Jalalon, several solid starters, and a few role players who are still contributing today. What's missing is that transcendent superstar - the kind of player who can single-handedly shift a franchise's fortunes, much like June Mar Fajardo did when San Miguel drafted him years earlier. The 2009 finals I mentioned earlier featured established stars rather than recent draftees, which perhaps suggests that while drafts are important, championship teams are often built through multiple avenues including trades and free agency.

The legacy of the 2016 draft continues to evolve as we speak. With players like Pogoy hitting their prime and others finding new homes through recent trades, the final chapters of their careers haven't been written. What remains clear to me is that drafting is equal parts science and art - teams can identify talent, but predicting how that talent develops within a professional system remains challenging. The successful teams, like San Miguel has been over the years, understand how to integrate young players into their culture while maintaining championship expectations. As we look toward future drafts, the 2016 class serves as an important reminder that where players start matters less than where they finish - and how many championship moments they create along the way.