Relive the PBA 2016 Draft: Where Are the Top Picks Now?

I still remember the excitement buzzing through the Smart-Araneta Coliseum back in 2016 when the PBA Draft unfolded. The air was thick with anticipation, teams strategizing their picks while young talents dreamed of professional careers. Looking back now, what fascinates me most isn't just where these players landed initially, but how their careers have evolved over these past eight years. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball religiously since the early 2000s, I've developed a particular interest in tracking how draft positions translate to actual career trajectories. There's something compelling about witnessing potential either flourish or fade against the harsh realities of professional sports.

The 2016 draft class arrived with tremendous hype, particularly around the top three selections. First overall pick Raphael Banal went to the Blackwater Elite, a move that surprised many analysts including myself. I recall thinking at the time that the pressure on a number one pick in the PBA feels particularly intense compared to other leagues - perhaps because our basketball community is so tightly knit and passionate. Banal's journey has been, frankly, more turbulent than I'd predicted. After showing flashes of brilliance during his rookie season where he averaged 12.3 points per game, his playing time gradually diminished. He moved to the NLEX Road Warriors in 2019, and while he's settled into a reliable bench role, I can't help but feel he hasn't quite reached the ceiling we all envisioned that draft night. His story reminds me that being the top pick brings expectations that can be both motivating and burdensome.

Then there's the second selection, Jorey Napoles, who landed with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. What's interesting about Napoles is how his career trajectory represents a different kind of success story. While he hasn't become the superstar some projected, he's developed into what I consider one of the most consistent power forwards in the league. His scoring average has hovered around 14 points per game for the past three seasons, and he's become known for his clutch performances in crucial moments. I've always appreciated players who may not grab headlines every game but deliver when it matters most. Napoles embodies that reliable professionalism that coaches treasure, even if casual fans might overlook his contributions.

The third pick, Roger Pogoy, has arguably developed into the most impactful player from this draft class. Selected by the TNT KaTropa, he quickly established himself as a two-way threat and became a cornerstone of the franchise. What impresses me most about Pogoy is his continuous improvement year after year. From averaging 11.2 points in his rookie season, he's elevated his game to become a consistent 20-point scorer and a perennial All-Star. I've had the pleasure of watching him evolve from a promising rookie to the leader he is today. His development reminds me of something a national team coach once told me about player selection: "If they will have more opportunity to play, they have more chances to be on the final roster for major tournaments." This philosophy perfectly captures Pogoy's journey - through consistent minutes and trust from his coaches, he's blossomed into one of the PBA's premier talents.

Looking beyond the top three, several later picks have carved out meaningful careers that deserve recognition. Sixth pick Joseph Eriobu, selected by the Phoenix Fuel Masters, has become one of the league's most improved players. His transformation from a raw talent to a dependable big man has been remarkable to witness. Meanwhile, ninth pick Roldan Sara, though not putting up eye-popping statistics, has established himself as a reliable point guard who understands how to manage games effectively. These players demonstrate that draft position, while important, doesn't solely determine career outcomes. Development opportunities, coaching systems, and personal work ethic play enormous roles in how careers unfold.

What strikes me about evaluating this draft class eight years later is how it reflects broader truths about professional basketball. The transition from collegiate or amateur basketball to the PBA presents unique challenges that test more than just athletic ability. The mental toughness required, the adaptability to different coaching styles, the resilience to bounce back from injuries and slumps - these factors ultimately separate those who flourish from those who fade. I've noticed that the most successful players from the 2016 draft share certain qualities: basketball IQ that continues to develop, willingness to expand their skill sets, and the mental fortitude to handle the pressures of professional sports.

As I reflect on where these players are today, I'm reminded that careers are marathons, not sprints. Some who started strong have plateaued, while others who began quietly have developed into cornerstone players. The 2016 draft class has given us compelling narratives about development, resilience, and the unpredictable nature of athletic careers. They've contributed significantly to the league's evolution over the past eight years, through championship moments, heartbreaking losses, and everything in between. Their journeys continue to unfold, reminding us that in basketball as in life, growth isn't always linear, but it's always worth watching.