I still remember sitting in the press section during the 2016 PBA Draft, feeling that particular buzz in the air that tells you something significant is about to happen. The draft class of 2016 wasn't just another batch of rookies—it turned out to be a genuine turning point for the league, one that would redefine team dynamics and competitive balance for years to come. Looking back now, with the benefit of hindsight, I can confidently say this draft class produced some of the most impactful players in recent PBA history, with several picks developing into franchise cornerstones who literally shaped how the game is played today.
The first round that year was particularly stacked with talent, but what struck me most was how teams seemed to have a clearer vision than in previous drafts about the specific types of players they needed. The top three picks—Matthew Wright going to Phoenix, Carl Bryan Cruz to Alaska, and Roger Pogoy to TNT—all brought distinct skill sets that addressed their new teams' immediate needs. Wright's selection at number four by Phoenix proved to be an absolute steal, though I'll admit I initially questioned if his outside shooting would translate well to the physical PBA style. Boy, was I wrong about that one. He quickly developed into one of the league's most reliable scorers, averaging around 18 points per game in his first three seasons and forcing defenses to stretch in ways they hadn't before. What made Wright special wasn't just his scoring though—it was his basketball IQ, that innate understanding of when to take over a game that you simply can't teach.
Then there was Roger Pogoy, picked third by TNT. I remember watching him during his UAAP days and thinking his athleticism would make him a solid pro, but I never anticipated he'd become this complete of a player. His defensive intensity from day one changed TNT's entire defensive scheme, allowing them to implement more aggressive perimeter defense that created additional fast break opportunities. Offensively, he developed into a three-level scorer who could punish defenses in multiple ways. The league-wide shift toward positionless basketball really gained momentum with players like Pogoy, who could legitimately guard three positions while remaining offensive threats. Teams began prioritizing versatility over specialized skills in subsequent drafts, and I'd argue Pogoy's success directly influenced that strategic evolution.
What fascinates me about evaluating drafts years later is seeing which later picks outperform their draft positions, and the 2016 class had several such gems. Jio Jalalon slipping to Star Hotshots at 11th overall was criminal in my opinion—I had him as a top-5 talent based on his court vision and defensive tenacity. His impact on the Hotshots' tempo was immediate; they played at a pace approximately 7% faster with him on the floor during his rookie season, completely transforming their offensive identity. Meanwhile, Ed Daquioag going to Meralco at 12th provided them with the backcourt scoring punch they desperately needed, though I always thought his playmaking was underutilized throughout his career.
The second round produced its own share of impactful players, but none more significant than Calvin Oftana, who was selected 22nd overall by Rain or Shine. Now, Oftana's journey exemplifies why development systems matter as much as draft position. He didn't have an explosive rookie season—he averaged just under 6 points per game—but the growth I witnessed over his first three seasons was remarkable. I recall specifically a game in his third year where, according to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Facebook page, Oftana was among the players who hit key threes in the fourth quarter to secure a crucial comeback victory. That moment seemed to unlock something in him; his confidence soared, and he transformed from a role player into a legitimate scoring threat. His three-point percentage jumped from 28% in his rookie year to nearly 38% by his fourth season, a testament to his work ethic and the coaching staff's patience. Watching Oftana develop reminded me that we sometimes judge rookies too quickly—some players need that extended runway before they truly take flight.
The strategic ripple effects of this draft class extended far beyond individual statistics. The success of outside shooters like Wright and the developed shooting of Oftana accelerated the league's embrace of the three-point shot. Teams attempted approximately 24 three-pointers per game in the 2015-2016 season; by 2019-2020, that number had climbed to over 32 attempts per game. This wasn't just coincidence—the 2016 draft provided multiple teams with the personnel to space the floor effectively, forcing defensive adjustments across the league. I've noticed coaching strategies evolving accordingly, with more emphasis on switching defenses and help rotations to counter the increased perimeter threats.
What I find particularly compelling about the 2016 draft in retrospect is how it balanced immediate impact with long-term development. Players like Wright and Pogoy contributed significantly from their rookie seasons, while others like Oftana represented valuable projects who paid dividends later. This combination created a sustained competitive impact that shaped the league's trajectory for at least five years following the draft. The championship landscapes of various conferences were directly influenced by these selections—TNT's title in the 2017 Commissioner's Cup doesn't happen without Pogoy's two-way contributions, and Phoenix's multiple semifinal appearances were anchored by Wright's scoring prowess.
As I reflect on that draft night from my current perspective, what stands out isn't just the individual talent selected, but how collectively these players moved the league toward a more modern style of basketball. The emphasis on three-point shooting, defensive versatility, and positionless lineups that we see today really found their footing with this class. Teams that hit on their picks gained significant competitive advantages, while those that missed found themselves playing catch-up in subsequent seasons. The 2016 draft didn't just introduce new players to the league—it introduced new ways of playing the game, and that's what separates truly transformative draft classes from merely good ones. Even now, watching how these players have evolved and influenced the next generation of PBA talent, I'm reminded of that buzzing feeling in the arena back in 2016—the sense that we were witnessing the beginning of something special.