2018 PBA Draft Results: Complete Player Selections and Team Analysis

I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2018 PBA Draft like it was yesterday. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous draft classes come and go, but this particular one felt different—there was this palpable energy that something special was brewing. The draft took place at Robinson's Place Manila on December 16, 2018, with 49 hopefuls eventually hearing their names called across multiple rounds. What made this draft particularly fascinating wasn't just the talent available, but how teams approached their selections amidst what we now know were unique circumstances affecting player preparation.

The first round unfolded with some expected moves but also delivered genuine surprises. Columbian Dyip, holding that coveted first pick, didn't overthink it—they selected CJ Perez, and honestly, who could blame them? I've always believed Perez had that rare combination of athleticism and basketball IQ that translates immediately to the professional level. At second, Rain or Shine made what I consider one of the smartest picks of the draft by taking Javee Mocon, a player whose versatility I'd admired since his college days. The third pick saw Bobby Ray Parks Jr. land at Blackwater, a selection that had analysts like me nodding in approval—Parks simply had too much talent to fall further. What many casual observers might not realize is how much behind-the-scenes work goes into these decisions. Teams aren't just drafting players; they're investing in human beings who need to fit into existing team cultures.

Speaking of team culture, that brings me to something I found particularly compelling about this draft class. While researching team preparations, I came across those fascinating glimpses into PLDT players' draft preparation routines. Players shared scenes inside their gym and documented various activities they did to pass the time, including communal meals and even setting up improvised karaoke sessions. This human element often gets lost in draft analysis, but I think it's crucial. These weren't just athletes waiting for their names to be called; they were young men building camaraderie and managing stress through shared experiences. That improvised karaoke session especially stood out to me—it demonstrated a psychological resilience that I believe translates well to professional basketball's pressures. Teams picking players from such environments were likely getting individuals better prepared for the mental rigors of the PBA.

The second round presented incredible value picks that I'm still impressed by. Phoenix selected David Murrell at 14th overall, a move that's aged beautifully given his development. But my personal favorite steal of the draft came at pick 16, where Magnolia chose Aris Dionisio. I'd followed Dionisio's progression through the D-League and believed he possessed exactly the kind of defensive intensity that championship teams need. NorthPort's selection of Renzo Subido at 21st overall was another savvy move—Subido's quickness and shooting ability made him exactly the kind of guard who could thrive in today's pace-and-space PBA. What separates good drafts from great ones is finding these gems in later rounds, and 2018 delivered several.

As the draft progressed into later rounds, we saw teams filling specific needs rather than chasing pure talent. TNT's selection of John Calvo at 27th overall struck me as particularly strategic—they needed backcourt depth, and Calvo brought experience and stability. Alaska picking Michael Cañete at 31st demonstrated their commitment to developing young big men, something I've noticed has been part of their organizational philosophy for years. These later picks might not generate headlines, but they're the selections that build sustainable team depth. Having spoken with several team executives over the years, I've come to appreciate how much strategic thinking goes into these seemingly minor selections.

Looking back at the 2018 draft class now, with the benefit of hindsight, I'd argue it produced approximately 12 legitimate rotation players, which represents a success rate of about 25%—respectable by any professional league's standards. The class has yielded two Rookie of the Year winners in Perez and Mocon, plus several All-Stars. What impresses me most isn't just the individual successes, but how these players have transformed team fortunes. Columbian Dyip (now Terrafirma) found their franchise player in Perez, while Rain or Shine secured a cornerstone in Mocon. The draft's impact extended beyond the first round too, with players like Dionisio becoming key contributors for championship-contending teams.

Reflecting on the broader implications, I believe the 2018 draft taught us valuable lessons about talent evaluation in the Philippine basketball context. Teams that prioritized character and fit alongside pure talent generally made the best selections. The players who participated in those communal preparations—like the PLDT group with their gym sessions and karaoke bonding—demonstrated the importance of mental preparation alongside physical readiness. In my analysis, the most successful draftees weren't necessarily the most talented, but those who arrived professionally ready and mentally equipped for the transition. This draft reinforced my long-held belief that Philippine basketball thrives when teams look beyond mere statistics and consider the complete player package. The 2018 class, with its mix of star power and depth, has left an indelible mark on the PBA landscape that we're still appreciating years later.