2025-11-21 15:00
by
nlpkak
I still remember the excitement buzzing through the sports community when the 2018 PBA Draft unfolded. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous drafts, but this particular one felt different - it wasn't just about the selections themselves, but about the unique circumstances surrounding the event. The draft occurred during a period when teams were adapting to new training environments and finding creative ways to maintain team chemistry despite physical limitations.
Looking back at the complete list of players and team selections from the 2018 PBA Draft, what strikes me most is how teams balanced immediate needs with long-term development. The first round saw Columbian Dyip selecting CJ Perez as the overall first pick - a decision that proved absolutely brilliant in hindsight. Perez would later become one of the most explosive guards in the league, averaging around 20 points per game in his rookie season. What many fans might not realize is how the draft strategy reflected the evolving nature of team preparations during that period. Teams weren't just evaluating raw talent; they were assessing how players would adapt to unconventional training situations.
The reference to PLDT players sharing scenes inside their gym and their improvised activities perfectly illustrates the environment surrounding that draft class. I've spoken with several team staff members who confirmed that teams were closely monitoring how potential draftees were handling the unusual circumstances. The fact that players were setting up karaoke sessions and finding creative ways to bond actually became talking points during draft deliberations. Teams weren't just looking for skilled athletes; they were seeking adaptable personalities who could maintain morale during challenging times. This aspect of player evaluation often gets overlooked in draft analyses, but from my perspective, it's what made the 2018 PBA Draft particularly fascinating.
Analyzing the second round selections reveals how teams approached depth building differently than in previous years. Rain or Shine selecting Javee Mocon at 13th overall turned out to be one of the steals of the draft, in my opinion. His versatility perfectly complemented the team's system, and he quickly became a reliable rotation player. The connection to the PLDT players' experience becomes relevant here - teams valued players who demonstrated the ability to stay game-ready despite limited traditional training opportunities. When I compare this draft to previous years, I notice a distinct shift toward valuing mental toughness alongside physical attributes.
What many analysts missed at the time was how the draft would shape team dynamics for years to come. The third round selections, often overlooked in immediate draft coverage, included several players who would develop into valuable role players. Phoenix selecting David Murrell at 25th overall exemplified this trend - he wasn't the flashiest pick, but he brought specific skills that fit the team's needs. The reference to players sharing meals and bonding activities directly relates to how these later picks integrated into team cultures. From my conversations with team personnel, I learned that teams specifically looked for players who would embrace these informal bonding moments, recognizing their importance for long-term team cohesion.
The draft's impact extended beyond the court, influencing how teams approached player development. NorthPort's selection of Abu Tratter at 8th overall demonstrated their commitment to building a young, athletic frontcourt. What impressed me about Tratter's development was how he utilized the type of informal training environments similar to those described in the PLDT reference. Players were learning to stay sharp without constant supervision, developing self-motivation that would serve them well throughout their careers. This aspect of player development - the ability to train effectively in non-traditional settings - became increasingly valued after this draft class.
Reflecting on the complete 2018 PBA Draft results five years later, I'm struck by how accurately teams identified players who would thrive in the evolving basketball landscape. The draft produced approximately 15 players who remain in the league today, a respectable retention rate considering the challenges they faced. The successful picks shared common traits - adaptability, mental resilience, and the ability to contribute beyond traditional statistics. These qualities aligned perfectly with the environment depicted in the PLDT reference, where players had to create their own training rhythms and maintain team spirit through unconventional means.
The legacy of this draft class continues to influence how teams evaluate prospects today. When I speak with scouts and team executives, many reference the 2018 draft as a turning point in player assessment. Teams learned to value how prospects handled adversity and maintained their skills during uncertain times. The complete list of 2018 PBA Draft selections serves as a fascinating case study in talent evaluation during transitional periods. While not every pick worked out as planned, the overall success rate suggests teams adapted their strategies effectively to the circumstances. Personally, I believe this draft class will be remembered not just for the talent it produced, but for teaching the league valuable lessons about evaluating character and adaptability alongside pure basketball skills.
