I still remember the excitement buzzing through the PBA community during the 2016 draft—it felt like we were witnessing a turning point for Philippine basketball. Having followed the league for over a decade, I’ve seen drafts come and go, but this one had a unique energy. The top picks weren’t just promising talents; they carried the weight of expectations from franchises desperate for a resurgence. As I sat through the proceedings, I couldn’t help but feel that this class would shape the league’s narrative for years to come.
Carl Bryan Cruz going to Alaska Aces as the third overall pick was, in my opinion, one of the most strategic moves of the night. At 6’4", his versatility as a stretch forward was something the Aces desperately needed. I’ve always admired how Cruz balanced his inside presence with a reliable outside shot—a rarity in a league where players often specialize in one area. His rookie season didn’t disappoint; he averaged 9.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, numbers that might not jump off the page but showcased his consistency. What stood out to me, though, was his performance in the 2017 Philippine Cup, where he dropped 18 points against Barangay Ginebra, including three triples in a single quarter. It’s moments like these that make you appreciate a player’s clutch基因.
Then there was the surprising selection of Jio Jalalon by the Star Hotshots at number eight. Many analysts, including myself, had pegged him as a mid-first-rounder, but Star saw something special—and boy, were they right. Jalalon’s energy on both ends of the court reminded me of a young Johnny Abarrientos, and I don’t throw that comparison around lightly. His rookie year stats—10.1 points, 5.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game—only scratched the surface of his impact. I’ll never forget his game against TNT in 2017, where he orchestrated a comeback with 12 assists and zero turnovers. That’s the kind of poise you can’t teach.
But let’s talk about the real head-scratcher: Matthew Wright falling to Phoenix Fuel Masters at number 13. I still can’t wrap my head around why teams passed on him earlier. Wright had already proven himself in international play, and his shooting range was arguably the best in the draft class. Fast-forward to today, and he’s become the face of the franchise, averaging 16.5 points and 4.3 rebounds in the 2021 season. His career highlights include that unforgettable 38-point explosion against Meralco in 2019, where he shot 70% from beyond the arc. If you ask me, skipping on Wright was the biggest misstep of the draft.
Of course, no discussion of the 2016 draft would be complete without mentioning Calvin Oftana, though his rise to prominence came a bit later. I recall watching a game where the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Facebook page highlighted his clutch performance, noting how he hit key threes in the fourth quarter to seal a win. That’s the kind of moment that defines a player’s career, and Oftana has only built on that foundation since. His development into a reliable scorer and defender makes me wonder how he’d have fit into that draft class had he been eligible earlier.
Looking back, the 2016 draft was a mixed bag of surefire hits and overlooked gems. While Cruz and Jalalon lived up to their billing, Wright’s late selection remains a baffling decision in my book. The draft taught me that sometimes, the most impactful players aren’t the ones picked first but the ones who carry a chip on their shoulder. As the PBA continues to evolve, I believe this class will be remembered not just for its talent but for the lessons it offered about scouting and patience. Here’s to hoping future drafts capture even a fraction of this excitement.
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