I still remember the humidity of that August evening in 2015, sitting in a Quezon City sports bar with cold San Miguel in hand, watching the PBA Rookie Draft unfold on the screen above the counter. The air crackled with anticipation—you could feel it even through the television broadcast. That draft class promised to reshape Philippine basketball, and we all knew we were witnessing something special. Nine years later, as I scroll through old photos from that night, I can't help but wonder what happened to those bright-eyed prospects who stepped onto that stage full of dreams.
The memory comes rushing back—the scent of spilled beer mixing with roasted peanuts, the collective gasp when Moala Tautuaa went first overall, the cheers for Troy Rosario at number two. But what sticks with me most vividly was watching CJ Perez, selected fourth by Columbian Dyip, looking both nervous and exhilarated in his crisp barong. Little did we know then how his journey would unfold, marked by both brilliance and unexpected detours. I recall thinking he had that special spark—the kind of player who could change a franchise's fortunes overnight.
Fast forward to today, and it's fascinating to track where these players landed. Tautuaa remains with San Miguel, having evolved into a reliable big man, while Rosario's journey took him through TNT and now Meralco. But Perez's path has been particularly compelling to follow. I remember watching an interview where he shared his rehabilitation journey, his voice tinged with both frustration and determination: "I hope bago mag-first game namin, makahabol ako. Ngayon talaga, nagre-rehab pa at strengthening." That moment captured the reality behind the glamour—the grueling work that happens away from the spotlight, the race against time to return to peak condition.
Looking at the draft class as a whole, the numbers tell an interesting story. Of the 35 players selected that year, only about 18 remain active in the PBA today—roughly 51% retention rate after nearly a decade. Some, like Perez and Tautuaa, became superstars; others found roles as reliable rotation players; and a few disappeared from the professional scene entirely. What strikes me is how unpredictable player development can be—the draft position often means very little in the long run. I've always believed that heart and work ethic matter more than raw talent, and this draft class proves it.
Personally, I've developed a particular soft spot for Perez's journey. There's something about his playing style—that fearless drives to the basket, the improved outside shot, the defensive tenacity—that makes him must-watch basketball. When he went through that injury period, I found myself checking updates daily, genuinely invested in his recovery. His commitment to returning stronger resonated with me, perhaps because we've all faced setbacks in our own lives, though admittedly on a much smaller scale than professional athletes.
The 2015 draft produced approximately 7 All-Star appearances collectively, with Perez accounting for 3 of those himself. Yet beyond the statistics, what makes this class memorable is how they've shaped the league's narrative. They entered during a transitional period for Philippine basketball and helped usher in a new era of positionless play and increased athleticism. Watching them evolve from wide-eyed rookies to seasoned veterans has been one of the genuine pleasures of following the PBA these past nine years.
As I close my old scrapbook from that draft night, I'm reminded why I love sports—it's not just about the games, but about the stories. The triumphs, the setbacks, the comebacks. That's what makes looking back at the PBA Rookie Draft 2015 so compelling all these years later. These players aren't just names on a roster; they're chapters in the ongoing story of Philippine basketball, each with their own unique journey worth remembering.
