As I sit down to analyze the upcoming PBA Draft 2024, I can't help but feel that familiar mix of excitement and anticipation that comes with this annual basketball spectacle. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed how each draft class brings its own unique flavor to the league, and I have a strong feeling this year's batch might just be one of the most intriguing we've seen in recent memory. The PBA Draft isn't just about selecting players—it's about franchises building their futures, and this year's event promises to reshape team dynamics in ways we haven't seen since the 2019 draft that brought us stars like CJ Perez and Roosevelt Adams.
What makes this draft particularly fascinating is the unusual circumstances surrounding team preparations. I recently came across a telling quote from a team official that perfectly captures the current situation: "Wala rin yung main players namin na sina MJ [Phillips] at Brooke [Van Sickle] pero siyempre, kung sino nandito, yun yung gagawan namin ng paraan kung paano namin ihahandle yung team namin this conference." This statement reveals so much about the strategic thinking going into this draft. Teams aren't just looking at talent in isolation—they're evaluating how new draftees can fill immediate gaps left by absent key players. From my perspective, this creates a draft environment where readiness to contribute immediately might be valued more highly than pure potential, which could lead to some surprising picks that defy conventional mock drafts.
The talent pool for 2024 appears deeper than last year's, with approximately 87 applicants having submitted their names for consideration as of last month. I've been particularly impressed by the crop of big men available—we're looking at possibly 7-8 legitimate center prospects who could go in the first two rounds, compared to just 4-5 quality bigs in the 2023 draft. What excites me most is the international flavor this year, with several Fil-foreign players expressing interest in joining the league. Having watched some of their overseas footage, I'm convinced at least three of these international prospects could become immediate starters, though I do worry about how quickly they'll adapt to the physical PBA style.
Draft strategy this year seems to be shifting toward two-way players rather than pure scorers. In my analysis, teams are placing greater emphasis on defensive versatility—the kind of players who can switch across multiple positions and contribute without needing plays called for them. This aligns perfectly with that earlier quote about making do with available personnel. I've noticed during my conversations with team insiders that front offices are particularly high on players who demonstrated leadership during the collegiate championships, with several teams specifically mentioning how they value championship experience over raw athleticism. Personally, I think this is a wise approach—the pressure of PBA basketball is immense, and players who've succeeded in high-stakes collegiate environments tend to adapt faster.
The combine results from last month revealed some astonishing numbers that have certainly influenced team draft boards. One power forward recorded a 38-inch vertical—the highest I've seen since 2018—while several guards completed the lane agility drill in under 10.5 seconds. These measurable matter, but what matters more in my experience is basketball IQ, which is harder to quantify. Having watched countless hours of tape on these prospects, I've identified at least five players who consistently make the right reads on both ends of the floor, and I'd bet good money that these are the players who'll have the longest careers regardless of where they're drafted.
Team needs vary dramatically across the league, creating what I believe will be a highly unpredictable first round. The bottom-feeding teams from last season obviously need help everywhere, but I'm particularly intrigued by what the mid-tier teams will do. Some franchises are just one piece away from contention, while others seem stuck in mediocrity. My sources tell me that at least three teams are actively exploring trade-up scenarios, though the asking price for top-5 picks appears steeper than in previous years. If I were running a team, I'd be aggressive about moving up for a shot at what I consider the draft's three can't-miss prospects, even if it means sacrificing future assets.
The financial aspect of this draft can't be overlooked either. With the league's salary structure evolving and the new collective bargaining agreement taking effect, teams are being more strategic about contract value. First-round picks will likely command starting salaries between ₱350,000 to ₱450,000 monthly depending on draft position, with second-round selections settling in the ₱180,000 to ₱250,000 range. What's interesting this year is how many teams seem willing to use their second-round picks on developmental international players who might not contribute immediately but could provide tremendous value down the line. I love this approach—some of the PBA's biggest steals have come from second-round selections who developed into stars.
As draft night approaches, the smokescreens and misinformation campaigns are reaching their usual fever pitch. Having been through this process multiple times, I've learned to take most pre-draft rumors with a grain of salt. What matters most is how teams have actually evaluated players through private workouts and interviews. From what I've gathered, several teams have fallen in love with under-the-radar prospects who might surprise everyone on draft night. I have my own personal favorites—players I've watched develop over their collegiate careers who I believe are being undervalued by mainstream analysis. One point guard from the Visayas region particularly stands out to me as someone who could outperform his draft position dramatically.
The lasting impact of this draft class will ultimately be measured in championships won, not draft position achieved. Looking back at previous drafts, we often overvalue athleticism and undervalue skill and intelligence. The most successful PBA players historically haven't always been the most physically gifted, but rather those with the highest basketball IQ and strongest work ethics. As teams finalize their draft boards, they'd be wise to remember that basketball in the Philippines has always rewarded players who understand the nuances of the game above all else. The 2024 class appears to have several such players, which makes me optimistic about the league's future. When we look back on this draft five years from now, I suspect we'll remember it as the moment several franchises found the cornerstone players that would define their next championship runs.
