Looking Back at the 2015 PBA Draft Results: Where Are the Top Picks Now?

I still remember the excitement buzzing through the Smart Araneta Coliseum back in 2015 during the PBA Rookie Draft. The air was thick with anticipation, teams clutching their future in those sealed envelopes, and young athletes dreaming of professional glory. Looking back nearly a decade later, it's fascinating to trace where those top picks have landed—some becoming household names, others fading into obscurity, and a few still fighting for their spot. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball religiously since the early 2000s, I've developed a keen eye for spotting talent, and I must admit, the 2015 class had me particularly intrigued.

The undisputed star of that draft was, without question, Moala Tautuaa, who went first overall to Talk 'N Text. At 6'7" with a versatile skill set, he was seen as a potential game-changer. I recall watching his early games and thinking he had the raw tools to dominate. Fast forward to today, and Tautuaa has certainly made his mark, winning multiple championships and establishing himself as a reliable big man. His career averages hover around 12 points and 7 rebounds per game—solid numbers, though I'll be honest, I expected even more from a number one pick. Meanwhile, the second selection, Troy Rosario, also to Talk 'N Text, developed into a sharp-shooting forward who became crucial in their 2019 Commissioner's Cup run. These two formed the core of what many thought would be a dynasty, though injuries and roster changes eventually shifted their trajectories.

Then there's the curious case of third pick Maverick Ahanmisi, chosen by Rain or Shine. I've always had a soft spot for guards who can create their own shot, and Ahanmisi fit that mold perfectly. His development has been steady rather than spectacular, but he's carved out a nice career as a rotation player. What fascinates me about tracking these drafts is seeing how late picks sometimes outperform early ones. Take the 12th selection, Bradwyn Guinto, who I thought was a steal for NLEX. He's become a serviceable big man, though his minutes have dwindled in recent seasons. The draft is such a gamble—teams are essentially predicting human potential, and I've learned that basketball IQ often trumps raw athleticism in the long run.

This brings me to an interesting connection with today's basketball landscape. ONE of the most prolific scorers in the MPBL is looking to make it to the PBA this season, which reminds me so much of the journey many 2015 draftees took. That MPBL standout—who I won't name here but whose scoring exploits have been incredible to watch—represents the perpetual pipeline of talent feeding into the PBA. Several players from that 2015 draft class actually took similar routes, honing their skills in developmental leagues before making the jump. I've always believed the PBA should pay closer attention to these minor leagues—they're treasure troves of overlooked talent. The MPBL in particular has produced gems who've made significant PBA impacts, much like how some second-round picks from 2015 eventually outperformed their draft positions.

As I reflect on where these players are now, the statistics tell one story but the eye test another. Fourth pick Simon Enciso, for instance, has become a journeyman point guard, playing for his fourth team already. His three-point shooting—around 36% for his career—has been his meal ticket. Meanwhile, fifth selection Chris Newsome has arguably exceeded expectations, developing into an All-Star caliber guard for Meralco. I've always appreciated Newsome's two-way game; he plays with a maturity you don't often see in Philippine basketball. Then there are the what-ifs—players like sixth pick Norbert Torres, who showed flashes of brilliance but never consistently put it together. I remember watching Torres dominate in college and thinking he'd be a surefire star, proving once again that professional basketball humbles even the most promising prospects.

What strikes me most about reviewing this draft class is how their careers reflect the evolving nature of Philippine basketball. The PBA has gradually shifted toward positionless basketball, and players from the 2015 draft who adapted have thrived. Those who couldn't—like some traditional big men selected in the late first round—have struggled to find consistent playing time. The league's import-laden conferences have also affected these players' development, with some flourishing against international competition while others faded into the background. From my perspective, the most successful draftees have been those who developed specialized skills—whether as three-point specialists, defensive stoppers, or high-IQ playmakers.

Nearly a decade later, only about half of the 2015 first-round picks remain in the PBA, which honestly surprises me. I expected more attrition in later rounds, but seeing first-round selections already out of the league speaks volumes about how difficult it is to sustain a professional career. The ones who've lasted share common traits—work ethic, adaptability, and perhaps most importantly, luck with injuries. As I watch current MPBL stars hoping to follow in their footsteps, I can't help but wonder which of them will still be around in 2030. The 2015 draft class serves as both inspiration and cautionary tale—for every Moala Tautuaa who fulfilled his potential, there's a highly-touted prospect who never quite adjusted to the professional game. What remains clear is that the draft represents just the beginning of the journey, not the destination.