Looking Back at the PBA Rookie Draft 2016: Where Are They Now?

2025-11-22 15:01

I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2016 PBA Rookie Draft like it was yesterday. The atmosphere at Robinson's Place Manila was electric, filled with that particular blend of hope and anxiety that only draft nights can produce. As someone who's covered the league for over a decade, I've always found drafts fascinating—they're these perfect snapshots of potential, moments where franchises bet on the future and young men's dreams come true. The 2016 class was especially intriguing because it wasn't headlined by one or two can't-miss prospects, but rather by a deep pool of talent that promised to reshape the league's landscape for years to come.

Looking back now, what strikes me most about that draft is how many of those players have become central figures in the ongoing saga of the PBA, particularly in the historic rivalry between the San Miguel Beermen and the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. That rivalry, one of the most storied in Philippine sports, provides the perfect backdrop against which to measure these players' careers. I was in the arena back in 2009 when San Miguel defeated Ginebra 90-79 in that epic Game 7 of the Fiesta Conference finals—the only time these two legendary teams have faced each other in a winner-take-all Game 7. The intensity of that game was something special, and it's that same championship DNA that the 2016 draftees would need to succeed at the highest level.

The draft's first round saw some immediate franchise-altering selections. Carl Bryan Cruz going to Alaska at number three was a pick I absolutely loved at the time—his length and shooting ability seemed perfect for the modern game. But if I'm being completely honest, I thought Jio Jalalon slipping to Star Hotshots at number eight was the steal of the draft. His college career at Arellano had been nothing short of spectacular, and his pesky defense and playmaking seemed tailor-made for the pros. What I didn't anticipate was how quickly he'd become one of the league's premier point guards. In his rookie season alone, he averaged 9.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists—numbers that don't fully capture his impact on both ends of the floor.

Then there's Matthew Wright, who was selected by Phoenix Fuel Masters in a special Gilas draft. Wright's journey to the PBA was unconventional, having played college ball in the US and then internationally, but my goodness did he ever prove his worth. I've always been a sucker for shooters, and Wright's smooth stroke and high basketball IQ made him an instant favorite of mine. He's developed into arguably the best shooter in the league, averaging around 18 points per game at his peak while shooting nearly 40% from three-point territory. What's impressed me most about Wright, though, is how he's evolved into a leader for Phoenix, becoming the face of their franchise in a way few draftees manage.

The second round produced its own gems, none brighter than Roger Pogoy. Selected by TNT KaTropa at number 13 overall, Pogoy has developed into one of the most complete two-way players in the league. I'll admit I underestimated him coming out of FEU—I thought he was a solid role player at best. How wrong I was. His motor is relentless, his defense is tenacious, and his scoring has improved every single season. He's become so crucial to TNT's championship aspirations that it's hard to imagine their roster without him now.

What's fascinating to me about tracking these players' careers is seeing how many of them have found themselves right in the middle of that San Miguel-Ginebra rivalry that defines so much of the PBA landscape. Several members of the 2016 class have been key contributors in recent playoff battles between these giants. When San Miguel defeated Ginebra 94-91 in Game 7 of the 2019 Philippine Cup finals, it was another chapter in their historic rivalry—one that featured 2016 draftees playing significant roles on both sides. The Beermen are always out to repeat history in these winner-take-all situations, and having the right players from drafts like 2016 makes all the difference.

Some picks haven't panned out as expected, which is always the heartbreaking part of following drafts. Rashawn McCarthy showed flashes of brilliance but never quite found consistency. Joseph Eriobu never materialized into the rotation player many thought he could become. That's the nature of the draft—for every success story, there's someone whose career took a different path. What I've learned from covering multiple draft classes is that development isn't linear, and opportunity matters just as much as talent.

Seven years removed from that draft night, the class of 2016 has firmly established itself as the backbone of the current PBA. These players are now in their prime, with several having won championships, earned individual accolades, and become household names. They've lived through multiple finals series between San Miguel and Ginebra, understanding firsthand the weight of that rivalry. As the league continues to evolve, this group will likely define the next several years of Philippine basketball. The draft is always a gamble, but looking back at 2016, I'd say the PBA hit the jackpot with this talented class that continues to shape the league's narrative today.