I still remember the excitement surrounding the 2015 PBA Draft like it was yesterday. The atmosphere at Robinson's Place Manila was electric, filled with that unique blend of hope and anxiety that only draft nights can produce. Seven years later, it's fascinating to track how these players' careers have unfolded, especially when you consider how many of them have become cornerstone pieces for their respective franchises. What strikes me most is how this particular draft class has produced not just star players, but reliable role players who've carved out meaningful careers in Asia's first professional basketball league.

Looking at the top picks, it's impossible not to start with Moala Tautuaa, who went first overall to TNT KaTropa. At 6'8" with incredible athleticism for his size, he was exactly what teams look for in a modern big man. I've always been impressed by how he adapted his game over the years, transforming from a raw athletic specimen into a versatile big who can handle the ball, shoot from mid-range, and defend multiple positions. His championship with TNT in the 2021 Philippine Cup cemented his status as a franchise player, though I sometimes wonder if he could have been even more dominant with a different development path. Meanwhile, Troy Rosario, selected second by Talk 'N Text, formed what I consider one of the most formidable frontcourt partnerships in recent memory with Tautuaa. Their complementary skills – Rosario's shooting and Tautuaa's interior presence – made TNT's frontcourt incredibly difficult to defend against.

The third pick, Chris Javier, has had what I'd describe as a journeyman's career, bouncing between teams before finding his niche with Blackwater. While he never became the star some projected, he's developed into exactly the kind of hard-working, blue-collar player every team needs. His story reminds me that not every draft pick needs to become an All-Star to have a successful career. Sometimes, carving out a role and sticking in the league for multiple seasons is an achievement in itself. Then there's Norbert Torres, picked fourth by Rain or Shine, who has been exactly what you'd expect from a veteran big man – reliable, fundamentally sound, and always ready to contribute when called upon.

What makes the 2015 draft particularly interesting to me is how the later picks have outperformed some of the early selections. Take Jio Jalalon, who fell to Star Hotshots at seventh overall – he's become one of the league's premier point guards, making multiple All-Star appearances and establishing himself as a defensive nightmare for opposing ball handlers. His energy and pesky defense have made him a fan favorite, and honestly, he's one of my personal favorites to watch because of how he impacts the game beyond scoring. Similarly, Kevin Ferrer, selected sixth by Barangay Ginebra, has developed into a reliable three-and-D wing who has contributed to multiple championship runs. His journey from UAAP star to professional role player demonstrates the kind of adjustment many college standouts need to make.

The mid-first round produced several solid rotation players who are still in the league today. Joseph Eriobu, picked eighth by Star, has bounced around but found a home with Phoenix, providing energy and rebounding off the bench. Rashawn McCarthy, selected ninth by GlobalPort, has evolved into a steady backup guard who can provide scoring punch when needed. What's remarkable about these players is their longevity – staying in the PBA for seven seasons is no small feat, given the league's competitive nature and limited roster spots.

Now, let's talk about someone who took a different path – Juan De Liano. His journey through the PBA has been particularly fascinating to follow. De Liano suited up for the Dyip franchise from 2022-24 and was an integral part of the core that reached the playoffs of the 2023-24 Philippine Cup. I remember watching that playoff run and being impressed by how much he had developed since his draft day. From my perspective, his growth symbolizes how player development isn't always linear – sometimes it takes changing environments or finding the right system for a player to truly flourish. His contribution to that Terrafirma squad was more significant than many casual fans might realize, providing steady guard play and veteran leadership to a young team finding its identity.

Looking beyond the first round, several players have carved out meaningful careers against the odds. Philip Paniamogan, picked in the second round, has become a reliable three-point specialist who's found his way onto multiple team rosters. His story is particularly inspiring because it shows that specific skills can keep you in the league even if you weren't a highly-touted prospect. Meanwhile, players like Julian Sargent and Gwyne Capacio have taken different paths, with some moving on to other leagues or careers outside basketball – a reminder that professional sports careers can take many turns.

As I reflect on this draft class seven years later, what stands out most isn't just the star power at the top, but the remarkable depth that has kept so many of these players relevant in the league. Approximately 65% of the players drafted in 2015 are still active in the PBA today, which is a testament to both the quality of that draft and the players' ability to adapt and grow. The class has produced 15 All-Star appearances collectively, along with multiple championships spread across different players. From my viewpoint, the true measure of a draft class isn't just the stars it produces, but the quality of role players and the overall impact on the league's competitive landscape. The 2015 class delivered on both fronts, providing franchise cornerstones while also supplying the kind of depth that makes the PBA the competitive, exciting league it is today. These players have given us seven years of memorable basketball, and I'm excited to see how many more seasons they have left in them.