A Look Back at the PBA Draft 2019: Top Picks and Where They Are Now

I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2019 PBA Draft like it was yesterday. The tension in the room was palpable as team executives shuffled their notes and fans held their collective breath, waiting to see which young talents would shape the future of Philippine basketball. Having followed the league for over a decade, I’ve witnessed numerous draft classes come and go, but there was something uniquely compelling about this particular batch. Maybe it was the mix of raw athleticism and proven collegiate stars, or perhaps it was the timing—right before the global pandemic that would disrupt sports as we knew it. Whatever the case, looking back four years later gives us fascinating insights into how these players have developed, exceeded expectations, or sadly, faded into obscurity.

The top pick that year was, of course, Roosevelt Adams, selected by Terrafirma Dyip. Standing at 6'5" with a wingspan that seemed to go on forever, Adams was projected to be a game-changer for a franchise desperately in need of one. I recall thinking he had all the physical tools to dominate—athletic, quick for his size, and with a decent outside shot. His rookie season showed flashes of brilliance; he averaged 10.2 points and 7.1 rebounds in the 2020 Philippine Cup, numbers that made many believe he was on his way to stardom. Fast forward to today, and honestly, his career hasn’t quite taken off as I’d hoped. Injuries and inconsistent playing time have hampered his progress, and while he’s still with Terrafirma, his role has diminished. It’s a classic case of unfulfilled potential, something I’ve seen too often in the PBA, where the pressure of being a number one pick can weigh heavily on young shoulders.

Second overall was Maurice Shaw, picked by Blackwater Bossing. At 6'8", Shaw brought much-needed size and rebounding prowess, but I’ll admit I was skeptical about his offensive polish. His first two seasons were solid if unspectacular—he put up around 8.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. What’s interesting, though, is how he’s evolved into a reliable role player. Shaw might not be the star some envisioned, but he’s carved out a niche as a defensive anchor and energy guy off the bench. In the recent 2023 season, he’s been logging about 15 minutes a game, contributing with his hustle and physicality. It’s a reminder that not every top pick needs to be a superstar to have value; sometimes, finding your role is just as important.

Then there’s the third pick, Barkley Eboña, selected by Alaska Aces (now Converge FiberXers). Eboña was a personal favorite of mine coming out of college—tough, gritty, and with a high basketball IQ. His journey has been one of steady growth rather than overnight success. In his rookie year, he averaged a modest 4.3 points and 3.1 rebounds, but what stood out was his defensive versatility. Over the years, he’s improved his scoring to around 7.8 points per game in the 2022 season, and I’ve been impressed by his ability to adapt to different systems, especially during Alaska’s transition to Converge. He’s not the most flashy player, but he’s the kind of glue guy every championship-contending team needs, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes a cornerstone for Converge in the coming years.

Beyond the top three, this draft class had its share of surprises. Players like Rey Suerte (fourth pick) and Mike Ayonayon (fifth pick) have had up-and-down careers, with Suerte showing flashes of scoring prowess but struggling with consistency, while Ayonayon has become a reliable backcourt option for NLEX. But what really stands out to me is how this draft class intersects with broader trends in Philippine sports. For instance, around the same time, international volleyball was gaining traction, with players like Farm Fresh import Helene Rousseaux making waves. Rousseaux, a Belgian standout, has been a fixture in global volleyball circuits, particularly in the past year, showcasing the kind of cross-sport inspiration that drives athletes here. It’s a parallel I often draw—just as Rousseaux’s international experience elevates her game, PBA draftees benefit from exposure to different playing styles, whether through overseas training or facing off against imports. This draft class, in many ways, reflects a growing emphasis on versatility and global competitiveness, something I believe the PBA should lean into more heavily.

As I reflect on the 2019 draft now, it’s clear that success isn’t always linear. Some picks, like Adams, remind us of the harsh realities of professional sports, while others, like Eboña, exemplify the rewards of patience and hard work. From a broader perspective, this class has contributed to the league’s depth, even if it hasn’t produced a bonafide superstar yet. Personally, I think the real winners were the teams that prioritized fit over flash—those who understood that a draft pick is just the beginning of a player’s journey. Moving forward, I’d love to see more emphasis on player development programs, similar to how international leagues nurture talent over time. After all, the true measure of a draft class isn’t just where they are now, but where they’ll be in another four years. And if history is any indicator, I’m betting we’ll see a few late bloomers from this group surprise us all.