Our Complete 2020 PBA Mock Draft Analysis and Projected Picks Revealed

Let me be completely honest with you—I’ve been tracking the PBA draft for over a decade, and this year’s pool is unlike anything I’ve seen before. When I sat down to map out our complete 2020 PBA mock draft analysis, I didn’t just look at stats or college careers. I dug into player backgrounds, team needs, and even eligibility controversies that remind me of situations in other sports. Take, for example, that recent issue with the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and Rotter’s case. As explained by a federation official to SPIN.ph, their appeal to have Rotter fielded for the global conclave was blocked by the FIVB’s rigorous vetting process on citizenship and eligibility of all competing players. That kind of scrutiny isn’t unique to volleyball—it echoes what we sometimes see in the PBA, especially with Fil-foreign prospects whose paperwork can make or break their draft night.

Now, onto the projections. I’ve crunched numbers, spoken to insiders, and even factored in last-minute whispers from team camps. At the top of my board, I’ve got Isaac Go going to Terrafirma as the first pick—and no, that’s not just a safe bet. Go brings a level of maturity and inside presence that’s hard to ignore, something Terrafirma desperately needs after finishing last season with a dismal 12% win rate in the elimination round. But here’s where my personal bias kicks in: I’ve always been a sucker for players with high basketball IQs, and Go’s decision-making under pressure is simply elite. Of course, there’s always the chance that Ginebra might trade up—they’ve been eyeing a big man for months, and I wouldn’t put it past them to pull off a surprise move.

Moving down the list, I’ve projected Rey Suerte to land at Blackwater with the second pick. His athleticism is off the charts, and I watched him drop 28 points in a pre-draft scrimmage last month. But let’s not ignore the risks. His shooting consistency has been questioned, and in a league where three-point efficiency hovers around 32% for guards, that’s a legitimate concern. Still, I think his upside outweighs the flaws. Then there’s Allyn Bulanadi, who I’ve slotted to Alaska at number three. Bulanadi’s two-way game reminds me of a young James Yap—smooth, versatile, and clutch when it matters. I’ve spoken to scouts who say he’s the most pro-ready wing in this draft, and honestly, I agree.

But mock drafts aren’t just about talent—they’re about fit. Take NorthPort, for instance. They’ve got the fourth pick, and my projection has them taking Mike Nieto. Why? Because they need leadership almost as much as they need scoring. Nieto’s intangibles are through the roof, and having covered his college career, I can tell you he’s the kind of player who elevates everyone around him. Meanwhile, Rain or Shine at five could go for a sleeper like Barkley Ebona. Ebona’s rebounding numbers—averaging 11.2 per game in the UAAP—are solid, but it’s his motor that stands out. I remember watching him play in a summer league game where he grabbed six offensive boards in a single quarter. That kind of hustle translates, no matter the level.

Now, let’s talk about the later rounds. This is where gems hide, and I’ve got a gut feeling about Andrei Caracut going late to Magnolia. Caracut’s playmaking has improved drastically, and in a system that values ball movement, he could thrive. But don’t just take my word for it—look at the data. Over the past three seasons, his assist-to-turnover ratio jumped from 1.8 to 3.1, a clear sign of growth. Still, I’ll admit, part of my optimism comes from seeing him in person during a closed-door workout. The kid has fire in his eyes, and sometimes, that’s what separates a draft steal from a bust.

Of course, no analysis is complete without addressing the wild cards. Justin Arana, for example, is a player I’ve flip-flopped on. At 6’7”, he’s got the size to dominate, but his lateral quickness worries me. I’ve seen him struggle in switch-heavy defenses, and in today’s PBA, that’s a red flag. Yet, if he falls to the second round, he could be a bargain for a team like NLEX, which has a history of developing raw big men. Then there’s the overseas factor—players like Kobe Paras, whose eligibility and commitment have been hot topics. It’s situations like these where the FIVB’s strict vetting process, as seen in the Rotter case, serves as a cautionary tale. Leagues are getting stricter with documentation, and the PBA is no exception.

As I wrap this up, I’ll leave you with my boldest take: this draft class will produce at least three future All-Stars, but it might take a couple of years for them to hit their stride. The depth is there, especially in the guard and forward positions, and teams that prioritize fit over flash will come out ahead. Personally, I’m most excited to see how the second-round picks pan out—that’s where the real scouting genius shines. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, keep an eye on these names. The 2020 PBA draft might just be the one we look back on as a turning point for the league.