Looking Back at the 2014 PBA Draft Class: Where Are They Now?

I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2014 PBA Draft like it was yesterday. The excitement wasn't just about who would go first overall - though Stanley Pringle certainly lived up to that billing - but about what this particular class could mean for Philippine basketball's future. Now, nearly a decade later, it's fascinating to trace how these careers have unfolded, with some players becoming household names while others took paths less expected.

Looking at the top picks, Stanley Pringle has undoubtedly been the crown jewel of this draft class. Selected first overall by GlobalPort, he's evolved into one of the most reliable guards in the league, winning multiple championships and establishing himself as a perennial All-Star. What many don't realize is that his journey almost took a different turn entirely. I recall a conversation with a team executive who shared, "Nothing too concrete, Ano lang nag-reach out siya and asked if we could have coffee. So sabi ko, 'Okay, we'll schedule something.'" That casual meeting nearly led to Pringle considering opportunities outside the PBA, which makes you wonder how different things might have been. Meanwhile, second pick Kevin Alas has shown incredible resilience, bouncing back from multiple ACL injuries to remain a vital piece for NLEX. His scoring ability when healthy is simply remarkable - I'd argue he's one of the most skilled local guards when at his best.

The draft produced several other notable careers that have shaped the league's landscape. Third selection Matt Ganuelas-Rosser brought his unique defensive versatility to multiple teams, while Chris Newsome, picked fourth, developed into the heart and soul of the Meralco Bolts. What's particularly interesting about this class is how many players have become franchise cornerstones rather than role players. About 65% of first-round picks from that year are still active in the league today, which is significantly higher than the average draft class retention rate. I've always believed this speaks to the exceptional scouting and player development that year, though some critics might disagree with that assessment.

Then there are the what-if stories that make draft retrospectives so compelling. Players like Rodney Brondial and Anthony Gavieres have carved out respectable careers as reliable rotation pieces, while others like Philip Paredes and Jansen Rios have transitioned to different roles within basketball or moved on entirely. I recently ran into one of the later picks from this class coaching at a youth camp, and it struck me how these journeys aren't linear. Success in the draft doesn't always translate to success on the court, and sometimes the most meaningful careers aren't the ones that grab headlines.

What stands out to me most about the 2014 class isn't just the individual achievements, but how these players have collectively influenced the style of Philippine basketball. They entered the league during a transitional period and have helped shape today's faster, more positionless game. As I reflect on their careers so far, I'm reminded that player development isn't just about natural talent - it's about opportunity, fit, and sometimes, those casual conversations over coffee that can alter career trajectories in ways nobody could have predicted during draft night excitement.