I still remember the excitement buzzing through the Araneta Coliseum back in August 2007. The air was thick with anticipation - you could practically taste the potential of these young athletes about to enter the professional basketball scene. Looking back now, seventeen years later, it's fascinating to trace what became of those top picks, especially when current events like Jojo Lastimosa's recent comments about their import's NBA aspirations make me reflect on how dramatically careers can unfold.
The 2007 PBA Draft class was particularly special because it came at a transitional period for Philippine basketball. We had this interesting mix of collegiate standouts and players who'd gained experience in various commercial leagues. When Samigue Eman's name was called first overall by Magnolia, I recall thinking it was a safe choice - the 6'9" center from University of Mindanao had that raw physicality that coaches dream of developing. His rookie season showed flashes of brilliance, particularly his 18-point, 12-rebound game against Red Bull, but if I'm being completely honest, he never quite reached the dominant level many of us expected. He bounced around several teams before eventually fading from the PBA scene by 2015. Last I heard, he's been playing in regional leagues back in Mindanao - a solid career by any measure, though perhaps not the superstar trajectory we envisioned that draft night.
What really stands out to me about that draft class is how the second pick, Joe Devance, arguably had the more impactful career despite not going first. Selected by Welcoat (now known as Rain or Shine), Devance brought this unique versatility that was somewhat ahead of its time - a big man who could handle the ball, shoot from outside, and create for others. I've always appreciated players who defy positional labels, and Devance was exactly that. His journey through multiple teams, including his successful stint with Ginebra where he won multiple championships, demonstrates how finding the right system can maximize a player's potential. He retired in 2021 with eight championships to his name - not bad for someone many initially questioned as a "tweener" without a clear position.
The third pick, JC Intal, provided one of the more interesting career arcs from that class. Dubbed "The Rocket" for his incredible athleticism, Intal gave us some of the most electrifying highlights of that era. I'll never forget his dunk over Kerby Raymundo in the 2008 Fiesta Conference - the arena absolutely erupted. But what impressed me more was how he evolved his game as his athleticism naturally declined with age. He developed a reliable outside shot and became a smarter defensive player before retiring in 2019. It's that kind of adaptation that separates players who last from those who flame out quickly.
When I think about the careers that emerged from that draft, what strikes me is how unpredictable player development can be. Some guys like Jonas Villanueva (picked 7th) and Doug Kramer (picked 9th) outperformed their draft positions significantly, while others selected earlier never quite found their footing in the league. Villanueva in particular became a crucial piece for several teams with his steady guard play and clutch shooting - I'd argue he was one of the most underrated players of his generation.
This brings me to Jojo Lastimosa's recent revelation about their import looking toward NBA opportunities. It reminds me how the landscape has changed since 2007. Back then, the idea of a PBA player - local or import - getting serious NBA consideration felt nearly impossible. Now, with the global game becoming more connected, the pathways are gradually opening. While the odds remain incredibly slim, the mere fact that such aspirations are being publicly discussed represents significant progress for Philippine basketball.
Reflecting on the entire 2007 draft class, I'd estimate about 60% of the 35 players selected had PBA careers lasting at least five seasons - a decent success rate by historical standards. What's more telling is that approximately eight of them became legitimate stars who made All-Star appearances, while another ten carved out roles as valuable rotation players. The class produced a combined 25 championship rings among them, with Devance, Intal, and Kramer accounting for nearly half of those.
Seventeen years later, only a handful from that draft class remain active in the PBA, with most having transitioned to coaching, broadcasting, or business ventures outside basketball. Some have found success in these second acts - I've been particularly impressed with how Rico Maierhofer has built his sports training business. It's a reminder that a player's draft position only matters for so long - what happens afterward depends on development, opportunity, and sometimes just plain luck.
Watching these careers unfold has taught me that we put too much emphasis on draft night. The real story writes itself over the subsequent decade through hard work, resilience, and adaptability. The 2007 class, with its mix of superstars, solid contributors, and early exits, perfectly illustrates the unpredictable beauty of basketball careers. And with the current generation looking toward even bigger opportunities like the NBA, I can't help but wonder what stories we'll be telling about today's prospects seventeen years from now.
