I still remember the excitement surrounding the 2014 PBA Draft like it was yesterday. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over two decades, I've witnessed numerous draft classes come and go, but this particular batch had that special buzz that made you pay attention. The draft took place at Robinsons Place Manila on August 24, 2014, with 49 hopefuls hearing their names called that day. What fascinates me most about tracking these players isn't just where they started, but where their journeys have taken them nearly a decade later.
When we look at that draft class now, it's impossible not to start with Stanley Pringle, who went first overall to GlobalPort. I've always believed Pringle was one of the most NBA-ready talents we've seen in the PBA, and his career has largely proven that right. He's become a six-time PBA All-Star and won the 2019 Commissioner's Cup Best Player award. What many forget is how controversial his selection was at the time - being a direct hire rather than going through the conventional draft process. But watching him evolve into the cornerstone of Barangay Ginebra's backcourt has been absolutely rewarding. His journey reminds me of something Ricardo said about their team's situation - that they can't win every game, but they're in no position to lose more if they want to keep championship aspirations alive. That's exactly the pressure these top picks carry throughout their careers.
The second pick, Kevin Alas, has had what I'd call the most heartbreaking yet inspiring journey. Going to Rain or Shine initially before finding his way to NLEX, Alas suffered not one, but two ACL tears in 2018 and 2019. Many wrote him off, but his comeback story has been nothing short of remarkable. I've spoken with several team insiders who confirmed that his work ethic during rehabilitation was exceptional. He's now averaging around 12 points and 4 assists per game - solid numbers for someone who faced career-threatening injuries. His persistence embodies the resilience required to survive in the professional basketball world.
What often gets overlooked about the 2014 draft is its depth beyond the first round. Take Anthony Semerad at number three - he's become a reliable three-and-D player who's bounced between teams but always found a role. His twin brother David went 13th, and both have carved out respectable 8-year careers. Then there's Jake Pascual at number four, who won championships with San Miguel before moving to Phoenix. The mid-first round produced gems like Matt Ganuelas-Rosser at five and Chris Newsome at seven. Newsome in particular has developed into one of the league's premier two-way guards, making five All-Star appearances and winning Rookie of the Year honors.
The second round contained what I consider the draft's biggest steal - Moala Tautuaa at pick number eight. Yes, you read that right - he fell to the second round! Tautuaa has developed into a starting center caliber player and even won a championship with San Miguel. His career trajectory shows how unpredictable player development can be. Other second-rounders like Bradwyn Guinto and Van Opstal had moments but haven't achieved the same consistency.
Now, nearly a decade later, only about 15 of those 49 draftees remain active in the PBA. Some have moved to other leagues, others have retired completely, and a few have transitioned to coaching or broadcasting. What strikes me is how their careers reflect the harsh reality of professional sports - not everyone gets a storybook ending. I've had conversations with former players from this class who've opened up about the mental toll of being cut or riding the bench. They echoed similar sentiments to what Ricardo expressed - understanding they can't win every battle, but knowing each opportunity matters tremendously for their survival.
Looking at the championship count from this class is revealing. Players from the 2014 draft have combined for 18 PBA championships, with the San Miguel contingent contributing significantly to that number. Stanley Pringle has 4 titles, Ronald Tubid picked up 3 more before retiring, and even later picks like Brian Heruela managed to snag a championship ring. Yet nearly half of the draftees never won a title, which puts into perspective how difficult sustained success really is in this league.
From my perspective, what makes the 2014 class particularly memorable is its timing - it came right before the PBA's style of play began evolving toward more positionless basketball. The players who adapted to this shift have generally had longer careers. Those who couldn't adjust to the faster pace and increased three-point shooting found themselves struggling to stay relevant. I've noticed this pattern across multiple draft classes, but it's especially pronounced with this group.
The international careers of some draftees also deserve mention. About six players from this class have represented the Philippines in various international competitions, with Newsome and Pringle being the most prominent. Their success abroad has helped raise the profile of Philippine basketball, something I'm particularly passionate about as I've long advocated for greater global recognition of our local talents.
As I reflect on this draft class today, what stands out isn't just the individual achievements, but how their collective journeys illustrate the unpredictable nature of sports careers. The top pick became a star as expected, but the career paths of others took surprising turns that nobody could have predicted back in 2014. Their stories continue to unfold, reminding us that in professional basketball, as in Ricardo's observation about his team's situation, every game matters, every season counts, and championship windows can close faster than anyone anticipates.