2018 PBA Draft List: Complete Player Selections and Team Breakdowns

Looking back at the 2018 PBA Draft, I still remember the palpable tension in the arena that night—the kind of electricity that only comes when futures are being decided in real time. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've always found draft nights particularly fascinating because they're equal parts strategy and spectacle. Teams aren't just selecting players; they're making declarations about their direction, their philosophy, and frankly, their desperation levels. That year's draft class had its share of predictable picks, some head-scratchers, and a few selections that made me nod in approval from my seat.

The first round unfolded with the expected drama. San Miguel Beermen, always strategic, grabbed Christian Standhardinger as their first pick—a move that surprised absolutely nobody who'd been paying attention. What I found particularly interesting was how Phoenix Petroleum secured Jason Perkins at number four. I've always believed Perkins had that rare combination of grit and basketball IQ that translates well to the PBA, and seeing him go that early validated my assessment. Then there was the curious case of Raymond Almazan falling to Meralco at seventh—I remember thinking this was either going to be the steal of the draft or one of those picks we'd look back on with confusion. The second round had its own gems too, with players like Michael Calisaan going to Magnolia at thirteenth overall, a pick I personally loved because his defensive versatility reminded me of some of the great role players I've watched transform teams.

What struck me about that draft was how teams approached their selections with either clear rebuilding plans or win-now mentalities. Take TNT KaTropa, for instance—they picked up Ray Parks Jr. in a special draft, which I considered an absolute coup. Having watched Parks develop his game overseas, I was convinced he'd immediately become one of the league's most exciting players. Meanwhile, teams like Blackwater seemed to be collecting assets with an eye toward the future, a strategy I've always respected more than the quick-fix approach some franchises take. The draft isn't just about talent—it's about timing, about understanding when your team is ready to compete and when it needs to develop.

Now, when we look at how these picks panned out, the UE situation provides such an interesting contrast to the professional drafting process. While PBA teams were meticulously selecting proven talents, UE was struggling through a winless campaign under new coach Chris Gavina. I've got to be honest—seeing a program with UE's legacy struggle like that was tough to watch. Their standout Precious Momowei was putting up impressive numbers despite the losses, including that 23-point, 13-rebound double-double in their latest defeat. It makes you wonder how different the draft conversation might have been if Momowei had been part of a winning program. Sometimes I think we underestimate how much team context affects a player's draft stock, and Momowei's situation perfectly illustrates that dilemma.

Reflecting on the team breakdowns, San Miguel's approach stood out to me as particularly masterful. They didn't just draft for immediate needs but for sustained dominance, something I wish more teams would prioritize. Meanwhile, smaller-market teams like Columbian Dyip seemed to be taking more calculated risks—the kind of moves that either make you look like a genius or get you fired in two years. What I found fascinating was how certain teams clearly valued collegiate pedigree while others seemed more interested in international experience or even raw athleticism. Having seen numerous drafts over the years, I've developed a preference for teams that draft based on system fit rather than just collecting the "best available" talent—it's why I've always admired how Alaska approaches these decisions.

The 2018 draft class has now had several seasons to develop, and looking back, I'd say about 60% of the first-round picks have met or exceeded expectations—which is actually a pretty good hit rate by PBA standards. Some players like Standhardinger have become cornerstones of their franchises, while others have drifted between teams searching for the right fit. What continues to surprise me is how some second-round picks have outperformed their draft positions—something that happens in every draft but always feels particularly satisfying when you've spotted that potential early on.

As for UE's situation, it serves as a reminder that the draft represents just one pathway in basketball development. While PBA teams were building through systematic selection, programs like UE were in the trenches developing talent under challenging circumstances. Momowei's individual brilliance amidst team struggles is the kind of narrative that makes basketball so compelling—sometimes the best stories aren't about the first-round picks but about players who overcome contextual limitations. If I were a PBA scout, I'd be keeping a very close eye on how players like Momowei develop in adverse conditions, because that often reveals more about character than any combine ever could.

The 2018 PBA Draft ultimately reflected the league's evolving philosophy toward player development and team building. What I took away from that night was how much the PBA had matured in its approach to talent acquisition—less about big names and more about finding players who fit specific roles and systems. Having witnessed drafts where teams seemed to pick based on hype alone, the more measured approach we saw in 2018 gave me genuine optimism about the league's direction. The true test, of course, is how these decisions look five years down the line—and from where I'm sitting, the 2018 class has largely validated the faith teams placed in them that memorable evening.