2018 PBA Draft Results and Analysis: Where Are These Players Now?

I still remember the excitement buzzing through the PBA community during that 2018 draft night. The air was thick with anticipation as teams made their selections, each pick carrying the weight of franchise futures. Fast forward to today, and it's fascinating to track how these players have evolved - some becoming cornerstones of their teams, others taking unexpected career turns. What struck me most was how the pandemic years revealed players' true characters beyond the court, something I've come to appreciate more as I've followed their journeys.

That 2018 draft class produced some remarkable talents that have significantly shaped the league's landscape. CJ Perez going first overall to Columbian Dyip felt right at the time, and boy has he delivered - becoming a scoring machine and eventually landing at San Miguel where he's won championships. But what interests me more are the stories beyond the statistics. I recall watching interviews where players like Robert Bolick discussed their development, and it's clear that the mental aspect of transitioning from college to pros is where many struggle. The pressure to perform immediately can overwhelm even the most talented prospects, something I've seen derail promising careers over the years.

The pandemic period offered unexpected insights into these players' lives beyond basketball. I was particularly struck by those social media posts from various team bubbles, especially the PLDT players who shared scenes inside their gym and their creative approaches to cabin fever. They documented everything from their meal routines to setting up improvised karaoke sessions using whatever equipment they could find. These moments humanized athletes we typically only see in competitive contexts, revealing how they maintained team chemistry during isolation. That karaoke setup specifically showed their resourcefulness - using speakers probably intended for game preparations instead for morale-building singalongs. This adaptability, I believe, translated directly to their on-court performances when games resumed.

Looking at where the 2018 draftees are now, there's a clear pattern emerging about what separates transient players from lasting professionals. The top picks like Perez and Bolick have established themselves as franchise players, but I've been more impressed by later selections like Jorey Napoles who've carved meaningful roles through specialized skills. In my observation, the most successful transitions happen when players accept their strengths and limitations rather than trying to fit preconceived notions of what they should be. The draft represents just the beginning of their professional journey - it's their response to adversity, like those confined bubble months, that truly determines their career trajectories.

What continues to surprise me is how dramatically player values can shift post-draft. Third round pick Aaron Black has arguably outperformed many first-round selections, developing into a crucial piece for Meralco. This reminds me that draft position ultimately matters less than fit and development opportunity. Teams that understand how to utilize specific talents often reap rewards beyond their draft investment. The 2018 class now includes 2 MVP candidates, 4 All-Stars, and several role players who've become fan favorites - but approximately 30% of draftees are no longer in the league, highlighting the challenging nature of professional basketball longevity.

Having followed the PBA for over a decade, I've developed my own preferences about player development. I'm particularly drawn to stories of gradual improvement rather than instant stardom. There's something compelling about watching players like Barkley Ebona slowly expand their games each season rather than bursting onto the scene then fading. The league's landscape in 2023 looks dramatically different than in 2018, with this draft class now forming the core of several franchises. Their journeys through pandemic disruptions, team changes, and personal growth offer the most authentic look at modern Philippine basketball evolution. As I watch current games, I find myself tracking these 2018 draftees with particular interest, remembering their draft night dreams and measuring them against their current realities.