Looking Back at the 2010 PBA Draft Pick: Where Are They Now?

I still remember the excitement surrounding the 2010 PBA Draft like it was yesterday. As someone who’s followed Philippine basketball for over two decades, that particular draft class felt special—full of promise and potential game-changers. There was this electric atmosphere at the venue, and you could tell teams were making moves that would shape their futures for years to come. Looking back at the 2010 PBA Draft pick now, it’s fascinating to see how careers unfolded, who exceeded expectations, and who maybe didn’t quite hit the heights we imagined.

One name that immediately comes to mind is Greg Slaughter. Oh man, what a story he was. I vividly recall how intense the competition was to secure his talents. Teams were practically tripping over themselves to get him on board. I remember reading quotes from team officials, and one that stuck with me was from Alfrancis Chua, who said, “We’re just happy that we were able to get him to sign the contract.” Chua went on to reveal that Slaughter was also being pursued aggressively by other teams like Cebu and his former ballclub Manila. That kind of bidding war just shows how highly touted he was coming into the league. Slaughter’s journey has been a rollercoaster—from his dominant college days to his solid PBA career and then his surprising move overseas. Last I heard, he was playing in Japan, which honestly surprised me. I always thought he’d retire as a cornerstone of a PBA franchise, but hey, players have to follow their paths, right?

Then there’s Paul Lee, drafted second overall by Rain or Shine. Man, what a steal he turned out to be. I’ve always been a fan of his fearless playing style and clutch performances. Lee’s career has been nothing short of impressive—multiple championships, All-Star appearances, and that unforgettable 2016 Commissioner’s Cup where he just took over games. I remember one finals series where he dropped 28 points in a closeout game; stats like that stick with you. He’s evolved into one of the league’s premier guards, and even now, at 34 years old, he’s still contributing meaningful minutes. It’s players like Lee who make you appreciate how the 2010 PHA Draft pick wasn’t just about the top selection but the depth of talent available.

Let’s not forget about JV Casio, who went third to Powerade. Casio was another gem—a smart, steady point guard who could run an offense like few others. I’ll admit, I had my doubts early on about whether his size would hold him back in the physical PBA, but he proved me wrong time and again. His leadership on and off the court was invaluable, especially during Gilas Pilipinas campaigns. Casio retired a couple of years back, and it felt like the end of an era. Thinking about where the 2010 PBA Draft pick stands today, it’s clear that Casio maximized his potential, even if he didn’t rack up as many individual awards as some others.

What’s interesting is how some later picks turned out. Take Allein Maliksi, for instance—selected 18th overall, which in hindsight feels criminal. Maliksi worked his way up from being a role player to a legitimate scoring threat, and I’ve always admired his work ethic. He’s bounced around a few teams, but wherever he goes, he brings that scoring punch. Last season, he averaged around 14 points per game, which for a mid-first-rounder is fantastic value. It goes to show that the 2010 draft wasn’t just top-heavy; there were gems found deeper down the list.

Of course, not every story had a fairytale ending. Some guys like Elmer Espiritu, who was picked 11th, struggled with injuries and never quite found their footing. Espiritu showed flashes of brilliance—I remember one game where he blocked four shots in a quarter—but consistency eluded him. It’s a reminder of how unpredictable careers can be, even for highly-touted prospects. As a fan, it’s tough to see talented players hampered by things beyond their control, but that’s the nature of professional sports.

Reflecting on the broader impact, the 2010 PBA Draft pick class contributed significantly to the league’s evolution in the 2010s. These players were part of that transition era where the game became faster, more perimeter-oriented. Slaughter, for example, represented one of the last true traditional big men, while guys like Lee embraced the modern guard role. Fast forward to today, and you can trace a lot of the PBA’s current style back to influences from this group. Personally, I think this draft was a solid B+ in terms of overall success—not the absolute best in history, but definitely above average, with about 70% of the first-round picks having impactful careers.

Wrapping up this look back, it’s wild to think that over a decade has passed since that draft day. Some players are still active, others have moved into coaching or broadcasting, and a few have faded from the spotlight. But when I think about the 2010 PBA Draft pick and where they are now, it’s more than just stats and accolades—it’s about the memories they created, the games they won, and how they shaped the league we love today. Whether it’s Slaughter’s overseas adventures or Lee’s continued excellence, this class left an indelible mark, and as a longtime observer, I’m grateful to have witnessed their journeys unfold.