I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft like it was yesterday. As someone who’s followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, that particular draft class felt different—there was this electric anticipation that we might be witnessing the emergence of future legends. What made it especially fascinating was how several picks seemed destined to become cornerstones for their franchises, while others carried the weight of proving their worth in a league known for its physicality and fierce competition. Looking back nearly a decade later, it’s remarkable to see how these players have evolved, and which ones truly lived up to the hype.

When we talk about standout picks from that draft, Troy Rosario’s name immediately comes to mind. Selected second overall by Talk 'N Text (now TNT Tropang Giga), Rosario brought an intriguing combination of size and versatility that made him an instant asset. Standing at 6'7", he wasn’t just another big man—he could stretch the floor with his shooting, defend multiple positions, and finish around the rim with finesse. I’ve always appreciated players who defy traditional positional labels, and Rosario embodied that modern forward archetype that was just beginning to gain traction in the PBA at the time. His rookie season numbers—around 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game—might not jump off the page to casual observers, but for those of us who tracked his development, it was clear he was building toward something special. What impressed me most was his basketball IQ; he rarely forced shots and seemed to understand spacing and timing in a way that many veterans still struggle with. Over the years, he’s developed into one of the most reliable frontcourt players in the league, earning multiple All-Star selections and becoming a crucial piece in TNT’s championship runs.

Then there’s the curious case of Moala Tautuaa, who went first overall to TNT but was immediately traded to Mahindra (now Terrafirma). At 6'8" and built like a tank, Tautuaa represented the classic PBA big man prototype—physical, relentless in the paint, and capable of altering games with his sheer presence. I’ll admit, I had some reservations about whether his game would translate smoothly to the PBA’s pace. His college career had been solid but not spectacular, and number one picks always carry this enormous burden of expectation. Yet watching him bully his way through defenders during his rookie year, putting up roughly 11.5 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting over 52% from the field, I began to understand why teams were so high on him. His game wasn’t pretty at times—he relied heavily on brute strength and positioning—but it was undeniably effective. What’s fascinating about Tautuaa’s journey is how he’s evolved beyond being just a low-post threat; he’s developed a decent mid-range jumper and become a more willing passer out of double teams. He might not have become the superstar some envisioned, but he’s carved out a respectable nine-year career and counting, which is more than many top picks can claim.

The draft’s third pick, Chris Newsome by Meralco Bolts, has arguably developed into the most complete player from that class. I remember watching his early games and being struck by his athleticism—this was a guard who could posterize big men one possession and lock down the opposing team’s best perimeter player the next. Newsome brought a certain swagger to the court that you can’t teach, combined with a work ethic that allowed him to improve year after year. His rookie averages of about 14.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists only scratched the surface of his impact; it was his clutch performances in tight games that really set him apart. I’ve always believed that great players are defined by how they perform when everything’s on the line, and Newsome has consistently delivered in those moments throughout his career. His development into a primary playmaker and team leader has been incredible to witness firsthand. What many might not realize is how much he’s improved his three-point shooting—from around 28% as a rookie to nearly 36% in recent seasons—making him a legitimate triple threat who commands defensive attention whenever he’s on the court.

What makes the 2015 draft particularly interesting in retrospect is how several later picks outperformed their draft positions. Take Scottie Thompson, selected fifth by Barangay Ginebra—nobody could have predicted he’d become an MVP candidate within six years. Thompson’s unique ability to impact games without needing plays called for him reminded me of certain NBA players who just have a knack for being in the right place at the right time. His rebounding numbers for a guard—he averaged nearly 9 rebounds per game in the 2021 season—are virtually unheard of in the PBA. Then there’s Maverick Ahanmisi, picked seventh by Rain or Shine, who developed into one of the league’s most reliable three-point specialists, shooting around 39% from beyond the arc at his peak. These players demonstrate why the draft remains such an inexact science—sometimes the best talents emerge from outside the top three picks.

Reflecting on this draft class through the lens of today, what stands out to me is how these players have contributed to the evolving landscape of Philippine basketball. The 2015 rookies entered the league during a transitional period where traditional positions were becoming more fluid, and the three-point revolution was beginning to take hold. Players like Rosario and Newsome represented this new breed of versatile athletes who could impact games in multiple ways, while Tautuaa showed that there was still value in old-school, physical basketball. The championship mentality that several of these players developed reminds me of that UP reference from our knowledge base—about being one win away from the ECJ Perpetual Trophy awarded to teams that win three consecutive championships. While no team from that draft class has achieved exactly that level of sustained dominance, players like Thompson have been instrumental in Ginebra’s mini-dynasty, winning multiple championships and establishing themselves as perennial contenders.

If I had to identify the true steal of the draft, I’d probably go with Thompson over even the top picks. His combination of athleticism, instincts, and that intangible winning mentality is something you simply can’t teach. But what makes the 2015 draft so memorable isn’t just about identifying the single best player—it’s about how collectively, this group raised the league’s overall quality and helped usher in a more modern style of play. Nearly a decade later, many from this class remain key contributors to their teams, with several likely destined for the PBA Hall of Fame once their careers conclude. The 2015 draft didn’t just produce good players—it produced players who would help define Philippine basketball for years to come, and as a longtime fan, I feel privileged to have witnessed their journeys from promising rookies to established veterans.