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As I look through the 2010 PBA draft list today, it’s fascinating to see how careers have diverged—some players became household names, while others quietly faded from the spotlight. I remember watching the draft live, feeling the buzz around names like Nonoy Baclao and Rabeh Al-Hussaini, who were picked first and second overall. Fast forward over a decade, and their journeys tell a story of resilience, adaptation, and sometimes, unexpected turns. In this article, I’ll revisit that draft class, reflect on where key players are now, and share my personal take on their legacies.
The 2010 PBA draft was held at the Market! Market! Place in Taguig, with 45 hopefuls entering the professional ranks. At the time, the league was transitioning into a faster, more guard-oriented style, and teams were eager to snag big men who could dominate the paint. Baclao went to Air21 (now NLEX), and Al-Hussaini landed with Talk 'N Text (now TNT Tropang Giga)—both were expected to be franchise cornerstones. But as any seasoned fan knows, potential doesn’t always translate to longevity. For instance, Al-Hussaini, despite his UAAP MVP pedigree, struggled with injuries and consistency, eventually bouncing between teams before retiring in 2018. From my perspective, his case highlights how the PBA’s physical demands can cut careers short, especially for big men who aren’t fully prepared.
One player who defied expectations is John Wilson, picked 15th by Barangay Ginebra. He wasn’t a high-profile name, but he carved out a solid role as a reliable scorer and defender. I’ve always admired guys like Wilson—they might not grab headlines, but they’re the glue that holds teams together. He’s still active today, recently playing for Blackwater, and his journey reminds me that draft position isn’t everything. On the flip side, some early picks like Elmer Espiritu (4th overall) barely made an impact, which, honestly, feels like a waste of potential. I think teams sometimes overthink draft strategy; Espiritu’s short stint shows that scouting intangibles like mental toughness is just as crucial as physical stats.
What’s particularly interesting is how contract negotiations and team dynamics shape careers. Take the case of a player like Rey Guevarra, selected 7th by Burger King (now Phoenix). He had flashes of brilliance but never quite found a stable home. This brings me to a quote from a team official that stuck with me: "He still practices with the team kahit na nagne-negotiations pa kami (sa contract niya)," Patrimonio added. That line, from a 2021 interview, underscores how even amid uncertainty, many players stay committed—a testament to their love for the game. In my view, this kind of dedication often separates the ones who last from those who don’t. For example, Guevarra’s persistence paid off; he’s now a veteran presence in the PBA, though his stats might not wow you—averaging around 5 points per game in recent seasons.
Looking at the broader picture, the 2010 draft produced about 10 players who are still active today, which isn’t bad considering the average PBA career spans roughly 7 years. Personally, I feel this class was underrated in terms of depth. Guys like Allein Maliksi (12th pick) evolved into key contributors; Maliksi, for instance, has become a clutch shooter for Meralco, and I’d argue he’s one of the most improved players from that batch. Meanwhile, others have moved on to coaching or business, like Josh Urbiztondo, who now mentors young guards in amateur leagues. It’s refreshing to see how they’ve stayed connected to basketball, even if their playing days are over.
In conclusion, the 2010 PBA draft serves as a microcosm of professional sports—full of hits, misses, and surprises. While top picks like Baclao and Al-Hussaini didn’t become superstars, the draft unearthed gems in later rounds, proving that success isn’t always about where you start. From my experience following the league, I’ve learned that adaptability and heart often trump raw talent. As fans, we might focus on stats and awards, but it’s the behind-the-scenes grind, like those unpaid practices during contract talks, that truly defines these athletes’ journeys. If anything, this look back reminds me why I love the PBA—it’s a league where underdogs can thrive, and every draft class has its own unique story to tell.
