I still remember that humid August afternoon in 2007, crammed into the PLDT conference room with Team Manager Jojo Lastimosa and PBA board chairman Ricky Vargas. The air conditioning struggled against the body heat of nervous executives and staff members, all gathered for what would become one of the most memorable rookie drafts in Philippine basketball history. We were there to witness the future of Philippine basketball unfold, and little did we know we were watching what many now call the "Golden Draft" of the PBA.
The energy in that Makati conference room was electric, I tell you. You could feel the tension whenever a team representative stepped up to announce their pick. Vargas and Lastimosa kept exchanging notes, their faces a mixture of concentration and excitement. I remember Vargas leaning over to someone and whispering, "This draft class is special," and boy was he right. Sixteen years later, I find myself looking back at that draft class with both nostalgia and curiosity - whatever happened to these players who entered the league with so much promise?
Let's start with the obvious - Joe Devance going first overall to Welcoat (now Rain or Shine). I'll be honest, I thought they were crazy for picking him over James Yap, but looking back, it was a brilliant move. Devance became the ultimate professional, playing until 2021 and winning eight championships across three different franchises. The guy was like fine wine - he just kept getting better with age. Last I heard, he's enjoying retirement in the States, probably still hitting threes in some recreational league.
Then there's James Yap, the "Big Game James" who went second to Purefoods. Man, what can I say about James that hasn't been said already? The guy wasn't just a basketball player - he became a cultural phenomenon. I remember watching him sink game-winners and thinking, "This guy's built different." He played until 2022, can you believe it? Eighteen seasons, two MVP awards, and countless memorable moments. These days, he's moved into politics as congressman of San Juan, though I wouldn't be surprised if he still shoots around at the village court on weekends.
But here's what makes the 2007 draft so fascinating - it wasn't just about the top picks. Look at guys like Ryan Reyes, picked seventh by Santa Lucia. The man played fifteen seasons and became one of the best defensive guards of his generation. Or JC Intal, the "Muscle Man" who's now making waves as a councilor in Makati. It's incredible how many of these players carved out significant careers both on and off the court.
Some stories really stick with me, like Samigue Eman, the 6'9" center from Davao who went third to Alaska. He never quite became the superstar people expected, but he hung around the league for ten seasons, proving that sometimes longevity is its own form of success. I ran into him at a mall last year - he's coaching kids now, passing on his knowledge to the next generation.
Then there are the what-ifs. What if Doug Kramer had stayed healthy throughout his career? The guy was a beast when he was fit, but injuries limited what could have been an even more impressive eleven-season run. What if Chico Lanete's knees had held up? These questions haunt me sometimes when I'm watching current games.
The contrast between then and now is striking. Back in 2007, these rookies were making around ₱150,000 monthly - decent money, but nothing compared to today's salaries. Yet what they lacked in financial compensation, they made up for in heart and dedication. I've interviewed many of them over the years, and they all talk about that 2007 draft class with a special fondness, like they were part of something historic.
What's remarkable is how many of these players transitioned smoothly into life after basketball. You've got Yap in politics, Intal in local government, Devance running businesses, and many others in coaching or broadcasting. It speaks volumes about their character and intelligence that they prepared for life beyond the hardwood.
I sometimes wonder if we'll ever see another draft class like 2007. Seven players from that draft played at least ten seasons in the PBA - that's insane longevity in a physically demanding league. They witnessed the transition from the pre-social media era to the digital age, adapting to changes both on and off the court.
That day in the PLDT conference room feels like both yesterday and a lifetime ago. Vargas and Lastimosa probably had no idea they were watching the formation of what would become the backbone of Philippine basketball for the next decade. These players didn't just have careers - they built legacies. They gave us unforgettable moments, championship runs, and stories we'll tell our grandchildren about. And while their playing days may be over for most, their impact continues to shape the game we love today.