A Look Back at the Complete 2010 PBA Draft List and Player Outcomes

Looking back at the 2010 PBA Draft feels like flipping through an old basketball almanac—some names jump out with vivid clarity, while others have faded into the footnotes of league history. I remember watching the draft proceedings that year with a mix of anticipation and skepticism, as team executives made picks that would shape franchises for years to come. The 2010 draft class wasn’t necessarily hailed as a generational group, but it produced a handful of players who’d go on to carve out meaningful careers, and others who served as cautionary tales about the unpredictability of professional sports. What fascinates me, all these years later, is how the careers of these draftees unfolded—some becoming household names, while others drifted into obscurity after just a season or two.

Let’s start with the first round, which featured ten picks headlined by Noy Baclao and Rabeh Al-Hussaini going first and second overall. Both were highly touted big men out of the UAAP, and at the time, I thought they’d dominate the paint for years. Baclao was known for his shot-blocking and defensive presence, while Al-Hussaini had a polished offensive game around the basket. But if I’m being honest, neither quite lived up to the sky-high expectations. Baclao, for instance, never averaged more than 4.5 points per game in any season, and though he stuck around as a role player, you’d expect more from a number one pick. Al-Hussaini showed flashes—I recall him putting up 18 points in a game during his rookie year—but inconsistency and injuries limited his impact. It’s a reminder that draft position doesn’t always translate to stardom, and I’ve seen plenty of teams overvalue college reputations without considering fit and long-term development.

The later rounds, as always, held a few gems. One name that stands out is John Wilson, picked in the second round. Wilson became a reliable scorer and even won a PBA championship with Barangay Ginebra—proof that talent can be found outside the lottery. Then there’s Elmer Espiritu, who went undrafted but eventually signed and had a brief stint in the league. His story is one of perseverance, though his career never really took off, averaging just 2.1 points over 30 games. I’ve always had a soft spot for these underdogs; they embody the grind that defines so many professional athletes’ journeys. On the flip side, some picks just didn’t pan out. I remember Rey Guevarra, the third overall selection, struggling to find his niche despite his athleticism. He bounced between teams, never quite securing a starting role, and it’s a shame because his potential was evident in college.

Fast forward to today, and it’s interesting to see how the league has evolved since 2010. The game is faster, more perimeter-oriented, and the draft strategies have shifted accordingly. But one thing that hasn’t changed is the drama of in-game situations, like the deadball scenario I witnessed recently between Jordan Heading and Chris Ross. It was a tense moment—the kind that separates contenders from pretenders. After the jump ball was forced, TNT gained a one-point lead following an offensive interference call. From my perspective, that call was pivotal; it shifted the momentum entirely. TNT won the ensuing tip, Calvin Oftana drew a foul, and he calmly sank both free throws. Oftana, by the way, is part of a newer generation, but it’s moments like these that make me appreciate how fundamentals—like clutch free-throw shooting—remain crucial, no matter the era.

Reflecting on the 2010 draft, I can’t help but draw parallels to today’s players. For instance, Oftana’s poise under pressure reminds me of veterans from that 2010 class who excelled in high-leverage situations, like Josh Urbiztondo, who wasn’t a star but hit big shots when it mattered. Urbiztondo averaged around 7 points per game over his career, but his three-point shooting in playoff games was something to behold. On the other hand, some draftees like Jimbo Aquino never quite found their footing; Aquino played only 42 games in the PBA, scoring a total of 89 points. It’s a tough league, and not everyone gets a fair shot, but that’s what makes the success stories so compelling.

In my view, the 2010 draft was a mixed bag—a few hits, several misses, and lessons that still resonate. Teams that prioritized fit over hype, like those who snagged rotation players in the later rounds, often reaped the benefits. Personally, I think the draft is as much about luck as it is about scouting; you can have all the data in the world, but injuries, team chemistry, and plain old chance play huge roles. For example, I recall one second-round pick, Allein Maliksi, who developed into a solid contributor after a slow start. Maliksi has averaged in double figures in multiple seasons, showing that patience can pay off. Meanwhile, the top picks serve as a reminder that potential doesn’t always translate, and I’ve seen too many fans get overly invested in draft night without considering the long game.

Wrapping this up, the 2010 PBA Draft offers a rich tapestry of what-ifs and success stories. It’s a chapter in league history that underscores the importance of development and adaptability. As I look at today’s games, with players like Oftana stepping up in critical moments, I’m reminded that the draft is just the beginning. The real story is written on the court, through years of hard work and resilience. And if there’s one takeaway I’d emphasize, it’s that evaluating a draft class requires a decade of hindsight—because careers, much like games, can turn on a single play, a jump ball, or a pair of free throws.