Looking for the Complete 2019 PBA Draft List? Here's Everything You Need
I remember sitting in front of my television during the 2019 PBA Draft, feeling that familiar mix of anticipation and nostalgia that comes with every draft season. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've always believed draft days represent more than just player selections—they're about building dreams and reshaping team identities. That particular year felt different though, more significant somehow, perhaps because we were witnessing what many considered one of the deepest draft classes in recent memory.
Let me walk you through that memorable day, starting with the first round that had fans buzzing for weeks afterward. The Columbian Dyip, holding the first overall pick, selected Isaac Go—a move that surprised many but made perfect sense when you consider his championship pedigree from Ateneo. What many casual observers might not realize is that Go wasn't just another big man; his basketball IQ and understanding of spacing would immediately upgrade any team's offensive system. Then at number two, Blackwater chose Maurice Shaw, followed by Alaska taking Mike Nieto at third. These picks demonstrated how teams were balancing between immediate needs and long-term development. Personally, I thought Terrafirma made one of the smartest moves by grabbing Roosevelt Adams at fourth—his athleticism and shooting potential made him what I like to call a "high-ceiling project" who could develop into a star with proper coaching.
The draft continued with some fascinating selections that reflected different team philosophies. NorthPort took Sean Manganti at fifth, while NLEX selected Calvin Oftana at sixth. What impressed me most about these mid-first round picks was how teams were clearly drafting for specific roles rather than just taking the "best available" player. I've always believed this approach yields better results, though I know some analysts disagree with me. The seventh pick saw Rain or Shine select Adrian Wong, followed by Magnolia choosing Aris Dionisio at eighth. By this point in the draft, the tension was palpable—you could see teams recalculating their boards as unexpected players kept falling.
As we moved into the later rounds, the strategy shifted dramatically from potential stars to role players and development projects. Meralco selected big man Teytey Teodoro at ninth, while Ginebra grabbed Kent Salado at tenth—a pick I particularly liked given Salado's explosive scoring ability. The eleventh through fourteenth picks saw some genuine steals, in my opinion, with Phoenix taking David Murrell, Alaska selecting Barkley Ebona, NorthPort grabbing Renzo Subido, and Rain or Shine choosing Clint Doliguez. These second-round gems often become the backbone of successful teams, the kind of players who may not make headlines but absolutely determine wins and losses through their consistent contributions.
What made the 2019 draft particularly fascinating was how it reflected the evolving landscape of Philippine basketball. Watching these young players enter the league reminded me of that vision to see the Nationals compete at the level set by their Pool A rivals in Tunisia, Egypt, and Iran that are among the cream of the crop in the men's game for the longest time. This draft class represented another step toward closing that gap, bringing in players with international experience and modern skill sets. I've always maintained that the PBA's growth directly correlates with the national team's success—they're two sides of the same coin.
The third round and special draft selections revealed how teams approach roster construction differently. Teams like Alaska and Rain or Shine demonstrated their commitment to player development by selecting prospects who might need seasoning but possessed intriguing physical tools. Meanwhile, established franchises like Ginebra and San Miguel tended to favor more polished players who could contribute immediately to their championship aspirations. This dichotomy in drafting philosophy creates the league's competitive balance—the tension between win-now mentalities and long-term building that makes the PBA so compelling season after season.
Looking back at the complete 2019 PBA Draft list now, with the benefit of hindsight, I can confidently say this class has already exceeded expectations. Several players have become rotation regulars, while a few have developed into genuine stars. The draft produced approximately 35 selections across all rounds, with about 60% still active in the league today—a remarkable retention rate that speaks to the depth of talent available that year. What fascinates me most is tracking these players' development arcs, watching how their careers unfold in relation to their draft positions. The steals, the reaches, the players who outperformed expectations—this is the drama that continues long after draft day concludes.
The true impact of any draft class reveals itself over years rather than months, and the 2019 group continues to shape the league's competitive landscape. Teams that drafted well that day built foundations for future success, while others missed opportunities that set them back. As I reflect on that draft now, I'm struck by how these selections represent both the present and future of Philippine basketball—the continuing effort to develop homegrown talent capable of competing internationally. That vision of reaching the level of basketball powers like Iran and Egypt feels increasingly attainable when you see the quality of players emerging through our draft system year after year.
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