Looking Back at the 2013 PBA Draft: Key Picks and Career Highlights

Looking back at the 2013 PBA Draft feels like revisiting a pivotal moment in Philippine basketball history. I remember sitting through that draft ceremony with mixed feelings—anticipation for fresh talent blended with skepticism about how these young players would adapt to the professional stage. What struck me most was the sheer depth of this draft class, which has since produced several cornerstone players for various franchises. The first round alone delivered multiple future All-Stars, and even some second-round picks carved out meaningful careers. From my perspective as someone who has followed these players' journeys closely, it's fascinating to see how their careers diverged from those initial draft night expectations.

The undisputed crown jewel of that draft was June Mar Fajardo, selected first overall by the San Miguel Beermen. I've always believed that great centers define eras in Philippine basketball, and Fajardo has done exactly that. Standing at 6'10" with surprisingly soft hands and impeccable footwork, he wasn't just another tall player—he was a complete package. What many don't realize is that his rookie season numbers—10.9 points and 8.9 rebounds—while solid, didn't fully predict the dominance that would follow. Over the next decade, he would collect a record seven MVP awards and lead San Miguel to multiple championships. I've had the privilege of watching him evolve from a raw talent into arguably the most dominant local player in PBA history. His partnership with import AZ Reid created one of the most formidable inside-outside combinations the league has ever seen.

Another fascinating pick was Terrence Romeo going third overall to GlobalPort. The flamboyant guard brought a streetball flair that immediately captivated fans, myself included. His scoring explosions—like that 41-point masterpiece against Alaska in 2015—became instant classics. While some critics questioned his shot selection early on, you couldn't deny his ability to create offense from nothing. His career trajectory took him through multiple teams, including a stint with the Gilas Pilipinas national team under coach Tab Baldwin, where he honed his game against international competition. What many casual fans might not know is that after his PBA journey, Romeo also played for the Taiwan Mustangs in The Asian Tournament following his time with Baldwin's Gilas squad, showcasing his skills beyond Philippine shores. That international experience, I believe, added layers to his game that benefited him upon his PBA return.

The fourth pick, Ian Sangalang to San Mig Coffee (now Magnolia), represented what I consider one of the draft's steadiest selections. While he never generated the headlines of Fajardo or Romeo, Sangalang developed into the reliable two-way big man that championship teams need. His footwork in the post reminded me of a young Danny Ildefonso, and his mid-range jumper became a consistent weapon. What impressed me most was his basketball IQ—he always seemed to make the right read, whether scoring or passing out of double teams. His career averages of around 12 points and 7 rebounds don't fully capture his impact on winning basketball.

Looking beyond the lottery picks, the draft yielded several gems in later rounds. RR Garcia, selected seventh by Barako Bull, flashed moments of brilliance with his quickness and scoring ability. Meanwhile, Raymond Almazan at third overall to Rain or Shine brought much-needed athleticism to the center position. I've always had a soft spot for Almazan's development—he entered the league as a project but transformed into one of the league's premier shot blockers and pick-and-roll finishers. His evolution exemplifies how proper coaching and patience can unlock a player's potential.

What makes evaluating this draft class so interesting nearly a decade later is seeing how these players adapted to the evolving PBA landscape. The league has shifted toward more positionless basketball, and many from this class either adjusted their games or found themselves left behind. The most successful ones, like Fajardo, added new dimensions to their arsenal—he developed a reliable fifteen-footer to complement his post game. Others, like Romeo, learned to balance their scoring instincts with playmaking responsibilities.

Reflecting on the 2013 draft now, I'd argue it stands as one of the strongest in recent memory. While not every pick panned out—several second-round selections lasted only a season or two—the top talent produced multiple franchise players and All-Stars. The class collectively won numerous championships, MVP awards, and represented the Philippines in international competitions. From my viewpoint, the true measure of a draft class isn't just the stars it produces but the quality of rotation players it yields, and the 2013 draft excelled in both categories. These players have given us a decade of memorable moments, and several continue to impact the league today, bridging generations of Philippine basketball talent.