Complete PBA Draft 2020 List: Player Selections and Team Analysis
As I look back at the Complete PBA Draft 2020 List, I can't help but feel this was one of those transitional drafts that really shaped the league's current landscape. I remember watching the virtual proceedings with particular interest, knowing that several teams were banking on this draft class to either rebuild their franchises or push them over the championship hump. The first round unfolded with some predictable choices but also contained a few surprises that have since proven to be either brilliant moves or costly miscalculations.
When Terrafirma selected Joshua Munzon as the number one overall pick, I thought they made the safe choice - a proven scorer from the MPBL who could immediately contribute. What I didn't anticipate was how this would set off a chain reaction of selections that would eventually lead to one of the most interesting draft classes in recent memory. The Dyip followed up by taking James Laput at number five, creating what I believed would be a solid foundation for their rebuilding process. Meanwhile, NorthPort's decision to pick Jamie Malonzo at second overall raised some eyebrows initially, but the athletic forward quickly proved his worth with his explosive playing style and defensive versatility.
The real story that emerged from this draft, and one I've followed closely, involves what happened after these players established themselves in the PBA. Malonzo's journey particularly fascinates me because it highlights the growing trend of Filipino players exploring opportunities abroad. After his contract expired end of July, Malonzo joined the Kyoto Hannaryz of the B.League, a move I see as both ambitious and strategic. Having watched his development closely, I believe this international exposure could significantly benefit both the player and Philippine basketball in the long run, though it does present short-term challenges for the PBA teams losing such talents.
Looking at the complete selection list, I'm struck by how several later picks have outperformed their draft positions. Mikey Williams going fourth to TNT was arguably the steal of the draft, in my opinion, given how he's transformed their backcourt and become one of the league's most explosive scorers. The Fiberliners definitely knew what they were getting with that selection. Meanwhile, Calvin Oftana falling to NLEX at third overall still puzzles me - I had him pegged as a potential number one pick, and his subsequent performance has justified that assessment.
The second round contained several gems that have developed into reliable rotation players, with Santi Santillan going to Rain or Shine at 12th overall being a personal favorite of mine. His blue-collar approach to the game and relentless rebounding have made him invaluable to the Elasto Painters' system. What often gets overlooked in draft analysis is how team fit matters as much as raw talent, and I think several teams nailed this aspect in 2020.
Reflecting on this draft three years later, I'm convinced it will be remembered as one that significantly altered team trajectories while also marking the beginning of increased international mobility for PBA talents. The Malonzo move to Japan particularly signals a shifting landscape where PBA teams must balance developing local talent with the reality that standout players will attract overseas interest. From my perspective, this creates both challenges and opportunities for the league's future development and talent retention strategies.