Looking Back at the 2014 PBA Draft Pick List: Where Are They Now?

Looking back at the 2014 PBA Draft feels like flipping through an old basketball yearbook—some faces you remember vividly, others make you pause and wonder what might have been. I’ve followed the league closely for years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that draft classes are never just about talent—they’re about timing, fit, and a little bit of luck. Ten years later, it’s fascinating to see how the careers of these players have unfolded. Some became household names, while others quietly faded from the spotlight. One thing’s for sure: the 2014 draft class left its mark on Philippine basketball, and it’s worth revisiting not just for nostalgia’s sake, but to understand how careers evolve in a league as competitive as the PBA.

Let’s start with the top picks. Stanley Pringle, selected first overall by GlobalPort, was an obvious standout from day one. I remember watching his early games and thinking, "This guy’s got that rare combination of speed and court vision." Over the years, he’s proven me right—transitioning from a high-scoring guard to a more polished playmaker, eventually helping Barangay Ginebra secure multiple championships. Then there’s June Mar Fajardo—okay, technically he was a special draft entry in 2012, but his shadow loomed large over this class. Watching players like him and Pringle, you realize that success in the PBA isn’t just about individual brilliance; it’s about adapting to your team’s needs. On the flip side, some early picks like Matt Ganuelas-Rosser (third overall) showed flashes of defensive genius but never quite became the franchise players fans hoped for. It’s a reminder that the draft is as much about potential as it is about patience.

Mid-round selections often tell the more interesting stories, in my opinion. Take Paul Zamar, picked in the second round—he didn’t burst onto the scene like Pringle, but he carved out a solid role as a reliable backup guard. I’ve always admired players like him who embrace their roles without complaint. Then there’s Rodney Brondial, another second-rounder who’s become a dependable big man off the bench. These guys may not grab headlines, but they’re the glue that holds teams together during grueling seasons. And let’s not forget the undrafted players who fought their way in—like Keith Agovida, who signed as a free agent and became known for his hustle. It’s players like these who embody the spirit of the PBA: relentless, underrated, and essential.

Of course, not every story had a happy ending. A few players from this draft class struggled with injuries or failed to find their footing. For instance, Anthony Gavier, picked in the later rounds, barely saw playing time before fading from the league. It’s a tough reality—only around 60% of draftees from 2014 are still active today, based on my rough estimate. That’s why Ricardo’s words ring so true here: "They can’t win every game, but they’re in no position to lose more if they want to keep their championship aspirations alive." It’s a mindset that separates those who endure from those who don’t. In a league where roster spots are limited, every loss—whether in games or career opportunities—carries weight.

Reflecting on this draft, I can’t help but feel a mix of admiration and what-ifs. Stanley Pringle, for example, exceeded expectations, while others like Kevin Alas (picked fifth) showed promise but were derailed by injuries. Personally, I think the 2014 class was stronger in guard talent than big men, which shaped how teams built their rosters in the years that followed. From a strategic standpoint, this draft emphasized the importance of scouting beyond the obvious stats—intangibles like work ethic and resilience mattered just as much. Ten years on, it’s clear that the legacy of the 2014 PBA Draft isn’t just in the championships won, but in the lessons learned about building sustainable careers in professional basketball. As fans, we often focus on the stars, but it’s the collective journey of an entire draft class that truly defines an era.