PBA Draft 2023 Results: Complete List of Picks and Team Selections
As I scrolled through the PBA Draft 2023 results, I couldn't help but feel that familiar mix of excitement and anticipation that comes with every draft season. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've learned that drafts aren't just about picking players—they're about building dreams, and this year's selections perfectly captured that spirit. The first round saw some predictable but brilliant choices, with Terrafirma taking Stephen Holt as their first overall pick, followed by Blackwater selecting Christian David at number two. What struck me most was how teams seemed to be thinking long-term rather than just going for immediate impact players.
I remember watching ZUS Coffee's draft strategy unfold, and their selections made me think about coach Jerry Yee's recent comments that really stuck with me. He mentioned, "We're just trying to get better. Marami pa rin namang lapses so we're still a work in progress," and that philosophy seemed to echo through their draft choices. They picked James Kwekuteye at number seven, which I personally think was a steal given his performance in the amateur leagues. Their approach felt different from teams like Ginebra, who always seem to draft with their championship pedigree in mind. Ginebra took Ralph Cu at number ten, a solid choice that fits their physical style of play, though I would've preferred to see them take a risk on someone like Keith Datu, who went to NLEX at number nine.
The second round brought some surprises that had me raising my eyebrows. Rain or Shine selecting Sherwin Concepcion at number twelve felt like they were playing the long game, similar to how Phoenix picked up Raffy Verano at number fourteen. What I love about these mid-round picks is that they often reveal a team's true development philosophy. Teams aren't just drafting players—they're drafting potential, and they're willing to put in the work to mold raw talent into professional athletes. This reminded me of how different teams approach development; some want ready-made contributors while others, like ZUS Coffee based on coach Yee's comments, acknowledge they're building something from the ground up.
Looking at the complete list of 42 picks across three rounds, I noticed patterns that tell a story about each team's direction. NorthPort selecting Fran Yu at number four showed they value guard depth, while Magnolia taking Joseph Eriobu at number fifteen suggests they're strengthening their frontcourt. Personally, I think Meralco made one of the smartest moves by picking Brandon Bates at number five—his defensive presence could really transform their interior game. The draft isn't just about the first few picks; it's about finding gems in later rounds, much like how TNT managed to snag Emman Calo at number thirty-two, who I believe could develop into a reliable rotation player given proper coaching.
What fascinates me about analyzing draft results is seeing how teams balance immediate needs with future potential. Take Converge for example—they selected Schonny Winston at number three, clearly looking for someone who can contribute right away. Meanwhile, teams like Blackwater selecting Troy Rosario at number thirty-eight shows they're thinking about veteran leadership alongside their young core. Having watched numerous drafts over the years, I've come to appreciate that the most successful teams aren't always the ones with the flashiest picks, but those who understand how to build cohesive units. The 2023 draft class appears particularly deep, with about 60% of the picks coming from the UAAP and 30% from the NCAA, creating an interesting mix of playing styles and backgrounds.
As I reflect on all 42 selections, I keep coming back to that quote from coach Yee about being a "work in progress." That's exactly what the draft represents—not finished products but opportunities for growth. Some teams drafted for specific skills, others for potential, but what united them all was the belief that these young athletes could develop into something greater. My personal favorite pick has to be Terrafirma selecting Stephen Holt first overall—his overseas experience brings a different dimension to the game that I think will surprise people. The beauty of the draft is that we won't truly know which teams made the best choices until we see these players develop over the next 2-3 seasons, but one thing's for certain: the PBA just got a whole lot more interesting with these 42 new faces joining the league.