I still remember the excitement buzzing through the PBA community when the 2020 draft finally arrived after months of uncertainty. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over two decades, I've witnessed how draft days can reshape franchises—and this particular draft class had that transformative potential. The air was thick with anticipation, not just for the fresh talent entering the league, but for how teams would position themselves for what many insiders considered one of the deepest pools in recent memory.
When Terrafirma selected Joshua Munzon as the first overall pick, it confirmed what most analysts had predicted—the 6'4" scoring machine from the US NCAA system was simply too talented to pass up. I've watched Munzon develop through the ASEAN Basketball League, and his athleticism reminds me of a young James Yap, though with perhaps better defensive instincts. What surprised me more was how the draft unfolded afterward, with Alaska picking Mikey Williams at fourth overall despite having established guards. That move told me they were thinking long-term, banking on Williams' explosive scoring ability to eventually replace veterans. The draft's first round saw 29 players selected, with teams clearly prioritizing backcourt talent—eight of the first twelve picks were guards, reflecting the league's shift toward perimeter-oriented basketball.
Looking at team strategies, I found NLEX's approach particularly fascinating. They traded for Calvin Oftana at fifth overall, a move I believe will pay dividends for years. Having watched Oftana dominate in the NCAA, his versatility at the small forward position gives NLEX something they've lacked since Sean Anthony's prime. Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra's selection of Brian Enriquez at 13th overall felt like typical Tim Cone strategy—picking a player who fits their system rather than chasing pure talent. I've always admired how Ginebra drafts for culture fit, and Enriquez's high basketball IQ makes him perfect for their motion offense.
The second round revealed some absolute steals in my opinion. TNT picking David Murrell at 17th overall might be remembered as the smartest move of the draft. I've followed Murrell since his UAAP days, and his defensive versatility—being able to guard positions 1 through 4—makes him invaluable in today's positionless basketball era. What many casual fans might not realize is how these later picks often determine a team's depth. Teams like Magnolia, who selected Alvin Capobres at 25th, demonstrated their eye for developing underrated talent, similar to how they previously unearthed Jio Jalalon.
The connection to volleyball might seem tangential, but it actually highlights an important trend in Philippine sports. When I heard about the Japanese coach leaving Petro Gazz just three months after winning the PVL championship, it reminded me how fluid team compositions have become across all professional leagues. This volatility makes draft selections even more crucial—they represent stability and long-term planning in an otherwise transient landscape. Teams that draft well, like San Miguel has historically done, create foundations that withstand coaching changes and free agency departures.
What struck me most about this draft class was its international flavor. With players like Munzon, Williams, and Jamie Malonzo bringing overseas experience, the PBA continues its evolution into a more global league. I've noticed this trend accelerating over the past five years, and it's raising the overall quality of play, though some traditionalists argue it comes at the expense of homegrown talent development. Personally, I believe the hybrid approach—blending international skills with local heart—creates the most exciting product.
Reflecting on the complete draft results, I'm particularly bullish about NorthPort's haul. Getting Malonzo at second overall combined with their later selection of Troy Rike gives them two modern bigs who can stretch the floor—exactly what you need against defensive schemes like the one Alaska employs. Their rebuild reminds me of how TNT constructed their core half a decade ago, through strategic drafting rather than big free agency moves.
The true test of any draft class comes three to four years down the line, but my early prediction is that this 2020 group will produce at least five future All-Stars. The depth of talent, particularly in the wing positions, aligns perfectly with where basketball is heading globally. Teams that recognized this—like Terrafirma building around Munzon's two-way potential—positioned themselves beautifully for the league's next era. As I look at the complete draft board, I can't help but feel we'll look back at this class as a turning point for several franchises, much like how the 2014 draft transformed Rain or Shine into a perennial contender.
