PBA Draft Prospect Analysis: Top 10 Players to Watch This Season

As I sit down to analyze this season's PBA draft prospects, I can't help but reflect on the international basketball connections that often shape our local talent pool. Just last month, I was chatting with a colleague about how global basketball has become, and we ended up discussing that wonderful moment Jaja Santiago shared about Kim Yeon-koung during the Asian Games. That kind of international camaraderie and competition experience is exactly what we're seeing more of in our PBA prospects this year - players who've been exposed to different styles and levels of play abroad before entering our local draft.

The top prospect on my radar is Miguel Santos from Ateneo, a 6'5" shooting guard who averaged 18.3 points per game last collegiate season. What impresses me most about Santos isn't just his scoring ability - though his 42% three-point shooting is certainly noteworthy - but his basketball IQ that seems beyond his years. I've watched him play since his high school days, and the development in his decision-making has been remarkable. He reminds me of those international players who understand spacing and timing in a way that's uncommon for local talents his age. Right behind him is Carlo Reyes from San Beda, a 6'8" center who dominated the paint with 12.1 rebounds per game last season. Now, I know some scouts have concerns about his mobility, but having seen him train up close last summer, I can tell you his footwork has improved dramatically. He's been working with a Korean training specialist, which brings to mind how global basketball knowledge exchange has been elevating our local game.

The third spot goes to James Tan from UP, and honestly, I'm higher on him than most analysts. His versatility is something special - he can legitimately guard three positions and has shown flashes of playmaking ability that you don't often see in 6'6" forwards. I remember watching him in a preseason game where he recorded 7 assists without a single turnover, controlling the game's tempo like a seasoned veteran rather than a 21-year-old prospect. Then there's Paolo Lim from La Salle, whose athleticism is just off the charts. His vertical leap measured at 38 inches during combine testing, which is elite by any standard. What worries me slightly is his inconsistent shooting - he shot just 28% from beyond the arc last season - but his defensive potential makes him worth a top-five selection in my book.

The middle of my list features some interesting names that could prove to be steals. At number five, I have John Cruz from UST, who might be the best pure point guard in this draft class. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.8-to-1 last season speaks volumes about his court vision and decision-making. I've spoken with several coaches who've worked with him, and they all mention his incredible work ethic - the kid apparently stays after practice regularly to work on his weak hand finishing. Sixth is Mark Sy from NU, a player I've followed since his junior national team days. His scoring arsenal is diverse, though I do question whether he can maintain his efficiency against PBA-level defenders. The international exposure he gained playing in pocket tournaments in Europe last summer should help his adjustment, much like how exposure to different playing styles helped elevate the games of previous PBA stars who competed abroad.

Rounding out my top ten are prospects with specific skills that could make them valuable role players in the right systems. Kevin Wong from FEU brings shooting specialist potential after converting 41% of his three-point attempts last season. At 6'4", he has decent size for a shooting guard, though he'll need to bulk up to handle PBA physicality. Jason Chen from Adamson offers intriguing defensive versatility with his 7-foot wingspan, while Joseph Lao from Mapua provides steady backup point guard potential with his reliable ball-handling and high basketball IQ. The tenth spot goes to Raymond Go from Letran, whose energy and rebounding could earn him rotation minutes early in his career.

Looking at this draft class as a whole, what strikes me is the balance between offensive firepower and defensive specialists. Unlike last year's guard-heavy draft, this class offers legitimate size and frontcourt options that teams desperately need. I've noticed several PBA teams sending their head coaches rather than just scouts to recent combine events, which tells me there's genuine excitement about this group's potential. The international flavor that players gain from overseas exposure and competitions continues to raise the overall level of our local game, creating more well-rounded prospects who can contribute immediately. While no prospect is guaranteed success, the depth of talent available suggests we could see several future All-Stars emerge from this particular draft class.