Who Were the Top Picks in the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft and Where Are They Now?

As I sit here scrolling through old basketball highlights, a question pops into my mind: Who were the top picks in the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft and where are they now? That draft class was particularly fascinating to me because it came at a time when Philippine basketball was undergoing a significant transition. I remember watching the draft coverage live, feeling that special buzz in the air - that mixture of hope and uncertainty that always surrounds young athletes stepping into the professional arena.

Let me take you back to that moment and walk through what made that draft class special, starting with the most obvious question...

Who actually went first in that 2015 draft?

The honor of being the first overall pick went to Moala Tautuaa, selected by the TNT KaTropa. Standing at 6'7" with an intriguing mix of strength and agility, Tautuaa represented exactly what teams look for in a modern big man. What made his selection particularly interesting was the trade dynamics - he was originally picked by Talk 'N Text but was immediately traded to Terrafirma (then known as Kia Carnival) in one of those complicated PBA transactions that still confuse me sometimes. The second pick was Troy Rosario, another big man who went to TNT, showing how valuable size was in that draft.

What about the other notable selections?

The draft's third pick was arguably the most intriguing - CJ Perez going to Columbian Dyip. I distinctly remember watching Perez in the amateur ranks and thinking this guy had something special. His athleticism was off the charts, and he played with this relentless energy that you just can't teach. The fourth selection was Maverick Ahanmisi by Rain or Shine, while the fifth spot brought us Chris Newsome to Meralco. Looking back, what strikes me is how this draft produced multiple franchise players rather than just one standout superstar.

How did these top picks perform in their rookie seasons?

Tautuaa had a solid but unspectacular start, averaging around 7 points and 4 rebounds in his first season - decent numbers but not quite the immediate impact you hope for from a number one pick. Rosario, meanwhile, adapted more quickly to the pro game, putting up about 12 points and 6 rebounds while showing flashes of the stretch-four potential that made him so valuable. But the real revelation was Perez, who exploded onto the scene with averages north of 20 points per game, immediately establishing himself as one of the league's most explosive scorers. I remember watching him drop 30 points in just his third professional game and thinking, "This kid is different."

What challenges did these players face in their development?

This is where it gets really interesting from my perspective as someone who's followed these careers closely. The transition from college star to professional contributor is never smooth, and each of these top picks faced their own unique hurdles. Tautuaa struggled with consistency early on, while Rosario had to adjust to playing against bigger, stronger opponents every night. But Perez's journey might be the most instructive about the realities of professional sports.

I was particularly struck by something Perez said during his rehabilitation from an injury: "I hope bago mag-first game namin, makahabol ako. Ngayon talaga, nagre-rehab pa at strengthening." That quote has always stayed with me because it reveals so much about the behind-the-scenes struggles that fans rarely see. Here was this incredibly talented player, already showing superstar potential, yet still dealing with the same rehabilitation grind as everyone else. It reminds us that even the most gifted athletes face physical challenges that can derail their careers if not properly managed.

Where are the 2015 top picks now in their careers?

Fast forward to today, and it's fascinating to see how these careers have unfolded. Tautuaa has developed into a reliable big man, now with San Miguel Beer, where he's won multiple championships as part of their dominant squad. Rosario remains with TNT as a key piece of their core, though I've always felt he hasn't quite reached the ceiling I imagined for him back in 2015.

Perez, meanwhile, has arguably had the most impressive career trajectory. After winning Rookie of the Year honors, he's become a perennial All-Star and national team member. His journey from Columbian to Terrafirma and now to San Miguel has been remarkable to watch. That quote about rehabilitation and strengthening now seems prophetic - he's built himself into one of the most durable and consistent performers in the league.

What does their current status tell us about player development?

Watching these players evolve over the past eight years has taught me valuable lessons about patience in player development. The immediate impact guys like Perez are rare - most players, even high draft picks, need years to find their footing in the professional game. Tautuaa's gradual development into a championship contributor is a testament to the value of persistence and proper coaching. Rosario's up-and-down journey shows how finding the right system matters as much as raw talent.

And Perez? His story demonstrates that while talent gets you drafted, it's work ethic and resilience that build a career. That rehabilitation quote wasn't just about recovering from an injury - it was about the continuous process of strengthening and improving that separates good players from great ones.

Looking back, how should we evaluate the 2015 draft class today?

If you're asking me personally, I'd rate the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft as one of the stronger classes of the past decade. While it might not have produced a transcendental superstar, it delivered multiple All-Stars and franchise cornerstones. The top five picks have all had meaningful careers, with Perez developing into the standout performer from the group.

The question of "Who were the top picks in the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft and where are they now?" reveals a narrative about sustainable success rather than instant stardom. These players have grown into their roles over time, with their careers serving as reminders that development isn't linear and that patience often rewards both players and teams.

As I wrap up this reflection, I'm struck by how much these careers have mirrored the realities of professional sports - full of unexpected turns, quiet perseverance, and the constant need for growth. That rehabilitation mindset Perez mentioned years ago? It turns out that's not just for recovering from injuries - it's for building careers that last.