Looking Back at the PBA Draft 2007: Where Are These Players Now?

I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2007 PBA Draft like it was yesterday. Having followed Philippine basketball for over two decades now, that particular draft class felt special from the start—a mix of blue-chip prospects and intriguing projects that had teams and fans alike dreaming big. What fascinates me most about revisiting draft classes isn't just where players started, but where their journeys took them. It's the ultimate test of potential versus reality, and the 2007 group offers some particularly compelling stories.

When I look at the draft board from that year, Joe Devance stands out immediately as the first overall pick. Selected by Welcoat (now Rain or Shine), Devance brought an intriguing skill set as a versatile big man who could handle the ball and shoot from outside. Sixteen years later, his career has been nothing short of remarkable—eight PBA championships across three different franchises. What's impressive to me isn't just the trophy case but his ability to reinvent himself multiple times. From franchise player material to crucial role player, Devance demonstrated the basketball IQ that separates good players from great ones. At 41 years old, he's transitioned into coaching while occasionally suiting up, proving that true basketball minds never really leave the game.

Then there's Samigue Eman, the second overall pick who entered the league with tremendous physical tools but never quite put it all together. Standing at 6'9" with solid athleticism, he seemed destined to become a dominant force in the paint. Instead, he bounced around multiple teams, never averaging more than 5.8 points in any season. I've always wondered what might have been with Eman—was it a matter of fit, development, or perhaps just the wrong environment? These are the questions that make draft retrospectives so fascinating. Last I heard, he's been playing in regional leagues, still contributing but far from the star many projected him to become.

The third pick brings us to a personal favorite of mine—Jared Dillinger. Selected by Talk 'N Text (now TNT), Dillinger brought an explosive athleticism that immediately made him a fan favorite. What I admired most about his game was how he evolved from a pure athlete into a reliable two-way player. His career could have derailed after that scary neck injury in 2014, but he fought back to become an integral part of multiple championship teams. Now retired, I occasionally see him doing commentary work, and his basketball insight is as sharp as his playing style once was.

Looking further down the draft, we find gems like Ryan Reyes at number four. The Filipino-American guard from Cal State Fullerton turned out to be one of the steals of the draft, winning multiple championships and Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2013. His tenacious defense and clutch shooting made him a cornerstone for various TNT teams. At 40, he's still active in the PBA, though his minutes have decreased significantly. What makes Reyes special in my book is how he maximized every bit of his talent through sheer work ethic—something you can't measure in pre-draft workouts.

The fifth pick was JR Quinahan, who developed into one of the league's most reliable big men despite not having elite athleticism. His three-point shooting as a center revolutionized how teams viewed the position in the PBA. I've always appreciated players like Quinahan who find ways to impact the game beyond traditional metrics. At 39, he's still contributing meaningful minutes, proving that basketball IQ can extend careers long after physical gifts diminish.

What strikes me about this draft class is how many players found ways to remain relevant in Philippine basketball long after their prime. Unlike some draft years where players disappear entirely from the sport, many from 2007 have transitioned into coaching, broadcasting, or roles within team management. This brings me to Jojo Lastimosa, who wasn't part of this draft class but serves as an interesting parallel. As Tropang 5G team manager, Lastimosa recently made headlines when discussing their import's social media post about NBA training camps. It reminds me how these players' careers often extend beyond their playing days in unexpected ways.

The conversation around imports trying to catch NBA attention resonates deeply when looking back at the 2007 draft. Many of these local players had their own dreams of making it to bigger leagues, but found fulfillment and success in the PBA ecosystem. That's something I think modern prospects should pay attention to—success isn't always about reaching the absolute pinnacle, but about maximizing your opportunities wherever you land.

As I reflect on this draft class sixteen years later, what stands out isn't just the statistics or championships, but the resilience and adaptability these players demonstrated. From Devance's championship pedigree to role players who carved out decade-long careers, the 2007 draft produced professionals who understood that basketball careers are marathons, not sprints. They adapted their games, embraced new roles, and many have remained connected to the sport they love. In many ways, their stories continue to evolve, much like the league they helped shape.