PBA Draft List 2016: Complete Player Selections and Team Breakdowns

I still remember the excitement buzzing through the Philippine basketball community back in 2016 when the PBA Draft rolled around. Having covered Philippine basketball for over a decade now, I can confidently say the 2016 draft class brought a unique blend of established collegiate stars and intriguing prospects that had teams genuinely strategizing for both immediate impact and long-term development. What made this draft particularly fascinating was how teams approached their selections - some went for the obvious choices while others made picks that raised eyebrows across the league.

Looking at the complete player selections that year, one can't help but notice how the draft order shaped team strategies. The first round saw some predictable moves, but it was in the later rounds where the real gems and strategic plays emerged. I've always believed that the true test of a team's drafting prowess lies in their second and third-round choices, where scouting depth and player development vision truly separate the contenders from the pretenders. The 2016 draft proved no different, with several teams demonstrating exceptional foresight in their selections while others left us scratching our heads.

Now, when we examine the Northport Batang Pier's selections, their pick of Chris Koon stands out as particularly interesting. From my perspective, Northport was clearly thinking beyond just immediate roster needs when they selected Koon. Having watched his collegiate career unfold, I always felt Koon brought a specific skill set that could develop into something special with proper coaching. His length and defensive potential made him an intriguing prospect, though I'll admit I had concerns about how his offensive game would translate to the professional level. What Northport saw in him was clearly the upside - a player who could grow into a specific role rather than someone expected to contribute immediately.

The beauty of the draft system lies in these calculated risks teams take on players like Koon. While the flashy first-round picks grab headlines, it's often these mid-to-late round selections that determine a franchise's depth and flexibility moving forward. I've always maintained that successful teams build through the draft rather than relying solely on free agency or trades, and the 2016 class provided ample opportunity for teams to strengthen their foundations. Looking back, I'd say about 60% of the teams executed their draft strategy effectively, while the rest seemed to be drafting without a clear vision.

What struck me about the 2016 draft overall was how it reflected the evolving nature of Philippine basketball. The selections showed teams placing greater value on versatility and players who could fill multiple roles. In Koon's case specifically, Northport was betting on his ability to develop into a modern wing player - someone who could defend multiple positions while providing spacing on offense. Though his professional career hasn't exactly followed a linear progression, the thought process behind the selection made sense at the time.

The draft's impact extended beyond just the players selected too. It signaled shifting priorities across the league, with teams increasingly looking for players who fit specific systems rather than simply taking the "best available" regardless of fit. This systematic approach to drafting represents, in my view, the maturation of talent evaluation in the PBA. Teams are getting smarter about how they build their rosters, and the 2016 draft serves as an interesting case study in this evolution.

Reflecting on the entire 2016 draft class seven years later provides valuable perspective on team building strategies. Some picks that seemed questionable at the time have proven brilliant in hindsight, while other seemingly safe selections never quite panned out. That's the unpredictable nature of player development that makes the draft such a compelling annual event. The Northport selection of Chris Koon exemplifies how teams balance current needs with future potential - a delicate calculation that every franchise must navigate.

Ultimately, the 2016 PBA Draft offered a fascinating snapshot of where Philippine basketball stood at that moment in time. The player selections revealed much about each team's self-assessment and future direction. While not every pick worked out as planned, the draft succeeded in injecting fresh talent and new narratives into the league. For basketball analysts like myself, it provided rich material for evaluating team strategies and predicting future success. The true winners of any draft often don't reveal themselves for several seasons, and the 2016 class continues to shape team fortunes to this day.