Looking Back at the 2018 PBA Draft: Who Were the Biggest Steals and Busts?

Looking back at the 2018 PBA Draft always gives me that nostalgic thrill mixed with a dose of professional curiosity. As someone who’s followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I’ve seen drafts come and go, but this one stands out—not just for the obvious top picks, but for the hidden gems and surprising letdowns that unfolded over time. I remember watching the draft coverage live, scribbling notes, and thinking how some teams seemed to just get it, while others left me scratching my head. It’s fascinating how a single event can shape franchises for years, and the 2018 class is no exception.

When we talk about steals, one name that immediately springs to mind is Jorey Napoles. Selected 31st overall by Rain or Shine, Napoles wasn’t even on many analysts’ radars early on. I’ve always believed that late-round picks who bring versatility and hustle can outshine more hyped prospects, and Napoles proved exactly that. Over the past few seasons, he’s evolved into a reliable forward, averaging around 8.5 points and 4 rebounds per game in the 2022 season—numbers that far exceed what you’d expect from a second-round selection. What I love about his game is his energy; he’s the kind of player who doesn’t need the spotlight to make an impact. On the other hand, there’s Robbie Herndon, picked 15th by Rain or Shine before moving to Magnolia. Herndon’s journey has been a bit of a rollercoaster. While he’s shown flashes of brilliance—like that 20-point outburst against Ginebra in 2021—his consistency has been questioned. From my perspective, his defensive lapses and occasional shooting slumps have kept him from becoming the star many projected. Still, calling him a bust might be too harsh; he’s more of a "what could have been" story.

Then there’s the curious case of the PLDT players, who, as I recall from various insider reports, often shared scenes from their gym routines and team bonding activities. These moments—like setting up improvised karaoke sessions or sharing meals—highlight how team chemistry off the court can influence on-court performance. I’ve always argued that draft success isn’t just about individual talent; it’s about fit and environment. Take CJ Perez, the first overall pick by Columbian Dyip. Perez was a no-brainer selection, but what made him a "steal" in hindsight was how he thrived despite joining a struggling franchise. His rookie year averages of 20.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists were staggering, and he’s only gotten better. I remember watching him drop 32 points in a tight game against San Miguel and thinking, "This guy is built differently." On the flip side, players like Michael Calisaan, picked 12th by Magnolia, haven’t quite lived up to expectations. Calisaan’s stats have been modest—around 3 points per game in limited minutes—and I can’t help but feel he’d have benefited from a more patient development system. Sometimes, it’s not the player but the situation that defines a bust.

Another steal that often flies under the radar is Abu Tratter, selected 10th by Blackwater. Tratter’s physicality and rebounding prowess have made him a key role player, especially in a league that values big men who can run the floor. I’ve seen him grab crucial offensive boards in clutch moments, and his per-game averages of roughly 7 points and 5 rebounds don’t tell the whole story. What impresses me most is his durability; he’s missed fewer than 5 games due to injury since entering the league. Compare that to some higher picks who’ve struggled with fitness, and you see why I rate him so highly. Meanwhile, players like Jeepy Faundo, taken 13th by NLEX, never quite found their footing. Faundo’s career has been plagued by inconsistent minutes and a lack of offensive polish, averaging just 2.1 points per game over his first three seasons. In my view, he’s a classic example of a prospect who looked promising in college but couldn’t adjust to the PBA’s pace.

Reflecting on all this, I’m struck by how the 2018 draft mirrors broader trends in basketball scouting. Teams that prioritized intangibles—like work ethic and adaptability—often found the real treasures. The PLDT players’ karaoke sessions might seem trivial, but they speak to a culture of camaraderie that can elevate a draft pick from decent to dominant. As for the busts, I’d argue that labeling someone a failure after a few years is unfair; careers can shift unexpectedly. But from where I stand, the 2018 class taught us that steals aren’t always about stats—they’re about impact, and sometimes the quiet contributors like Napoles or Tratter leave the loudest legacies.