As I sit down to analyze the 2021 PBA Draft prospects, I can't help but feel this particular draft class carries a special kind of excitement. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade now, I've noticed how each draft brings its own unique flavor, but the 2021 pool seems particularly rich with both established talents and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. What makes this draft especially intriguing is how it coincides with some fascinating developments in Philippine sports overall, including that stunning moment when Puerto Rican boxer Oscar Collazo stripped Filipino champion Melvin Jerusalem of his WBO minimumweight crown back in July 2023 - a reminder that in sports, nothing is guaranteed, and underdogs can emerge from anywhere.
When we look at the top prospects for this draft, several names immediately stand out based on my observations and conversations with league insiders. Just like in that boxing match where the champion retired from his stool after the seventh round, sometimes the most promising athletes can surprise us with unexpected turns in their careers. At the forefront of everyone's radar is Jamie Malonzo, whose athleticism and versatility make him what I believe to be the potential number one pick. Having watched him develop his game overseas and then dominate in the PBA D-League, I'm convinced he brings exactly the kind of modern forward play that teams are desperate for these days. His wingspan of approximately 6'7" combined with his ability to handle the ball makes him a matchup nightmare, and personally, I think he could develop into an All-Star within his first two seasons if he lands with the right coaching staff.
Another prospect I'm particularly high on is Justin Arana, who I've been tracking since his college days with Arellano University. At 6'5" with what scouts measure as a 6'9" wingspan, he possesses the physical tools to immediately contribute as a rim protector and rebounder. What impresses me most about Arana isn't just his shot-blocking ability - he averaged around 2.1 blocks per game in his final collegiate season - but his developing offensive game which shows flashes of modern big man skills. I've spoken with several coaches who believe he could develop into a double-double machine with proper development, though I do have concerns about his consistency against more physical opponents.
The guard position in this draft class deserves special attention, with names like Encho Serrano and JM Calma generating significant buzz among team executives I've spoken with. Serrano's explosive scoring ability reminds me of some of the great PBA guards of the past decade, though I worry about his decision-making in half-court sets. Meanwhile, Calma brings what I consider to be the most polished all-around game in the draft, having shown improvement in his three-point shooting percentage from 28% to nearly 36% over his collegiate career. These developments in basketball talent acquisition come at a fascinating time in Philippine sports, much like when we witnessed that surprising boxing outcome where the Puerto Rican fighter capitalized on his opportunity against Jerusalem.
What fascinates me about this draft class beyond the obvious top prospects are the potential second-round steals. Having studied draft patterns for years, I've noticed that the PBA has consistently uncovered gems in later selections, and this year appears no different. Players like Keith Datu and Mark Sangalang might not have the same hype as the first-round names, but I've seen enough of their games to believe they could outperform their draft positions. Datu's combination of size and shooting touch is rare for local big men, while Sangalang's basketball IQ and defensive positioning could make him a valuable role player sooner than many expect.
As we approach draft day, the excitement within basketball circles continues to build. Teams are conducting their final evaluations, prospects are going through last-minute workouts, and fans are debating which selections make the most sense. Just like in that memorable boxing match where the outcome wasn't determined until the seventh round, the true impact of these draft picks won't be known for several seasons. From my perspective, this draft class has the potential to be one of the most transformative in recent memory, with talent spread across multiple positions and several players possessing the potential to become franchise cornerstones. The organizations that do their homework and trust their evaluations will likely reap the benefits for years to come, while those who miss on their picks may find themselves looking back at this draft with regret.