Walking into the PBA Draft Combine this year felt like stepping into a high-stakes laboratory of basketball potential. I’ve been covering these events for over a decade, and I can tell you—the 2023 edition didn’t disappoint. There’s something electric about watching raw talent unfold under pressure, with scouts, coaches, and analysts like me scrutinizing every dribble, every shot, every defensive stance. This year, more than ever, the atmosphere was charged with a sense of camaraderie, something one standout player captured perfectly when he said, “They welcomed me with open arms, my coaches, my teammate and everyone, so it was nice, it was good.” That sentiment, simple as it sounds, reflects the underlying culture shift I’ve noticed in Philippine basketball—a move toward collaboration even in the fiercest competitive environments.
Let’s talk numbers first, because they always tell part of the story. At the combine, 48 hopefuls went through a battery of tests, from vertical leap measurements to agility drills and shooting accuracy under fatigue. I was particularly impressed by the average vertical leap this year—around 32 inches, up from last year’s 30.5. That might not sound like much, but in a game where inches can mean the difference between a block and a basket, it’s huge. One player, a 6’5” forward from the collegiate leagues, hit a max vertical of 38 inches. I’ve got to say, watching him soar during the scrimmages was a thing of beauty. But it’s not just about athleticism. The shooting drills revealed some eye-opening stats: the top five performers nailed three-pointers at a 44% clip on average, with one guard sinking 28 of 30 attempts in the spot-up shooting segment. Now, I know some critics argue that combine stats don’t always translate to real-game performance, and they’ve got a point—pressure in a packed arena is different from a controlled gym. Still, these numbers give us a baseline, a glimpse into who might thrive when the lights are brightest.
What stood out to me beyond the metrics, though, was the psychological component. Over the years, I’ve learned that talent alone doesn’t cut it—it’s the mindset that separates the pros from the almosts. This year, the organizers integrated more interviews and situational drills to gauge mental toughness, and I think that’s a step in the right direction. I sat in on a few of those sessions, and it was fascinating to see how players handled criticism or adapted to unexpected scenarios. One point guard, whom I’ve followed since his UAAP days, showed remarkable poise when coaches threw him into a deliberately disorganized play. He didn’t force shots; instead, he directed traffic, calmed his teammates, and created opportunities. That’s the kind of leadership you can’t teach, and honestly, it’s what I look for in a potential draft steal. On the flip side, a couple of highly-touted big men struggled with the mental fatigue of back-to-back drills, and it showed in their decision-making—rushed passes, defensive lapses. It’s a reminder that basketball IQ matters just as much as physical gifts.
Then there’s the human side, the part that stats sheets often miss. That quote about being welcomed with open arms? It came from a player who’d flown in from overseas, someone who wasn’t sure how he’d fit into the local basketball fabric. Hearing him say that reminded me why I love this job—it’s not just about evaluating skills, but about seeing people find their place. In my conversations with coaches during breaks, many echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how team chemistry can elevate or sink a roster. One head coach, who’s been in the league for 15 years, told me he’d rather draft a slightly less athletic player who gels with the group than a superstar who disrupts the locker room. I tend to agree. After all, basketball is a team sport, and no amount of individual brilliance can compensate for a toxic environment. That’s why I pay close attention to how players interact during downtime—are they encouraging each other, sharing tips, or keeping to themselves? Those small moments often reveal more than any drill.
As the combine wrapped up, I found myself reflecting on the bigger picture. The PBA is at a crossroads, balancing tradition with innovation, and this year’s evaluations highlighted that tension. We saw a mix of old-school, physical big men and new-age, stretch forwards who can shoot from anywhere. Personally, I’m biased toward the latter—I think the future of the game lies in versatility. But it’s not just my opinion; the data backs it up. Teams that prioritized multi-positional players in recent drafts saw a 12% improvement in regular-season wins, according to my own analysis (though I’ll admit, that number might be a bit rough—it’s based on internal tracking and not official league stats). Still, the trend is clear, and I’d be surprised if at least three of the first-round picks don’t fit that mold. Looking ahead, I hope the league continues to invest in combines like this, maybe even adding more tech-driven evaluations like wearable sensors for fatigue management. It’s an exciting time for Philippine basketball, and if this year’s group is any indication, we’re in for some thrilling seasons ahead. In the end, it’s not just about who jumps the highest or shoots the farthest—it’s about who can bring it all together, on and off the court.
