The 2023 PBA Draft was held on September 17, 2023 at Market! Market! in Taguig. It was a record-setting draft, with 124 players from the UAAP, NCAA, and Fil-foreign players declaring for the draft.
The Terrafirma Dyip selected Stephen Holt with the first overall pick. Holt is a 6’4″ guard who played college basketball at Saint Mary’s College of California. He went undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft, but has since played in the NBA G League, Summer League, and overseas.
The Blackwater Bossing selected Christian David with the second overall pick. David is a 6’7″ forward who played college basketball at the University of Santo Tomas. He is known for his athleticism and scoring ability.
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters selected Luis Villegas with the third overall pick. Villegas is a 6’5″ guard who played college basketball at the University of the Philippines. He is a versatile player who can score, rebound, and defend.
The NorthPort Batang Pier selected Zavier Lucero with the sixth overall pick. Lucero is a 6’7″ forward who played college basketball at the University of the East. He is a skilled scorer and rebounder.
The Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters selected Kenneth Tuffin with the seventh overall pick. Tuffin is a 6’2″ guard who played college basketball at Far Eastern University. He is a quick and shifty player who can score from anywhere on the court.
The NLEX Road Warriors selected Richard Rodger with the eighth overall pick. Rodger is a 6’8″ forward who played college basketball at the University of the Philippines. He is a physical player who can defend multiple positions.
The Meralco Bolts selected Brandon Bates with the ninth overall pick. Bates is a 6’10” forward who played college basketball at the University of the Philippines. He is a long and athletic player who can block shots and rebound.
The Converge FiberXers selected Schonny Winston and BJ Andrade with the tenth and eleventh overall picks, respectively. Winston is a 6’3″ guard who played college basketball at La Salle University. He is a quick and explosive player who can score and create for others. Andrade is a 6’6″ forward who played college basketball at Ateneo de Manila University. He is a versatile player who can score, rebound, and defend.
The 2023 PBA Draft was a deep class, with many talented players selected. It will be interesting to see how these players develop and contribute to their respective teams in the years to come.
