Looking Back at the Complete 2015 PBA Draft Results and Key Picks

I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2015 PBA Draft like it was yesterday. As someone who’s followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I’ve seen plenty of drafts come and go, but this one felt different—it was stacked with talent that promised to reshape the league. What fascinates me most, looking back now, is how some of these players evolved, especially when you consider how today’s MPBL stars are striving to follow in their footsteps. Just this season, we’re seeing one of the most prolific scorers in the MPBL aiming to break into the PBA, a path that echoes the journeys of many 2015 draftees. It’s a reminder of how interconnected our basketball ecosystem is, and why revisiting this draft isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a lesson in player development and scouting.

The 2015 draft class was headlined by Moala Tautuaa, who went first overall to TNT Tropang Giga. At 6’8” and with a versatile skill set, he was seen as a can’t-miss prospect. I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first—big men with hype don’t always pan out—but Tautuaa proved me wrong. Over the years, he’s averaged around 12 points and 7 rebounds per game, numbers that might not jump off the page, but his impact on both ends of the floor has been immense. What stood out to me was his adaptability; he didn’t just rely on size but developed a decent mid-range shot that kept defenses honest. Then there was Troy Rosario, picked second by the same team. Rosario brought a level of athleticism that was rare for his position, and I’ve always been a fan of players who can stretch the floor. His rookie season saw him putting up 14 points a game, and though his consistency has wavered since, he’s had moments of brilliance that make you remember why he was so highly touted.

Moving down the list, the third pick was a gem: Maverick Ahanmisi, selected by Rain or Shine. As a guard, he wasn’t the flashiest, but his steady playmaking and defensive hustle won me over. I recall watching him drop 20 points in a crucial playoff game back in 2017—it was a testament to his growth. Fast forward to today, and he’s become a reliable veteran, averaging about 10 points and 4 assists. But it’s not just the early picks that defined this draft. Look at Chris Newsome, who went fifth to Meralco. In my opinion, he’s been one of the most underrated players of his generation. His athletic dunks and clutch performances have made him a fan favorite, and I’ve lost count of how many times he’s bailed his team out in tight situations. His stats—around 13 points and 5 rebounds per game—don’t fully capture his leadership on the court.

What’s intriguing is how this draft connects to today’s landscape. Take that MPBL scorer I mentioned earlier—though I won’t name names, his journey mirrors what many 2015 draftees experienced: proving themselves in smaller leagues before making the jump. Back in 2015, several picks came from similar backgrounds, and it’s a trend I hope continues because it enriches the PBA with hungry, battle-tested talent. For instance, later rounds produced guys like Norbert Torres, who’s carved out a solid role as a rotational big man. He wasn’t a star, but he’s exactly the kind of player who adds depth, something teams often overlook in favor of flashier picks. I’ve always believed that drafts are won in the middle rounds, and 2015 reinforced that belief.

Of course, not every pick panned out. There were misses, like a couple of second-rounders who faded into obscurity, but that’s part of the draft’s charm—it’s unpredictable. Reflecting on it all, I think the 2015 class succeeded because it balanced star power with role players, something today’s scouts should note as they eye MPBL standouts. Personally, I’d rate this draft an 8 out of 10; it delivered franchise cornerstones and reliable contributors who are still impacting the league. As we watch new talents emerge, let’s not forget how drafts like this one set the stage. They remind us that basketball is a continuum, where every pick tells a story of potential and perseverance.