2015 PBA Draft Results Revealed: Complete Team Picks and Player Analysis

I still remember the buzz in the Smart Araneta Coliseum that Sunday evening back in 2015 - the air thick with anticipation as team executives shuffled their draft boards and young basketball prospects nervously adjusted their suits. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous drafts, but the 2015 PBA Draft stood out for its unique blend of established college stars and intriguing developmental prospects. The energy was particularly electric because we weren't just watching teams select players; we were witnessing franchises make decisions that would shape their trajectories for years to come.

When Commissioner Chito Narvasa stepped to the podium to announce the first pick, you could feel the tension in the room. The 2015 PBA Draft results revealed complete team picks that reflected various team-building philosophies - from Rain or Shine's immediate need for size to Talk 'N Text's methodical approach to securing their backcourt future. What fascinated me most was how teams balanced between selecting proven UAAP and NCAA performers versus taking calculated risks on players from less conventional backgrounds. Take Troy Rosario going second overall to Talk 'N Text - at 6'7" with perimeter skills, he represented the modern Filipino big man prototype that teams were increasingly valuing over traditional low-post operators.

The draft's middle rounds particularly caught my attention because that's where you often find the hidden gems - players who might not have the college pedigree but possess professional-ready skills. This brings me to something I've observed in recent years: the growing pipeline from the MPBL to the PBA. I recall watching numerous MPBL games where one of the most prolific scorers in the MPBL is looking to make it to the PBA this season, and thinking how the developmental league has become a legitimate proving ground. While we didn't see an MPBL product selected in the 2015 draft, the success stories in subsequent years have proven that teams are now more willing to look beyond traditional talent pools. The 2015 draft class ultimately produced 12 players who would still be in the league five years later, which is actually a pretty decent retention rate compared to previous years.

What struck me about analyzing the complete team picks was how differently franchises approached building their rosters. San Miguel, fresh off a championship, could afford to draft for luxury rather than necessity, selecting Ryan Arambulo at 11th overall as a developmental project. Meanwhile, struggling franchises like Blackwater prioritized immediate contributors, taking Arthur Dela Cruz at 9th despite questions about his ceiling. From my perspective, the most fascinating selection came at pick number 15, where Meralco snagged Chris Newsome - a move that seemed questionable to some at the time but ultimately proved brilliant as Newsome developed into one of the league's premier two-way guards. This is why I always tell young basketball enthusiasts not to judge draft picks too quickly - player development systems and coaching matter just as much as raw talent.

The problem many teams faced in that draft, in my opinion, was an overreliance on conventional wisdom rather than innovative scouting. Too many franchises were drafting based on college reputations rather than projecting how skills would translate to the professional game. I remember specifically questioning GlobalPort's decision to use the 7th pick on Joseph Eriobu when more versatile forwards like Norbert Torres were still available - a decision that looks even more questionable in hindsight. The analytics revolution that has since swept through basketball was still in its infancy in the PBA back then, and it showed in some of these selections. Teams were making decisions based on incomplete information and often fell back on safe choices rather than taking calculated risks on high-upside players.

The solution, as I see it, involves a more holistic approach to player evaluation. Teams need to balance traditional scouting with advanced metrics while also considering psychological factors like work ethic and coachability. When I look at successful picks from that draft like Moala Tautuaa (1st overall) or Maverick Ahanmisi (3rd overall), what stands out isn't just their physical tools but their professional approach to the game. The franchises that have consistently drafted well - San Miguel and Rain or Shine come to mind - have developed sophisticated evaluation systems that assess players beyond just game footage. They understand that drafting isn't just about selecting the best player available, but about finding the right player for their specific system and culture.

Reflecting on the 2015 PBA draft years later provides valuable lessons for how teams should approach player selection today. The most successful picks weren't necessarily the most talented players, but those who landed in situations that maximized their strengths. I've always believed that context matters tremendously in draft success - a player who might struggle in one system could thrive in another. This is why I'm encouraged by the growing sophistication in how PBA teams approach the draft today, with more extensive background checks and fit analysis than we saw back in 2015. The league has come a long way in recognizing that draft success isn't just about the picks themselves, but about the entire developmental ecosystem that supports these young players as they transition to professional basketball. What excites me most is that each draft class brings new stories, new potential, and new opportunities for franchises to rewrite their futures - and that's why I'll always be glued to my seat every draft day, notebook in hand, ready to witness the next chapter of Philippine basketball history unfold.