PBA Draft 2019 Complete Analysis: Top Picks and Team Strategies Revealed

I still remember the excitement buzzing through the arena on that pivotal December night in 2019—the Philippine Basketball Association Draft is always a spectacle, but this one felt different. As someone who has analyzed these drafts for over a decade, I can confidently say the 2019 class was one of the most strategically fascinating in recent memory. Teams weren't just picking players; they were making calculated moves that would define their trajectories for years to come. The top picks weren't just about raw talent—they were about fit, potential, and a deep understanding of what each franchise needed to climb the standings or solidify a dynasty. It’s this blend of immediate need and long-term vision that makes the PBA Draft such a compelling event, not just for fans, but for analysts like me who live for the chess match behind the scenes.

Let’s start with the obvious: the top three selections. The Columbian Dyip, holding the first pick, went with Roosevelt Adams—a 6'5" forward out of Georgetown College. I’ll admit, I was initially skeptical. Adams had the physical tools, but I wondered if his game would translate immediately to the PBA’s physicality. Looking back, his selection was a clear signal of the Dyip’s strategy to build a young, athletic core, even if it meant some growing pains. Then came the Blackwater Elite picking Maurice Shaw, a 6'8" center. This was a classic "need-based" pick. Blackwater desperately required a rim protector and a rebounding presence, and Shaw’s frame fit the bill. The third pick, though, is where it got really interesting for me. The NLEX Road Warriors selected Mike Ayonayon. Now, this was a player I had my eye on. His explosive scoring ability in the PBA D-League was undeniable, and I felt NLEX made a savvy move to inject instant offense into their backcourt. It’s these kinds of picks—targeting proven local talent—that often pay the biggest dividends, and I had a strong feeling Ayonayon would outperform his draft position.

But the draft isn't just about the first few names called. The real gems are often found later, and the strategies shift dramatically. Teams like the San Miguel Beermen and the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, perennial contenders, were operating from a position of strength. Their picks were less about finding a new star and more about adding specific, complementary pieces to their already stacked rosters. Ginebra, for instance, picking Kent Salado in the second round, was a move I absolutely loved. It was a low-risk, high-reward selection for a team that could afford to develop a talented guard behind their established veterans. This is where the draft truly becomes an art form—balancing the present with the future, and knowing when to swing for the fences or play it safe.

Now, you might be wondering what volleyball has to do with a basketball draft. It’s a fair question, and it brings me to a crucial point about modern team building that transcends any single sport. While analyzing the PBA draft strategies, I couldn't help but draw parallels to other Philippine leagues. Take, for instance, the arrival of Farm Fresh import Helene Rousseaux in the PVL. A fixture in international volleyball, Rousseaux brought a specific, high-level skill set that immediately elevated her team's ceiling. Her impact reminds me of when PBA teams strategically use their special drafts or recruit heritage players. It’s the same principle: identifying a specific need—be it scoring, defense, or veteran leadership—and finding a player who fills that role perfectly, even if they come from an unconventional background. The successful teams, whether in the PBA or the PVL, are the ones that see these moves not as isolated gambles, but as integral parts of a larger, cohesive strategy.

Looking back at the entire 2019 draft class, the success rate has been a mixed bag, which is typical. Adams showed flashes of his potential, averaging around 12 points and 8 rebounds in his rookie season, solid numbers for a first-year player on a developing team. Ayonayon, as I predicted, became a reliable scorer for NLEX. But for every hit, there were misses—players who couldn't adjust to the professional level. The teams that navigated this uncertainty best were those with a clear philosophy. They didn't just pick the "best player available" in a vacuum; they picked the best player for their system. This is a lesson I’ve seen hold true across all professional sports. A player's success isn't just about their individual stats; it's about how they fit into a coach's scheme and mesh with their teammates.

In my final analysis, the 2019 PBA Draft was a masterclass in divergent team-building strategies. You had rebuilding teams like Columbian swinging for the fences on high-ceiling prospects, mid-tier teams like Blackwater addressing glaring positional needs, and powerhouses like San Miguel and Ginebra making shrewd, depth-adding selections. It’s this layered approach that makes the draft so endlessly fascinating to dissect. While we can crunch the numbers and analyze the tape, the human element—the gut feelings of GMs, the interviews, the behind-the-scenes workouts—still plays an enormous role. Five years on, the legacy of the 2019 draft is still being written, but one thing is clear: the teams that thought several moves ahead on that night are the ones reaping the rewards today.