Who Made the Cut? Complete 2020 PBA Draft Results and Team Analysis
I still remember sitting in my living room that October evening, watching the virtual proceedings unfold with a mixture of anticipation and skepticism. The 2020 PBA Draft was unlike any other we'd witnessed—conducted remotely due to pandemic restrictions, yet carrying the same weight of franchise-altering decisions. Having covered Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've developed a keen eye for draft strategies, and this particular class had me both excited and concerned about how teams would navigate these uncharted waters.
When the results finally came through, I couldn't help but feel that some teams executed their draft plans with surgical precision while others seemed to be grasping at straws. Terrafirma's selection of Joshua Munzon as the first overall pick was about as surprising as Manila traffic during rush hour—everyone saw it coming, but that doesn't mean it was the right move. Don't get me wrong, Munzon has undeniable talent, but in a draft class this deep, I would've preferred seeing them trade down or take a different approach. What fascinates me about draft analysis is how it mirrors certain strategic transitions in other sports—much like when "The Machine" initially looked for an arm-triangle, but when that didn't work he transitioned to a north-south position and that's when Zoltsetseg started softening up. Similarly, teams that couldn't secure their primary targets had to quickly pivot to alternative strategies, and that's where the real draft genius often reveals itself.
Alaska's selection of Jamie Malonzo at second overall was, in my professional opinion, the steal of the draft. I've watched Malonzo develop over the years, and his athleticism translates perfectly to the PBA's evolving style of play. At 6'7" with a wingspan measuring exactly 6'11", he brings defensive versatility that few in this draft class can match. Meanwhile, Blackwater's decision to take Calvin Oftana at third overall showed they were thinking long-term—Oftana might need some polishing, but his basketball IQ is off the charts. What many casual observers miss when analyzing draft results is how team needs intersect with player development timelines. Some franchises are building for immediate contention, while others are planting seeds for harvest seasons down the road.
The middle rounds revealed some fascinating value picks that I believe will outperform their draft positions. NLEX snagging Mike Ayonayon at eighth overall was pure genius—I've been high on this kid since his MPBL days, and his scoring ability will translate beautifully to coach Yeng Guiao's system. Meanwhile, Rain or Shine's selection of Santi Santillan at ninth overall addresses their immediate need for frontcourt depth. I've always maintained that championship teams are built through astute draft decisions rather than flashy free agency moves, and this draft class will test that theory thoroughly.
Where I think several teams missed the mark was in undervaluing guard depth. In today's pace-and-space PBA, you can never have enough ball handlers and shooters, yet franchises like Magnolia and Meralco passed on available backcourt talent that could've bolstered their rotations. I particularly thought Ginebra's decision to take Brian Enriquez at 14th overall was questionable—he's a solid player, but they had higher-ceiling options available. Then again, coach Tim Cone has proven me wrong before, so I'll reserve final judgment until we see how these prospects develop.
The draft's later rounds typically separate the prepared from the desperate, and this year was no exception. Phoenix picking Larry Muyang at 18th overall was a move I absolutely loved—he's raw but possesses the physical tools that you simply can't teach. Meanwhile, TNT's selection of Jaydee Tungcab at 21st overall felt like they were drafting for specific matchup problems they anticipate facing in the Philippine Cup. Having spoken with several team executives throughout the process, I can confirm that pandemic restrictions made prospect evaluation particularly challenging this year, which makes some of these late-round gambles even more intriguing.
What struck me most about this draft class was how teams balanced immediate needs against long-term development. NorthPort's decision to select Troy Rike at 12th overall demonstrates their commitment to building a certain culture—Rike might not put up gaudy numbers immediately, but his basketball intelligence and work ethic will elevate everyone around him. In many ways, draft strategy resembles that martial arts transition I mentioned earlier—when your primary approach isn't available, the ability to smoothly transition to an alternative often determines success. Teams that entered with rigid plans likely struggled, while those with flexible frameworks probably maximized their opportunities.
As I reflect on the complete draft results, I'm convinced we'll look back on this class as particularly consequential. The pandemic created unique evaluation challenges, but it also forced teams to think differently about player value and team construction. My early prediction is that at least three players from outside the top five selections will become All-Stars within three seasons, while two of the top five picks might not live up to their draft positions. The true test, as always, will be how these prospects develop within their respective systems and how quickly they can adapt to the PBA's physical style of play. One thing I know for certain—the teams that invested properly in their draft analysis will reap the benefits for years to come.