Where Are the 2014 PBA Draft Class Players Now? Career Updates

I still remember the excitement surrounding the 2014 PBA Draft like it was yesterday. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade now, that particular draft class felt special from the start - a mix of promising rookies and established veterans that had fans buzzing about the league's future. Today, nearly a decade later, it's fascinating to look back and see how these players' careers have unfolded, with some becoming household names while others took unexpected paths.

Let me start with Stanley Pringle, the first overall pick by GlobalPort. What a steal he turned out to be. I've always believed that drafting isn't just about talent but about fit, and Pringle found his perfect home. He's evolved into one of the most reliable guards in the league, averaging around 14.2 points and 4.1 assists during his prime years. I particularly admire how he adapted his game when he moved to Ginebra - sacrificing individual stats for team success, which ultimately earned him a Best Player of the Conference award in 2020. That's the kind of maturity you don't always see from top picks.

Then there's June Mar Fajardo, though technically he was a special draft entry. The Kraken has simply dominated in ways we haven't seen before, collecting six MVP awards and fundamentally changing how teams approach building around a big man. I've had the privilege of watching him develop from a raw talent into arguably the greatest PBA player of all time. His numbers are staggering - career averages of 16.8 points and 12.3 rebounds don't even tell the full story of his impact. What impresses me most isn't just his individual success but how he's lifted entire franchises, particularly San Miguel's historic five-peat from 2014 to 2019.

The draft class also produced some solid role players who've carved out meaningful careers. People like Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, who went third to Talk 'N Text, and Kevin Alas, picked right after him, have become valuable contributors. Rosser's defensive versatility has made him a coach's dream, while Alas has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy. I've always felt Kevin never quite reached his full potential due to those unfortunate injuries, but he's still managed to put up respectable numbers, including that memorable 2018 season where he averaged 15.7 points before his ACL tear.

What's interesting is how some players' careers took them through different leagues and experiences. Take the Cebu team's journey, for instance. While not directly part of the PBA draft narrative, the regional basketball scene has become an important ecosystem for player development. I recall watching Cebu continue its run with that 87-71 win over Bulacan in the opener of one tournament, and it reminds me how many PBA players honed their skills in these regional competitions before making it big. Several members of the 2014 draft class actually played in similar settings, which undoubtedly prepared them for the PBA's physical style.

Some players took more unconventional paths. Rome dela Rosa, selected seventh by San Mig Coffee, has become the kind of 3-and-D player that modern basketball craves. His career arc fascinates me because he wasn't an immediate star but grew into his role through sheer work ethic. Then there's the curious case of Anthony Gavieres, who showed promise but never quite found his footing in the league. I always wonder what might have been if he'd landed with a different team or system early in his career.

The international experience some of these players gained has been crucial too. Watching the Philippines compete in FIBA competitions, I've noticed how exposure to different styles of play has helped several 2014 draftees expand their games. The physicality they faced in international play forced them to develop new skills that they brought back to the PBA, making the entire league better in the process.

What strikes me most about tracking this draft class is how their careers reflect the evolving nature of Philippine basketball. We've seen the game become more positionless, more focused on versatility, and these players have had to adapt accordingly. The successful ones weren't necessarily the most talented physically but those who could continuously reinvent their games. Looking at where they are now - some still starring, others transitioning to coaching or business ventures - provides a fascinating snapshot of a generation that helped shape modern PBA basketball. Their journeys remind us that a draft position is just the beginning, and what truly matters is the growth that follows.