I still remember sitting in my living room with a notebook in hand when the 2020 PBA Draft unfolded, feeling that particular buzz of anticipation that only comes when you're about to witness the future of an entire league take shape. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over fifteen years, I've developed this sixth sense for spotting which picks will become franchise cornerstones versus which ones might fade into obscurity. The 2020 draft class arrived during one of the most challenging periods in basketball history—amid pandemic restrictions and bubble environments—yet it brought forth talents that would significantly reshape team dynamics across the league.

When the Terrafirma Dyip selected Joshua Munzon as their first overall pick, I'll admit I nodded in approval. Munzon had been tearing up the ASEAN Basketball League and local circuits with his scoring prowess, averaging around 24 points per game in his final amateur season. What impressed me most wasn't just his offensive arsenal but his defensive anticipation—the way he reads passing lanes reminds me of a seasoned point guard despite his natural position as a wing. The second pick, Jamie Malonzo going to NorthPort, represented exactly the kind of athletic modern forward I've been advocating teams prioritize. At 6'6" with explosive leaping ability and defensive versatility, he's precisely the prototype that succeeds in today's positionless basketball.

Now this is where we get to the really interesting part—the strategic maneuvering that happens after those initial obvious picks. Watching teams navigate their draft boards reminded me of that grappling transition from the knowledge base where "The Machine initially looked for an arm-triangle, but when that didn't work he transitioned to a north-south position." Teams came in with their primary draft strategies, but when their preferred options were off the board, the successful ones quickly pivoted to alternative approaches rather than forcing their initial plans. Take Rain or Shine's selection of Santi Santillan at sixth overall—he wasn't the most hyped prospect coming in, but watching his development since then has convinced me they identified someone with the work ethic to outperform his draft position.

What fascinates me about draft analysis is how quickly perceptions change once these players hit the professional court. I've always believed the true test comes not in the draft night spotlight but in those first 20-30 professional games. Some players I initially had reservations about, like Larry Muyang picked 13th by Phoenix, demonstrated immediate defensive impact that made me reconsider my assessment. His physical style and rebounding tenacity—averaging about 6 rebounds in just 16 minutes during his rookie year—proved more valuable than I'd projected. Meanwhile, other selections I initially praised, like James Laput going to Terrafirma at seventh, took longer to find their footing than I'd anticipated.

The draft's middle rounds often produce the most intriguing value picks, and 2020 was no exception. When Barangay Ginebra snagged Ken Holmqvist at 14th overall, I remember thinking they'd found someone who could develop into a reliable rotation piece within their system. What separates championship organizations like Ginebra is their patience in developing raw talent—they understand that not every draft pick needs to contribute immediately. This contrasts with teams facing playoff pressure who sometimes rush prospects into roles they're not ready for, stunting their development.

Looking back three years later, what strikes me most is how this draft class has distributed talent across the league. Unlike the 2019 draft that produced several immediate stars, the 2020 group has developed more gradually but steadily. About 65% of the first-round picks remain with their original teams—a retention rate I find quite healthy considering the economic challenges teams faced during the pandemic. The real success stories from this class aren't necessarily the highest picks but those who found the right system fits. Allyn Bulanadi, selected 10th by Alaska, took a couple of seasons to find his rhythm but has since evolved into a reliable three-point threat shooting at around 36% from deep.

My personal favorite pick of that entire draft has to be Calvin Oftana falling to NLEX at third overall. I'd watched him dominate the NCAA for years and believed he had the most complete offensive package in the draft. His rookie season numbers—approximately 12 points and 6 rebounds per game—only scratched the surface of his potential. What makes Oftana special is his basketball IQ; he rarely forces bad shots and understands how to leverage his athleticism without relying solely on it. In my evaluation system, he graded higher than any other forward in that class, and I'm not surprised he's developed into a cornerstone for NLEX.

The draft's later rounds produced some fascinating developments that highlight why teams should never treat picks as throwaways. RJ Abarrientos, selected in the second round by Phoenix, has shown flashes of the playmaking ability that made him a collegiate standout. While his professional journey has taken him overseas, his draft rights remain a valuable asset—the kind of situation I always advise teams to consider when making those later selections. Sometimes the best value isn't immediate contribution but securing exclusive negotiating rights for developing talents.

As I reflect on this draft class with the benefit of hindsight, what stands out isn't just the individual talents but how they've collectively shifted the league's competitive balance. Teams that prioritized two-way players and positional versatility in their selections—like NorthPort with Malonzo or Rain or Shine with Santillan—extracted the most value. The draft's biggest lesson, in my view, reinforces what I've always believed: successful teams draft not just for talent but for specific roles within their systems. They come in with a primary strategy—much like "The Machine" initially looking for that arm-triangle—but when circumstances change, the adaptable ones transition to alternative approaches that still secure value. Three years later, the 2020 draft class continues to shape the PBA landscape, with its true legacy perhaps still unfolding as these players enter their prime years.