Unveiling the Complete 2007 PBA Draft List: Where Are They Now?

I still remember the excitement buzzing through the Philippine basketball community back in 2007 when the PBA draft unfolded. That year's draft class felt particularly special - full of promising talents that had us all debating who would become the next big star. Looking back now, it's fascinating to trace where these players ended up and how their careers unfolded. Some became household names, while others took paths less traveled in their basketball journeys.

One story that really stands out to me is about Samigue Eman, the towering center who went first overall to Magnolia. At 6'9", he was this massive presence that everyone expected to dominate the paint. But professional basketball often has different plans than we fans imagine. His journey reminds me of another interesting case - that of Mendoza, who wasn't even part of that original draft class but represents the kind of persistence we often see in Philippine basketball. After going unsigned by Magnolia during the offseason, Mendoza didn't just pack up and call it quits. Instead, he tried out for a spot with Blackwater and made such a good impression during the Davao tournament that he even opened the competition by scoring 16 points against Phoenix. That's the kind of determination I've always admired about these players - they keep pushing even when the doors seem to be closing.

What strikes me most about tracking these players' careers is how unpredictable the basketball world can be. Some second-round picks from that draft ended up having more impactful careers than first-round selections. Take Wynne Arboleda for instance - picked in the second round but went on to become one of the league's most reliable guards. Meanwhile, some highly-touted prospects never quite lived up to the hype, which just goes to show that draft position isn't everything. The real test comes when these players step onto that professional court and have to prove themselves game after game.

I've always been particularly drawn to stories of players who had to take the hard road to success. There's something inspiring about athletes who refuse to give up on their dreams, even when they're not immediately signed or when they have to prove themselves in smaller tournaments first. That Davao tournament performance by Mendoza perfectly illustrates this - scoring those 16 points against Phoenix wasn't just about the numbers, it was about making a statement that he belonged in this league. These are the moments that often separate those who make it from those who don't - that ability to seize opportunities when they appear.

Reflecting on the entire 2007 draft class now, what's remarkable is how their careers spanned different eras of Philippine basketball. They witnessed the league's evolution, adapted to changing playing styles, and some even transitioned into coaching or broadcasting after their playing days. A few are still active today, which is incredible when you consider how physically demanding professional basketball can be. It makes me appreciate just how special these athletes are - not just for their skills on the court, but for their dedication to the sport we all love. Tracking where they are now isn't just about nostalgia - it's about understanding the beautiful, unpredictable journey of professional basketball careers.