I still remember the excitement buzzing through the PLDT office conference room in Makati City back in 2007. Team manager Jojo Lastimosa and PBA board chairman Ricky Vargas joined us for that viewing party, their eyes fixed on the screen as the draft unfolded. There was this electric energy in the air - everyone knew this rookie class had something special brewing. Fifteen years later, I find myself reflecting on how those top picks have navigated their careers, some becoming legends while others faded into basketball obscurity.

The first overall pick that year was Joe Devance going to Welcoat Dragons (now Terrafirma). I've always admired Devance's unique journey - born in the US but choosing to play in the Philippines. At 6'7", he brought this fascinating blend of American basketball fundamentals and Filipino passion. What many don't remember is that he was actually traded to Alaska just two seasons later, which turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to his career. He went on to win multiple championships with different franchises, becoming one of only three players to win championships with four different teams. His 13 championships speak volumes about his adaptability and basketball IQ. These days, I see him occasionally at league events, still carrying that calm demeanor that made him so effective on court. He's transitioned into coaching recently, and honestly, I think his understanding of the game will make him an excellent mentor for young players.

Samigue Eman went second to Alaska Aces, and this pick always fascinated me because he was part of that first wave of homegrown big men from Mindanao. Standing at 6'9", he was raw but had tremendous potential. I recall watching his early games and thinking he could develop into something special with proper guidance. His career never quite reached the heights many expected, bouncing between six different teams over his 12-year career. He averaged around 3.2 points and 2.8 rebounds throughout his PBA stint - decent numbers but not what you'd hope for from a second overall pick. Last I heard, he's returned to his hometown in General Santos and is involved in local basketball programs. Sometimes I wonder what might have been if he'd landed with a team that could have developed him more systematically.

The third pick was Doug Kramer going to Air21 Express, and this one I have particularly strong memories of because I covered many of his early games. Kramer was that classic blue-collar worker - not flashy but incredibly reliable. He played for seven different teams throughout his career, which tells you something about his value as a role player. What impressed me most was his consistency - he gave you the same effort whether playing 30 minutes or 5 minutes off the bench. His career averages of around 5.1 points and 5.3 rebounds don't jump off the page, but coaches loved him because he understood his role perfectly. These days, he's transitioned beautifully into broadcasting, and I must say his analytical insights are among the best in current PBA coverage. It's one of those rare cases where a player's understanding of the game translates perfectly to media work.

Looking back at that 2007 draft class, what strikes me is how their careers reflect different aspects of professional basketball success. Only about 40% of that draft class remained in the league for more than eight seasons, which shows how difficult sustaining a PBA career really is. The successful ones like Devance adapted their games multiple times, while others struggled to evolve as the league changed around them. That draft party at the PLDT office feels like yesterday, yet here we are discussing careers that have largely run their course. The 2007 class may not have produced multiple superstars, but it gave us fascinating career arcs that remind us success in basketball comes in many forms. Some become champions, some become journeymen, some transition to media - but they all contribute to the rich tapestry of Philippine basketball history.