PBA Draft 2021 List: Complete Player Rankings and Team Selections Revealed

2025-11-21 15:00

As I sat down to analyze the 2021 PBA Draft results, I couldn't help but reflect on how team dynamics have evolved in Philippine basketball. Having covered the PBA for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous draft classes come and go, but this particular batch feels different - there's something special brewing that reminds me of the volleyball scene's recent developments. The way Coach Jorge Ednave described the chemistry between Solar Spikers Trisha Genesis and her teammates, their 'baklaan' brand of volleyball leading to a more relaxed team on the floor - that exact phenomenon appears to be translating to basketball in fascinating ways.

Looking at the complete player rankings, what struck me most was how teams prioritized chemistry and personality fit alongside raw talent. The top pick Jordan Heading going to Terrafirma at number one wasn't just about his scoring ability - it was about finding someone who could mesh with their existing core. At 6'2" with a proven track record from the ABL and Gilas Pilipinas, Heading brings not just 15.2 points per game potential but what I believe could be the glue that holds their backcourt together. I've watched him develop since his college days, and his basketball IQ is seriously underrated - he reads defenses like few guards in this draft class can.

The second selection saw Blackwater choosing Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, and here's where I'll show my bias - this might be the steal of the draft. At 6'7" with incredible versatility, BGR can play multiple positions and brings exactly the kind of energy that transforms team culture. Remember how that 'baklaan' volleyball approach created a more relaxed yet effective environment? That's what BGR brings to the table - his personality is infectious, and I've seen firsthand how he elevates teammates in practice situations. He averaged 12.8 points and 8.3 rebounds in the PBA D-League, but numbers don't capture his defensive switching ability that could revolutionize Blackwater's schemes.

NLEX's selection of Justin Arana at third overall continues this trend of prioritizing players who fit specific cultural molds. At 6'4" with a 7'2" wingspan, Arana is what I'd call a culture-setter in the paint. Having spoken to several coaches about him, they consistently mention his work ethic and how he makes practices more competitive - exactly the kind of intangible that statistics miss but winning teams cherish. His 14.7 points and 13.2 rebounds per game in the MPBL are impressive, but watch him during timeouts - he's always engaged, always communicating, creating that relaxed yet focused atmosphere that winning teams need.

As we move through the first round, the pattern becomes clearer. Tyler Tio to Phoenix at fourth - a smart, cerebral point guard who organizes offenses like a veteran. Encho Serrano to Phoenix at fifth - explosive athleticism combined with genuine joy for the game. JM Calma to NorthPort at sixth - fundamentally sound with a team-first mentality that coaches dream about. What I'm seeing here is a fundamental shift in how teams evaluate talent. They're not just drafting skillsets - they're drafting personalities, chemistry builders, culture carriers.

The second round revealed even more evidence of this philosophical shift. Teams were snapping up players who might have physical limitations but bring specific cultural value. John Apacible to Rain or Shine at eighth overall - his energy and defensive communication could make him a rotation player despite being undersized for his position. Shaun Ildefonso to Rain or Shine at ninth - his basketball pedigree and high IQ could provide stability off the bench. Having covered his father's career, I can tell you the basketball intelligence runs in the family.

What fascinates me about this draft class is how teams are building not just rosters but ecosystems. The successful franchises understand that modern basketball requires creating environments where players can be themselves while working toward common goals. That 'baklaan' volleyball concept - the playful yet effective approach that creates relaxed but productive teams - is exactly what smart basketball organizations are chasing now. They want players who can keep things light during tough moments, who can build genuine connections that translate to better court communication and trust.

Looking back at my years covering the league, I recall when drafts were primarily about measurements and stats. Teams would fall in love with combine numbers and scoring averages. Now, they're investing in human beings who can transform locker rooms and practice facilities. The 2021 class might be remembered not for producing superstars but for helping teams build the kind of cultures that eventually attract and develop superstars. The PBA has always been a league where chemistry matters more than people realize, but this draft represents a turning point where it's become the primary consideration for many front offices.

As these players begin their professional journeys, the teams that prioritized fit over pure talent will likely see the benefits sooner rather than later. Basketball, like volleyball, is ultimately a game about connections - between players, between coaches and athletes, between systems and personnel. The 2021 draft class understands this reality better than any group I've covered, and I'm genuinely excited to watch how these relationships develop over the coming seasons. The team that masters this human element of the game might just find themselves holding the championship trophy sooner than expected.