I still remember the excitement buzzing through the Araneta Coliseum back in 2015 when the PBA Rookie Draft unfolded. As someone who’s followed Philippine basketball for over two decades, I’ve witnessed numerous draft classes come and go, but the 2015 batch had this unique blend of raw talent and undeniable potential that made it particularly special. What fascinates me most about evaluating drafts isn’t just who gets picked first, but how these players evolve—who exceeds expectations, who carves out a lasting legacy, and frankly, who fades into obscurity. Looking back nearly a decade later, it’s clear this class produced some genuine stars, though their paths to success varied dramatically.
When we talk about the 2015 draft, Troy Rosario immediately comes to mind as the first overall pick by TNT KaTropa. Standing at 6’7” with a smooth outside shot, Rosario was projected to be a stretch-four who could space the floor—and he’s largely delivered on that promise. Over his career, he’s averaged around 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, numbers that might not jump off the page but reflect his consistent two-way contributions. What I’ve always appreciated about Rosario is his basketball IQ; he reads defenses well and has developed into a reliable clutch performer. Yet, if I’m being honest, while he’s had a solid career, I wouldn’t rank him as the biggest star from this draft. He’s more of a high-level role player, the kind who helps good teams become great but rarely carries the load alone.
Now, let’s talk about my personal favorite from that class: Moala Tautuaa, who went second overall to Talk ‘N Text. At 6’8” and built like a tank, Tautuaa brought a physicality that’s become increasingly rare in today’s finesse-oriented game. I recall watching his early games and being blown away by his athleticism—he could finish through contact and defend multiple positions. Over the years, he’s put up stats like 11.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, but numbers don’t capture his impact. He’s the type of player who sets the tone with his energy, and I’ve always felt he was underrated in terms of his leadership. His journey hasn’t been without setbacks, including injuries that sidelined him for chunks of seasons, but when he’s healthy, he’s a difference-maker. In my view, Tautuaa embodies the hard-nosed, blue-collar ethos that Filipino fans adore, and that’s why he’s remained relevant.
But the real gem of the 2015 draft, in my opinion, has to be Scottie Thompson, selected fifth by Barangay Ginebra. I’ll admit, I had doubts initially—he came from a smaller school (University of Perpetual Help) and wasn’t the most polished scorer. Yet, watching him develop into a triple-double machine has been one of the most rewarding narratives in recent PBA history. Thompson’s averages of roughly 10.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game only tell part of the story; it’s his intangibles—his hustle, court vision, and clutch plays—that make him a superstar. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen him grab a crucial rebound or make a steal that shifted momentum. His connection to the reference knowledge about UP and the ECJ Perpetual Trophy is particularly poignant here; though he didn’t play for UP, his Perpetual roots highlight how under-the-radar talents can blossom into champions. Thompson has helped Ginebra secure multiple titles, and his style reminds me of a younger Jayson Castro—explosive, unpredictable, and utterly fearless.
Of course, not every pick panned out as hoped. Players like Chris Javier, who went in the later rounds, struggled to find their footing and eventually drifted out of the league. It’s a reminder that the draft is as much about opportunity and fit as it is about talent. From my perspective, the 2015 class also included underappreciated contributors like Norbert Torres, who’s carved out a niche as a reliable big man, albeit without the star power of others. What stands out to me, though, is how this draft class influenced team dynamics across the PBA. For instance, Ginebra’s selection of Thompson wasn’t just a smart move—it was transformative, injecting youth and versatility into a franchise known for its loyal fanbase.
Reflecting on all this, I’d argue that Scottie Thompson emerged as the biggest star from the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft, and it’s not even close. While Rosario and Tautuaa have had commendable careers, Thompson’s impact transcends statistics. He’s become a fan favorite, a Finals MVP, and a key piece in Ginebra’s recent dominance—like that reference to UP’s potential triple crown, Thompson’s teams have often been in championship conversations, striving for that kind of perpetual success. In my years covering the league, I’ve seen few players who combine his work ethic with innate talent, and it’s why I believe he’ll be remembered as the standout of this class. As we look ahead, the 2015 draft serves as a valuable lesson in patience and scouting; sometimes, the biggest stars aren’t the first picks, but the ones who grind their way to the top.
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