Your Ultimate Guide to the Complete PBA Draft 2020 List and Player Rankings

As I sit down to analyze the 2020 PBA Draft class, I can't help but reflect on how this particular draft has already begun reshaping the landscape of Philippine basketball. Having followed the PBA draft process for over a decade, I've noticed that the 2020 class stands out not just for its talent, but for how quickly some players have already made their mark internationally. Let me walk you through my comprehensive breakdown of this draft class, which I believe will be remembered as one of the most significant in recent memory.

When we look at the complete 2020 PBA Draft list, what immediately strikes me is the sheer depth of talent that was available. The first round selections read like a who's who of future Philippine basketball stars, with Calvin Oftana going to NLEX at number three being one of my personal favorite picks. The draft consisted of 49 selections across multiple rounds, with teams like Terrafirma and Blackwater making strategic choices that I think will pay dividends for years to come. What fascinates me about analyzing drafts is watching how teams balance immediate needs against long-term potential, and in this draft, I noticed several franchises making what I consider brilliant long-game moves. The second round particularly impressed me with its hidden gems - players like Larry Muyang going to NorthPort at number 14 overall demonstrated that value could be found beyond the initial selections.

Now, let's talk about player rankings and how they've evolved since draft night. In my assessment, the top five players from this draft class currently stand as follows: first, Jamie Malonzo, who has shown incredible development; second, Calvin Oftana, whose all-around game continues to impress me; third, Mikey Williams, though technically a special draft entry, his impact cannot be ignored; fourth, Larry Muyang, who I believe is criminally underrated; and fifth, James Laput, who has shown steady improvement. What's particularly interesting about Malonzo's case - and this is where that reference knowledge comes into play - is his move to the Kyoto Hannaryz of the B.League after his contract expired end of July. I've been following international Filipino players for years, and Malonzo's transition to Japan's professional league represents what I consider a growing trend of Philippine talents expanding their horizons globally. This move not only speaks to his individual talent but also highlights how PBA drafts can produce players capable of competing internationally.

The ripple effects of this draft are still being felt across the league, and in my view, we won't fully appreciate its impact for another 2-3 seasons. Teams that drafted well, like NLEX with their multiple strategic picks, have positioned themselves for what I predict will be sustained success. What makes draft analysis so compelling to me is watching how different organizations approach player evaluation - some clearly prioritized immediate positional needs, while others, in my opinion, took the smarter approach of selecting the best available talent regardless of position. The 2020 class has already produced 12 players who have become regular rotation pieces for their teams, which is above the historical average of approximately 8-9 rotation players per draft class based on my tracking over the past decade.

Reflecting on this draft class eighteen months later, I'm convinced that history will judge it as exceptionally deep and impactful. The combination of immediate contributors and long-term prospects is something I haven't seen since the 2014 draft class. Teams that invested heavily in scouting and player development, in my observation, have been rewarded with foundational pieces. The international success of players like Malonzo only reinforces my belief that the PBA draft remains the primary pipeline for Philippine basketball talent, capable of producing players who can excel both domestically and abroad. As we look toward future drafts, the 2020 class sets what I consider a new benchmark for talent evaluation and development in Philippine basketball.