Relive the 1995 PBA Draft: Where Are These Basketball Legends Now?

I still remember the buzz surrounding the 1995 PBA Draft like it was yesterday—the anticipation, the speculation, and the sheer talent waiting to be unleashed. As someone who has followed Philippine basketball for decades, I can confidently say this draft class was something special. It produced players who would go on to define eras, break records, and capture the hearts of fans nationwide. But what’s truly fascinating is tracing where these legends are today, decades after their names were called on that pivotal night.

Let’s start with the undeniable star of that draft: Vergel Meneses. Picked second overall by Presto Tivoli, he quickly became a fan favorite with his high-flying antics and clutch performances. Meneses wasn’t just a scorer; he was an artist on the court, weaving through defenses with a grace that’s rare in the physical PBA. Fast forward to today, and he’s transitioned into coaching and local politics, serving as mayor of Meycauayan, Bulacan. It’s a path that surprises some, but to me, it makes perfect sense—his leadership on the court was always evident, and now he’s channeling that into public service. On the other hand, you have Kenneth Duremdes, selected third by Sunkist. Duremdes was a force, blending athleticism with a sharp basketball IQ. He’s now a respected sports analyst and occasional coach, still deeply embedded in the game he loves. I’ve always admired how he adapted post-retirement, staying relevant without clinging to past glories.

Then there’s the intriguing case of Marlou Aquino, the first overall pick by Ginebra. Standing at 6’9”, he was a defensive stalwart who could alter games with his shot-blocking alone. Aquino’s career had its ups and downs, including stints in other leagues, which brings me to a key point tied to today’s PBA landscape. The same rule now applies to all rookie prospects who refuse to sign the Unified Players’ Contracts offered by the PBA teams that drafted them and leaves for another league. Back in the ’90s, this wasn’t as formalized, but we saw hints of it with players exploring options abroad. Aquino, for instance, dabbled in international play before settling into a quieter life post-retirement; last I heard, he’s involved in grassroots basketball clinics, passing on his knowledge to the next generation. It’s a reminder of how the league has evolved to protect its interests, though I sometimes wonder if it stifles player mobility too much.

Another standout is Johnny Abarrientos, picked fifth by Alaska. His career was nothing short of legendary—a point guard with vision and tenacity that led to multiple championships. Abarrientos has seamlessly moved into coaching, most notably with the FEU Tamaraws, and I’ve always felt his impact there is underrated. He’s molding young talents with the same precision he showed on the court. Meanwhile, players like EJ Feihl, the seventh pick, had shorter peaks but left indelible marks. At 7’0”, Feihl was one of the tallest in PBA history, and though his stats might not jump off the page—averaging around 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in his prime—his presence alone forced opponents to adjust. Today, he’s largely out of the spotlight, focusing on family and business ventures, which I respect; not every legend needs to stay in the limelight.

Reflecting on this draft, it’s clear that their legacies extend beyond stats and trophies. Many have embraced roles that contribute to basketball’s ecosystem, whether through coaching, commentary, or community work. The PBA’s current rules, like the one ensuring drafted players commit or face consequences, likely stem from lessons learned from eras like this, where loyalty and contracts were more fluid. Personally, I think this adds depth to their stories—they weren’t just players; they were pioneers in a system that’s now more structured. As I wrap this up, I can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and pride. The 1995 draft class didn’t just shape the ’90s; they laid groundwork for today’s game, and their journeys remind us that greatness doesn’t end when the final buzzer sounds.