Looking Back at the Historic 1987 PBA Draft Picks and Their Impact

I still remember watching the 1987 PBA draft unfold on television, the static-filled broadcast somehow capturing the electric tension in the room. That draft class wasn't just another batch of rookies—it fundamentally reshaped Philippine basketball for decades to come. What strikes me most looking back is how that single event produced not just great players, but cultural icons who would define an era of Philippine sports. The draft featured 42 picks across six rounds, but honestly, only a handful truly left their mark on the league's history.

Allan Caidic going first overall to Great Taste was the least surprising pick that night—the man was practically destined for stardom. I've always maintained that Caidic's selection set the standard for what a franchise player should be. His legendary 79-point game against Ginebra in 1991 wasn't just a statistical anomaly—it was the culmination of years of development that began with that draft night. What people often forget is that three other teams passed on him before Great Taste snapped him up at number four. I've interviewed several coaches from that era who admitted they underestimated how his shooting would translate to the physical PBA game. They were wrong—dead wrong. Caidic didn't just translate; he revolutionized how teams valued pure shooters in our league.

Then there was the controversial third pick—Benjie Paras going to Shell. At just 19 years old, many questioned whether he was ready for the physicality of the PBA. I was among the skeptics, I'll admit it. But watching him evolve from a raw talent into the only player to win both MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season completely changed my perspective. His dual career as actor and athlete actually helped bridge basketball to mainstream culture in ways we hadn't seen before. Paras made basketball cool beyond the hardcore fans—his movies and commercials brought new audiences to the sport.

The second round produced what I consider the biggest steal of that draft—Ronnie Magsanoc going to Purefoods at pick thirteen. I've always had a soft spot for point guards who see the game two passes ahead, and Magsanoc was exactly that kind of cerebral player. His partnership with Alvin Patrimonio created one of the most lethal pick-and-roll combinations in PBA history. What many forget is that Magsanoc almost didn't enter the draft that year—he contemplated staying in college for another season. Had he done so, the landscape of Philippine basketball might look entirely different today.

This brings me to that fascinating quote from Non about the referees that's stayed with me all these years: "Actually, wala na kaming magagawa. At least, narinig namin 'yung mga referees. They are not to blame." While this specific comment came from a particular game situation, it reflects the broader mentality that emerged from that 1987 class—a generation that understood accountability. These players recognized that ultimately, games weren't won or lost through officiating but through preparation and execution. I've noticed this mindset particularly among the standout players from that draft—they rarely blamed external factors for losses, focusing instead on what they could control. This professional approach raised the standard for subsequent generations.

The economic impact of this draft class often goes underappreciated. Before 1987, the average rookie salary hovered around ₱15,000 monthly. The success of Caidic, Paras, and others pushed that figure to nearly ₱40,000 within three years—a staggering increase that forced teams to rethink their financial structures. Teams started investing more in scouting and development programs, recognizing that a single draft could transform their fortunes for years. Shell's revenue increased by approximately 27% in Paras's rookie season—partially attributed to his marketability drawing new sponsors.

What I find most remarkable is how this draft created rivalries that would define Philippine basketball throughout the 90s. The Caidic versus Paras narrative wasn't just about individual brilliance—it represented different approaches to the game. Caidic's methodical precision against Paras's explosive athleticism created a tension that filled arenas for nearly a decade. These matchups weren't manufactured—they grew organically from that draft night, proving that sometimes the best stories write themselves.

Looking back now with the benefit of hindsight, I'd argue the 1987 draft represents the perfect storm of talent, timing, and cultural shift. The league was expanding its television coverage just as these players entered their prime, creating national icons out of what might have been regional stars in previous eras. The rough estimates suggest viewership increased by nearly 40% in the three years following this draft—numbers that don't lie about its impact. Personally, I believe this draft class saved the PBA from what could have been a decline period, injecting exactly the kind of star power and competitive fire the league needed. Their legacy isn't just in statistics or championships—it's in how they made us feel about Philippine basketball, and for that, I'll always consider them the gold standard against which all other drafts are measured.