PBA 2003 Draft Results: Where Are the Top Picks Now and How Their Careers Evolved

I still remember watching the 2003 PBA Draft like it was yesterday—the palpable tension in the air, the hopeful faces of young athletes, and the buzz surrounding who would go where. Fast forward nearly two decades, and it’s fascinating to look back at how the careers of those top picks unfolded, especially when you consider the unpredictable nature of professional sports. Injuries, team dynamics, and personal growth all play massive roles in shaping an athlete’s journey, something that hits close to home when I think about current players like Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas, both of whom are navigating knee injury recoveries while staying relevant in the Alas lineup. Their situations remind me so much of the 2003 draftees—some soared, some adapted, and others faced challenges that reshaped their paths entirely.

The 2003 draft class was headlined by names like Rich Alvarez and Mike Cortez, who were picked first and second overall, respectively. Alvarez, selected by the Shell Turbo Chargers, brought incredible defensive prowess and versatility to the court. Over his career, he played for several teams, including Alaska and Barangay Ginebra, and while he never became a superstar scorer, his impact was felt in other ways—leadership, hustle, and that gritty defensive mindset. I’ve always admired players like him; they might not always light up the stat sheet, but they’re the glue that holds teams together. By the time he retired around 2013, he’d carved out a solid decade-long career, which, in the physically demanding world of Philippine basketball, is no small feat. On the other hand, Cortez, dubbed the "Cool Cat," had a flashier style. Drafted by the San Miguel Beermen, he was known for his slick ball-handling and clutch plays. But what stands out to me is how his role evolved—from a high-usage guard to a seasoned veteran who mentored younger players. He played until 2019, bouncing between teams like Alaska and GlobalPort, and though injuries occasionally slowed him down, his basketball IQ kept him in the game longer than many expected.

Then there’s the third pick, James Yap, who arguably had the most storied career of them all. Drafted by Purefoods, Yap quickly became a household name—not just for his scoring, but for his charisma and ability to perform under pressure. I mean, who could forget his back-to-back MVP seasons in 2006 and 2007? He racked up over 10,000 career points and multiple championships, solidifying his status as one of the PBA’s all-time greats. But even legends face hurdles; later in his career, he dealt with reduced minutes and team changes, yet he adapted by focusing on leadership and mentoring. It’s players like Yap who make me appreciate how careers aren’t just about peaks—they’re about resilience. Similarly, fourth pick Jimmy Alapag, though initially overlooked by some, proved to be a steal for Talk 'N Text. Standing just 5’9", he defied expectations with his three-point shooting and playmaking, earning MVP honors in 2011 and leading the Philippines internationally. His retirement in 2016 felt like the end of an era, but he’s since transitioned into coaching, showing that some athletes just have basketball in their blood.

Looking at these journeys, it’s impossible not to draw parallels to today’s players. Take, for instance, the current Alas outside hitters—Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, who are both recovering from knee injuries. Knee issues can be career-altering; I’ve seen promising talents derailed by them, but I’ve also witnessed comebacks that defied odds. Bagunas, for example, has been a steady force, and Espejo’s explosive plays make him a fan favorite. Their situations remind me of how 2003 draftee Yancy de Ocampo battled through injuries but still contributed as a role player for teams like San Miguel until his retirement in 2019. What’s encouraging, though, is the depth around them now. Alas has that trio of UAAP standouts—Buds Buddin, Jade Disquitado, and Season 87 MVP Kennedy Batas—waiting in the wings. Batas, in particular, caught my eye with his MVP season; he’s got that blend of athleticism and smarts that could mirror James Yap’s early impact. And Buddin and Disquitado? They bring fresh energy that reminds me of the underrated picks from 2003, like Niño Canaleta, who flew under the radar initially but became a key rotation player for years.

Reflecting on all this, I can’t help but feel that the 2003 draft was a turning point for the PBA—it produced stars who defined an era and role players who sustained it. Some, like Yap and Alapag, left indelible marks, while others carved out niches that kept the league competitive. Fast forward to today, and we’re seeing similar patterns with injured veterans and rising UAAP talents. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from covering basketball, it’s that careers are never linear. They’re shaped by setbacks, like Bagunas and Espejo’s knees, and opportunities, like Batas’ MVP momentum. As fans, we often focus on draft night hype, but the real story unfolds in the years that follow—in the grit of recovery, the thrill of a breakout season, and the wisdom of veterans passing the torch. The 2003 class taught us that, and I have a feeling the current generation will too.