I still remember the buzz in the air that evening at the Robinsons Galleria back in 2004. The Philippine Basketball Association draft always carries this electric energy, but that particular year felt different somehow - like we were witnessing the beginning of something special. As a longtime basketball journalist who's covered over fifteen PBA seasons, I've learned to recognize those moments when the league's landscape is about to shift. Looking back at the 2004 PBA draft now, with nearly two decades of hindsight, I can confidently say it produced one of the most remarkable talent pools in recent memory.

The draft class was headlined by James Yap going first overall to Purefoods, a pick that seemed almost predestined given his collegiate dominance. What many casual fans might not remember is how deep this draft ran - we're talking about twelve rounds that produced multiple franchise players and future Hall of Famers. I had my notebook out that night, scribbling predictions about which teams had nailed their selections and which might come to regret their choices. My colleague from the Manila Bulletin kept nudging me, betting that Yap would win Rookie of the Year - he wasn't wrong, but neither of us anticipated just how transformative several of these players would become.

Among the most fascinating stories to emerge from that draft class involves Rich Alvarez, the second overall pick who recently made headlines with his comments about returning to 3x3 basketball. "Alam namin na kaya namin na mag-compete and at the same time, excited kasi ako, personally, ang tagal ko na hindi nakapaglaro ng 3x3 so excited ako na makatulong sa team natin ngayon and ang main goal is to compete," he told reporters last month. Hearing Alvarez talk about his excitement returning to the 3x3 format after all these years reminded me of just how versatile these 2004 draftees have been throughout their careers. Alvarez himself played thirteen seasons in the PBA, quite an achievement for any player, and now he's still finding new ways to contribute to Philippine basketball.

What made the 2004 draft particularly special wasn't just the top picks - though Yap, Alvarez, and third selection Marc Pingris certainly lived up to their billing - but the incredible value found later in the draft. I've always had a soft spot for those mid-round gems, and this class delivered in spades. Sixth pick Billy Mamaril became a reliable big man who's still playing professional basketball eighteen years later, while ninth selection Cyrus Baguio developed into one of the most exciting guards of his generation. My personal favorite from that draft has to be Paolo Mendoza going twelfth to Red Bull - he wasn't the most athletic player on the court, but my goodness, that man could shoot lights out when he got hot.

The careers that unfolded from that draft class have been nothing short of remarkable. James Yap won two MVP awards and became one of the most recognizable athletes in the country. Marc Pingris evolved into the heart and soul of the Purefoods/Magnolia franchise, his defensive intensity and leadership fueling multiple championship runs. What's often overlooked when looking back at the 2004 PBA draft is how many of these players became cornerstone pieces for their franchises for a decade or more. In today's era of frequent player movement, that kind of longevity with single organizations feels increasingly rare.

I recently dug up my old draft notes from 2004, and I'll admit - I missed on a few predictions. I had high hopes for fourth pick Francis Barcellano, who never quite found his footing in the PBA, while I underestimated just how impactful someone like seventh pick Ranidel de Ocampo would become. But that's the beauty of the draft - it's equal parts science and magic. The teams that succeeded with their 2004 picks weren't just lucky; they understood how these players would fit into their systems and cultures.

The legacy of the 2004 draft extends beyond individual accolades. These players formed the core of what would become legendary PBA teams throughout the late 2000s and 2010s. Yap anchored those dominant Purefoods squads, while Pingris became the emotional leader of the San Mig Coffee/Magnolia dynasty that won multiple championships. When I think about the most memorable PBA moments of the past two decades, so many of them feature players from this draft class hitting big shots, making defensive stops, or lifting trophies.

What strikes me now, nearly eighteen years later, is how this draft class continues to influence Philippine basketball. Several of these players have transitioned into coaching or front office roles, while others like Alvarez are still competing in new formats. Their longevity speaks volumes about their professionalism and love for the game. In an era where players often fade from the spotlight quickly, the class of 2004 has demonstrated remarkable staying power.

As I reflect on that August evening in 2004, I'm reminded why I fell in love with covering basketball in the first place. The draft represents hope - for players realizing their dreams, for teams building toward championships, and for fans imagining what might be. Looking back at the 2004 PBA draft provides not just nostalgia but valuable lessons about talent evaluation, player development, and the unpredictable journey of athletic careers. That class set a standard that subsequent drafts have been measured against, and in my opinion, only a handful have come close to matching its impact. The players selected that night didn't just have good careers - they helped shape modern Philippine basketball, and their influence continues to be felt today.