I still remember the excitement buzzing through the Philippine basketball community back in 2010. The PBA draft that year felt different—there was this electric anticipation about the incoming rookie class that had fans like me counting down the days. Looking back now, it's fascinating to trace the journeys of those top picks and see how their careers unfolded. Who were the top 2010 PBA draft picks and where are they now? That question has been on my mind lately as I've watched some of these players transition into different phases of their careers.
The 2010 draft class was headlined by some truly exceptional talents, with names like Nonoy Baclao and Rabeh Al-Hussaini going first and second overall. What made that draft particularly memorable was how teams were strategically positioning themselves for what many considered a franchise-changing selection. I recall the intense speculation in sports columns and fan forums about where these promising athletes would land. Air21 ultimately held the prized first pick, while Smart Gilas (now TNT) secured the second selection—both teams recognizing this as a crucial opportunity to build for the future.
When we talk about that draft class, we absolutely have to discuss the third overall pick—Greg Slaughter. The 7-foot center represented exactly what teams dream of finding in the draft: a game-changing big man who could anchor both offense and defense. His selection by Barangay Ginebra sparked immediate excitement among their massive fanbase, mine included. I remember watching his early games and thinking this was the franchise center we'd been waiting for. The team management clearly shared that enthusiasm, with Alfrancis Chua famously stating at the time, "We're just happy that we were able to get him to sign the contract." That quote always stuck with me because it revealed how competitive the pursuit was, with Chua revealing that Slaughter was also being pursued by other teams like Cebu and his former ballclub Manila. That context makes you appreciate how significant his commitment to Ginebra really was.
Slaughter's career trajectory has been interesting to follow. He quickly became a cornerstone for Ginebra, helping them secure multiple championships while establishing himself as one of the league's premier centers. His dominance in the paint was something to behold—I've lost count of how many times I saw him completely shift the momentum of close games with his defensive presence and scoring ability. After eight productive seasons with Ginebra, his decision to take a break from Philippine basketball in 2021 surprised many fans, though his recent return to action suggests we haven't seen the last of his impact on the game.
The top two picks that year, Baclao and Al-Hussaini, had rather different career paths compared to Slaughter. Baclao, selected first by Air21, became known more for his defensive versatility than offensive fireworks. He's played for multiple franchises throughout his career, most recently with NorthPort. While he never became the superstar some projected, he's carved out a respectable 13-year career as a reliable role player—something that's arguably just as valuable in team building. Al-Hussaini, the second pick, showed flashes of brilliance early but never quite reached the consistent dominance many expected from him. His journey took him through several teams before he eventually moved to the MPBL, which honestly surprised me given his undeniable talent.
What's particularly fascinating about examining that 2010 class is noticing how draft position didn't always correlate with career success. Later picks like Paul Lee (10th overall) and JVee Casio (3rd in the special draft) arguably had more significant impacts than some of the earlier selections. Lee, in particular, developed into one of the league's most clutch performers—I've always admired his fearlessness in big moments. Casio provided steady leadership and scoring throughout his career, proving that franchise point guards can be found outside the very top of the draft.
Reflecting on these careers twelve years later, I'm struck by how each player's journey unfolded uniquely. Some became franchise cornerstones, others valuable role players, and a few never quite reached their projected potential. The business side of basketball becomes more apparent when you track these careers—the contract negotiations, team changes, and sometimes unexpected departures from the league. That context makes Chua's relief at securing Slaughter's signature even more understandable in hindsight.
The legacy of the 2010 PBA draft class extends beyond statistics and championships. These players represented hope for their franchises and helped shape the league's competitive landscape for years. Watching their careers evolve has given me a deeper appreciation for how difficult it is to project professional success, even for highly touted prospects. Some players adapt and grow, others struggle with expectations or injuries, and a fortunate few exceed even the loftiest predictions. As I look at today's PBA, I can still see the fingerprints of that 2010 draft class on the league's current dynamics, reminding us that draft nights can indeed change franchises for years to come.