Your Complete Guide to the 2023 PBA Draft Schedule and Player Selection Process

As a longtime PBA analyst who's followed the draft process for over a decade, I've got to say the 2023 PBA Draft feels particularly significant this year. We're looking at a crucial rebuilding moment for several franchises, but none more so than Terrafirma Dyip, who are facing what might be their most important draft in franchise history. Having watched this team struggle to find its footing season after season, I can't help but feel this is their make-or-break opportunity to finally build something sustainable. The organization has publicly acknowledged they're trying to fill their many holes in hopes of forming a team competitive enough for the coming PBA Season 50, and frankly, that's putting it mildly - they need nothing short of a complete overhaul.

Let me walk you through what we know about the draft schedule so far. The PBA Commissioner's Office has tentatively set the application deadline for October 16, 2023, with the draft combine likely happening during the last week of October. The actual draft ceremony is expected to take place in mid-November, though the exact date remains fluid as the league finalizes venue arrangements. This timeline gives teams approximately six weeks to evaluate prospects, conduct private workouts, and finalize their draft boards. From my experience covering previous drafts, this compressed timeline actually benefits teams like Terrafirma who need to make multiple selections - it forces decisive evaluation rather than overthinking, which can sometimes lead to analysis paralysis.

Now, about Terrafirma's situation specifically - they're holding the first overall pick for the second consecutive year, which tells you everything about their current competitive state. Having spoken with team insiders, I can confirm they're approaching this draft with a completely different mindset than previous years. They're not just looking for the best available player; they're looking for foundational pieces that fit specific needs. With potentially three picks in the first round (their natural pick plus possible acquisitions from trades), they could realistically add three immediate rotation players. That's unprecedented in recent PBA history and represents a massive opportunity if handled correctly.

The player selection process this year involves more layers than casual fans might realize. Teams will evaluate prospects through the official combine, private workouts, interviews, and even psychological assessments. I've attended numerous team war rooms on draft night, and the discussions go far beyond just basketball skills. Teams are increasingly valuing character, coachability, and mental toughness - attributes that Terrafirma desperately needs in their locker room. From what I'm hearing, they're particularly focused on finding players with strong leadership qualities, something that's been noticeably absent from their roster in recent seasons.

Looking at the prospect pool, this draft class appears stronger than last year's, particularly in the guard and wing positions. Standout NCAA players like Stephen Holt and James Kwekuteye have generated significant buzz, while UAAP stars like Ricci Rivero bring both talent and marketability. Personally, I believe Terrafirma should prioritize backcourt talent with their first selection - they've lacked a true floor general since their franchise inception, and addressing that need could transform their entire offensive system. The data from last season supports this approach too - Terrafirma ranked last in assists per game at just 18.7, a full three assists below the league average.

What many fans don't realize is that draft strategy extends far beyond just the first-round picks. Terrafirma holds early second-round selections that could yield valuable role players. In the 2022 draft, for instance, teams found gems like JM Calma and Shaun Ildefonso in the second round - players who contributed meaningful minutes as rookies. My sources indicate Terrafirma is particularly high on several under-the-radar prospects who might slip to the second round, including a versatile forward from Visayas who averaged 15.8 points and 9.2 rebounds in the CESAFI last season.

The financial aspect of draft selections has become increasingly important under the league's salary cap structure. First-round picks command higher salaries, which impacts a team's cap flexibility. Terrafirma's front office needs to balance selecting the best talent with managing their long-term cap situation. Based on last year's numbers, the first overall pick will likely sign a contract worth approximately ₱3.2 million annually, while second-round selections typically sign for around ₱900,000. That significant difference means every first-round pick carries both opportunity and financial commitment.

From my perspective, Terrafirma's approach to this draft will define their franchise for the next five years. They need to hit on at least two of their early picks to build a competitive core. Having watched similar rebuilds in the past - like when Ginebra drafted Japeth Aguilar and LA Tenorio in consecutive years - I can attest to how transformative the right draft selections can be. The difference is that Ginebra already had established veterans; Terrafirma is building almost entirely through the draft, which makes their task both more challenging and potentially more rewarding if they get it right.

The reality is that PBA teams rarely get multiple high-value picks in consecutive drafts, so Terrafirma's window for accelerated rebuilding is narrow. If they fail to capitalize on this opportunity, they risk remaining in the league's basement for the foreseeable future. But if they draft wisely - selecting not just for talent but for fit and character - they could potentially field a competitive team as early as the second conference of Season 50. That might sound optimistic, but I've seen crazier turnarounds in this league. The pieces are there for them to assemble; it all comes down to their evaluation process and draft night decisions. Ultimately, the success of this draft won't be measured by the hype on selection day, but by how these picks develop over the next three seasons. For Terrafirma's sake - and for the league's competitive balance - I genuinely hope they get it right this time.