The rain was coming down in sheets that evening in Montalban, and honestly, I wasn’t sure if the game would even finish. I sat there under a shaky umbrella, watching the Thunderbelles fight for their first win—a gritty, messy battle that felt more like a street brawl than a preseason volleyball match. They’d lost to Akari just days before, failing to pull off a reverse sweep that would’ve given them some early momentum. But here, in the pouring rain, something shifted. Jov Gonzaga took over—she led a stunning 5-1 run to close out the tiebreak, scoring on five clutch attacks when it mattered most. Five. I remember shaking my head, thinking, this is what separates good players from the ones who get remembered. That kind of nerve under pressure—it’s exactly what PBA teams are looking for right now, especially with the PBA Draft 2023 just around the corner.

I’ve been following Philippine basketball long enough to recognize when a draft class has that special spark, and let me tell you—this year’s pool is electric. It’s not just about height or stats; it’s about mentality. Watching Gonzaga dominate in those final moments reminded me of certain PBA hopefuls who thrive when everything’s on the line. Guys like Justine Baltazar or Schonny Winston—they’ve got that same killer instinct. I’ve seen them turn games around single-handedly, whether in the UAAP or during offseason tours. But here’s the thing: the PBA Draft 2023 isn’t just stacked with individual talent. It’s filled with players who understand timing, who know how to close.

Take the Thunderbelles’ comeback, for example. They didn’t panic. They stuck to their system, trusted their go-to scorer, and executed under miserable conditions. That’s what separates contenders from pretenders in the pros. I’ve spoken with a couple of team scouts over coffee, and they all say the same thing—they’re not just drafting for skill, they’re drafting for heart. Players who can deliver in the fourth quarter, who aren’t afraid of the big stage. And honestly? I think this draft has at least three or four guys who fit that mold perfectly. Some might slip to the second round, but mark my words—they’ll be steals.

Of course, predictions are tricky. I’ve been wrong before—like that time I thought a certain flashy guard from the Visayas would be Rookie of the Year, and he barely saw playing time. But this year feels different. The depth is real. We’re looking at 40–50 applicants, and at least 15 have legitimate pro-ready games. I expect a lot of trades, maybe even some surprise picks in the top five. Teams like Ginebra or San Miguel—they know how to spot winners. They’ll be looking for their own version of Jov Gonzaga, someone who doesn’t just play well, but plays smart when the game is slipping away.

As the Thunderbelles celebrated their hard-earned win that rainy night, I couldn’t help but draw parallels. The PBA Draft 2023 will be another kind of storm—full of tension, surprises, and moments that define careers. I’ll be watching, notebook in hand, ready to see which prospects rise to the occasion. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about who gets picked first. It’s about who delivers when it counts.