2004 TOP 3 PBA DRAFT
Rich Alvarez - 1st round 1st overall pick by Shell
Verdict - Just fine to almost did not work out. Rich is one of the most promising rookies in the draft because of his resume. In fact, he was the 2004 rookie of the year beating James Yap, Marc Pingris, Ranidel de Ocampo, and Sonny Thoss - but his performance and effectiveness season after season were evidently declining. Rich Alvarez was transferred to Alaska after Shell left PBA in 2005 but even playing with the great coach Tim Cone, Rich hardly gain traction on his game. But overall Rich is a fair player, he has decent rebounding skills and a decent defender. Rich Alvarez had a good long career in the PBA from 2004-2016 in spite of his inconsistency.
James Yap - 1st round 2nd overall pick by Purefoods.
Verdict - Win! Contrary to Rich Alvarez, year after year, James Yap keeps improving and he became better and better though out the years. James is a 7-time PBA champion, 2-time PBA MVP, 4-time finals MVP, and a 16-time PBA all-star. What more can you ask for him? Great pick by Purefoods! Today, James Yap is playing in Rain or Shine and even on the "twilight" of his career, occasionally he still showcases his talent and continues to prove why he is called big game James.
Marc Pingris - 1st round 3rd overall pick by FedEx
Verdict - Win! Going back to Rich Alvarez, Shell knew that Rich Alvarez is the better version of a "Marc Pingris" and he obviously proved them wrong. The good thing for Marc, he was a great fit with FedEx because his playing style is complementing Ranidel's game. They had a solid lineup back then - Ren Ren Ritualo, Ranidel de Ocampo and Wynne Arboleda. When FedEx left the PBA, Pingris was acquired by Purefoods where he got his breakout games and almost doubled his stats. Pingris is a 9-time PBA champion, 2-time finals MVP, 3-time PBA defensive player of the year and an 8-time PBA all-defensive team.
Honorable mention to the 2004 draft that made a decent career
Ranidel de Ocampo - 1st round 4th overall pick by FedEx
Sonny Thoss - 1st round 5th overall pick by Alaska
Ervin Sotto - 1st round 7th overall pick by Purefoods (The father of Kai Sotto)
Nelbert Omolon - 1st round 8th overall pick by Sta. Lucia
Wesley Gonzalez - 1st round 9th overall pick by FedEx
Gary David - 1st round 10th overall pick by CocaCola
Paul Artadi - 2nd round 11th overall pick by Purefoods
Carlo Sharma - 2nd round 12th overall pick by Shell
Nino Gelig - 2nd round 14th overall pick by Talk N Text
Willy Wilson - 2nd round 15th overall pick by Alaska
Ronald Cuan - 2nd round 17th overall pick by Sta Lucia
Warren Ybanez - 4th round 27th overall pick by CocaCola
