PBA Draft: Will Kai Sotto join the deep 2027 class? Will he go No.1?

The 2027 PBA Draft is still months away -- it is scheduled for January 2027 -- but the class is already shaping up to be one of the most talent-rich in recent league history.

From established collegiate stars from the UAAP and NCAA, and those who have spent a year in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), there is no shortage of players who can provide impact to their teams. With the draft order still to be finalized at the end of the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup, these projections remain anything but straightforward.

Here's an early look at the possible two-round selections in ESPN's first 2027 PBA Draft Big Board.

How is the 2027 PBA Draft Order decided?

The order is expected to be determined by the teams' weighted standings across the previous PBA season, rather than by a lottery. The basic principle is: Teams are ranked according to their finishes in the three conferences of the preceding season. The Philippine Cup carries the greatest weight, while the Commissioner's Cup and Governors' Cup carry lesser weights. The teams' weighted rankings are combined to produce an overall ranking. The team with the lowest cumulative ranking picks first, followed by the next-lowest, and so on. The order applies to each round, although teams can obviously trade draft picks, which can change who actually makes a selection.

We have used the weighted rankings as they stood at the end of the PBA Season Commissioner's Cup.

First Round

1. Kai Sotto (NLEX Road Warriors)

NLEX badly needs an interior presence to complement its guard-heavy, perimeter-oriented roster, and the best-case scenario for the Road Warriors would be Kai Sotto deciding to bring his talents to the PBA.

Arguably the most talented Filipino player available for the draft, the 24-year-old center would bring his international pedigree from successful stints in Australia and Japan. In the recent fourth window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, the 7-foot-2 Sotto averaged 15.5 points and 15 rebounds in wins over Jordan and Iran, showcasing the size and interior production NLEX could add to its perimeter attack.

Now, we must wait to see whether he gets another shot to play overseas, including in the NBA, or makes a big move to play for the PBA.

- Caramoan

2. Kymani Ladi (Barangay Ginebra San Miguel)

If there is one player Ginebra should consider building around in this draft, outside of Sotto, it's Kymani Ladi, who is playing for Caloocan Batang Kankaloo in the MPBL. He would give the Gin Kings a rare combination of length, vertical athleticism and enough floor spacing to make an impact on both ends.

At 6-foot-6, Ladi can play the wing or slide down to power forward, giving Tim Cone the versatility he needs alongside an established core led by Scottie Thompson, RJ Abarrientos and Japeth Aguilar.

Ladi would also have an ideal mentor in Aguilar, a fellow Ateneo product with a similar build and athletic profile. Learning from one of the PBA's most experienced big men could help Ladi develop his game while giving Ginebra another young, versatile piece for its next era. Simply put, Ginebra fits perfectly well for Ladi.

- Dongiapon

3. DJ Fenner (Titan Ultra Giant Risers)

If Joshua Munzon's days with Titan Ultra are numbered, the Giant Risers could find a potential new franchise piece in this draft class with the opportunity to select DJ Fenner.

With experience across different leagues in Europe, the 32-year old is now playing for the MPBL-leading Abra Weavers, putting up 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. Fenner's ability to create his own shot and contribute across the perimeter could give Titan Ultra another reliable offensive option, as he is definitely in his prime to lead a developing squad.

- Caramoan

4. Remy Martin (Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters)

Remy Martin could slot seamlessly into a Phoenix squad that already has the perimeter pieces to build a potent offense in the PBA.

With scoring guard Ricci Rivero in the forefront, alongside wing shooter Ken Tuffin and versatile forwards Jason Perkins and Kai Ballungay, the former Kansas Jayhawk could emerge as the premier playmaker who ties them all together. In his recent stint with Strong Group Athletics in the William Jones Cup, Martin averaged 10.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 40.3% from three. He would add another ball-handler and shot creator with international experience to Phoenix's backcourt.

- Caramoan

5. Nic Cabanero (Terrafirma Dyip)

The UST connection in Terrafirma could be enough for the Dyip to bank their future on Nic Cabanero.

Cabanero is on a tear in the MPBL, setting a league scoring record with 53 points while adding 22 rebounds and 10 assists in Biñan's lopsided win over Pasig on Sept. 10. In Terrafirma, he would once again be under the guidance of Dyip team manager Pido Jarencio, who coached Cabanero during his collegiate stint at UST.

Cabanero needs the ball in his hands to thrive as a scorer, and he would certainly get plenty of opportunities in Terrafirma. The Dyip have long had a void to fill when it comes to finding a legitimate go-to scorer, particularly since CJay Perez left the team.

- Dongiapon

6. Cedrick Manzano (NLEX Road Warriors)

Assuming the order remains the same and Kai Sotto fully commits to playing in the PBA, the deep draft class could also allow NLEX to add another young big man in the middle of the first round in Cedric Manzano.

Playing for the Quezon Huskers in the MPBL, Manzano has established himself as a solid interior presence, averaging 12.1 points and 8.4 rebounds while shooting 56.6% from two-point range. The ability of the former Adamson Soaring Falcon to score around the block and clean up the glass could give NLEX another physical option in the frontcourt that should provide optionality and versatility in the style of play of the Jimmy Alapag-led team.

- Caramoan

7. Kihei Clark (Magnolia Hotshots)

Magnolia has already stockpiled enough young wings who can be part of its present and future, making the possibility of adding a guard with the pedigree of Kihei Clark an intriguing fit.

As the time of writing, Clark might be the only player with NBA G League experience entering the 2027 Draft, following his stint with the Wisconsin Herd and Mexico City Capitanes. And while the Hotshots have Jerom Lastimosa, his experience running an offense, creating shots off the dribble, and knocking down perimeter looks could give them another steady ball-handler who can put variety in what they run in the halfcourt.

- Dongiapon

8. Jacob Cortez (Rain or Shine Elasto Painters)

Jacob Cortez is the best point guard in collegiate basketball. His playmaking, scoring ability and knack for controlling the pace of a game are exactly what the Elasto Painters need.

Rain or Shine is also looking for a player with championship pedigree, and Cortez fits that mold after leading La Salle to the UAAP title last year. He could easily step into the Elasto Painters' starting lineup and take over as their lead point guard alongside the team's combo guards. Head coach Yeng Guiao would salivate at the thought of landing Cortez at this point in the draft.

- Dongiapon

9. Mason Amos (Meralco Bolts)

A sharpshooting big man is a rare find in the PBA Draft, and that is exactly what Mason Amos brings. For Meralco, Amos may not immediately become a superstar or the heir to Chris Newsome, but he is the kind of pick that can raise the team's floor for years to come.

Amos shot just 26.2% from the three-point line for DLSU in UAAP Season 88, but his value extends beyond his actual shooting percentage. The mere threat of his outside shot could create valuable floor spacing for Meralco's offense.

Over the past two years, Amos has also developed his post defense and improved his ability to hold his ground at the rim. His experience going up against tough foreign athletes in the UAAP, along with practicing alongside former Green Archers teammate Mike Phillips, has helped him become a more reliable defender inside.

- Dongiapon

10. Landyn Jumawan (San Miguel Beermen)

Landyn Jumawan's early returns with UST to start UAAP Season 89 have not been as smooth as his preseason performance suggested, but the strengths he showed before the season could be exactly what San Miguel needs.

The hope remains for Jumawan to translate his success from his stint with NCAA Division I's Northwestern State, where he shot 40% from beyond the arc as a junior. For a Beermen squad with plenty of offensive weapons, the 6-foot-4 wing wouldn't be asked to make many decisions and could instead be utilized as a reliable floor spacer when defenses collapse on their main stars.

- Caramoan

11. Jake Figueroa (Barangay Ginebra San Miguel)

One thing Ginebra has tapped into whenever its triangle offense has stalled is the energy provided by its second unit, which would make a workhorse like Jake Figueroa an intriguing fit.

Already known for his defensive ability alongside his improving offensive game, the former NU Bulldog has found success with the Abra Weavers in the MPBL after a brief stint in Korea, averaging 9.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting an excellent 73.3% from inside the arc. His ability to score efficiently around the paint could be important in providing a spark for Ginebra's offense when it starts to struggle.

- Caramoan

12. Raven Gonzales (Blackwater Bossing)

At 6-foot-7, Raven Gonzales' size is his biggest selling point, but he brings more to the table. He has a solid touch around the basket, while his rebounding and defensive awareness give him an edge over other bigs in the draft.

Playing for Abra in the MPBL, Gonzales currently averages 7.6 points on 65.5% shooting from the field to go with 6.4 rebounds per game. Playing in a team loaded with offensive gunners has also allowed him to embrace a defined role, much like he did at La Salle.

With Gonzales, Blackwater would get a solid backup big man who could also step into a starting role during an all-Filipino conference.

- Dongiapon

Second Round

13. Brandon Wilson (NLEX Road Warriors)

An unfamiliar name to the majority, but a player who has made strides in the MPBL, Brandon Wilson could be someone who contributes right away for NLEX.

One of the more interesting names in this draft, the 6-foot-6 guard/forward has shown an ability to get downhill and attack the paint with ease. Playing for Zamboanga Sikat in the MPBL, Wilson has averaged 14.3 points and 6.9 rebounds while shooting 37.1% from deep on 5.9 attempts per game. With the Road Warriors now playing at a faster pace and looking to generate more perimeter shots, Wilson's ability to attack closeouts and create offense could fit well into their system.

- Caramoan

14. Gani Stevens (Titan Ultra Giant Risers)

The chance for Titan Ultra to build a young core is further highlighted by back-to-back second-round picks that could still provide quality talent. With their need for more size inside, Gani Stevens would be a solid addition.

Landing a big man of Stevens' caliber at this stage of the draft would be a good sign for a Titan Ultra team that could be starting from scratch. The UP Fighting Maroon big man's ability to seal defenders and score inside, along with his developing touch around the basket, should give him an avenue to contribute right away. More importantly, the opportunity should be there for Stevens to earn minutes given the lack of established big men in the Giant Risers' current rotation.

- Caramoan

15. JD Cagulangan (Titan Ultra Giant Risers)

Injuries have played a part in why JD Cagulangan has fallen this late into the draft, but there may not be a better situation than Titan Ultra for him to get his reps back and work his way toward his old form.

The former UP Fighting Maroon and UAAP Season 87 Finals MVP could give the Giant Risers a natural table-setter with ability to organize offense and create opportunities for their young pieces. Cagulangan's ability to handle the ball, make plays out of pick-and-rolls and knock down shots when given space could give Titan Ultra a steady lead guard while allowing him to gradually regain his rhythm and confidence.

- Caramoan

16. PJ Palacielo (Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters)

PJ Palacielo's physicality would give the Phoenix Fuel Masters a boost in the frontcourt. At 6-foot-6, Palacielo could provide a much-needed post presence alongside vertical and shooting threats Kai Ballungay and Ken Tuffin, especially with Jason Perkins entering the later stages of his career.

Right now, Palacielo's shooting is a major weakness, limiting his ceiling as a player. But for a team simply looking to add a serviceable big man to its roster, Palacielo could be a solid option.

- Dongiapon

17. Harold Alarcon (Titan Ultra Giant Risers)

Harold Alarcon's stock may not be as high as it was last year following his exit from UP, but his upside is what you would be banking on.

Titan Ultra would benefit from drafting Alarcon, who took significant strides as an offensive initiator during his time at UP, and who has shown flashes of that development with San Juan in the MPBL. Alarcon is averaging 8.5 points per game on 39.1% shooting from the field, a dip from his collegiate numbers, while also contributing 5.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists.

Alarcon's inconsistency remains a concern, but Titan Ultra could benefit from what the former two-time UAAP champion brings to the table, especially with injuries affecting its backcourt.

- Dongiapon

18. Rey Remogat (Converge FiberXers)

Converge definitely has one of the most top-heavy rosters in the league, but Rey Remogat could help balance its second unit and provide another ball-handler without much of a drop-off.

An intriguing part of the 24-year-old UP point guard's game is his ability to play as a combo guard who can score and make plays out of ball-screen actions. His pull-up shooting and familiarity with Gani Stevens from their time together at UP could make for an intriguing combination, especially in a Converge system that could Remogat more space to operate and develop as a pick-and-roll creator.

- Dongiapon

19. Forthsky Padrigao (Magnolia Hotshots)

One can argue that Forthsky Padrigao belongs among the elite tier of point guards entering the PBA Draft. But with the class so loaded with talented guards, the value of point guards has inevitably diminished.

Still, Padrigao is too talented to overlook. He is averaging 8.0 points and 6.3 assists per game with Zamboanga in the MPBL. Those numbers are not exactly eye-popping, but watching him play shows just how much control he has over a game's tempo.

His shooting remains a major concern, however, as he is shooting just 20.0% from the 3-point line on more than six attempts per game in the MPBL. If that number continues, Padrigao could slide down the board ahead of the draft. In Magnolia, however, Padrigao could be molded into the heir of Mark Barroca, another Zamboanga native who has improved his shooting numbers since entering the league.

- Dongiapon

20. Reyland Torres (Rain or Shine Elasto Painters)

Reyland Torres won't wow you, numbers-wise, but if there's a player in this draft who fits the mold of a Yeng Guiao player it's him given his audacity and ability to be a pesky, physical defender.

Playing for the San Juan Knights in the MPBL, the former UP Fighting Maroon is averaging just 6.9 points, but his defensive mentality could translate well to Rain or Shine's system. One area that could flourish with the Elasto Painters is his three-point shooting, as Torres has been decent from deep in the MPBL, knocking down 35.2% of his attempts on 3.9 tries per game. Giving him more opportunities from the perimeter could make him a useful two-way piece for Guiao.

- Dongiapon

21. Travis Roberts (Meralco Bolts)

Meralco is not short of on-ball scorers who can manufacture shots on their own, but adding more floor spacers to keep defenses honest could open up its offense, which is where Travis Roberts could bring value.

Another NCAA Division I product from Alcorn State, Roberts is now getting reps with Ateneo Blue Eagles alongside a talented backcourt of Kieffer Alas and Jared Bahay in UAAP Season 89. The thing that should be noted moving forward in this season is his ability to knock down shots from the perimeter, which could make him an important off-ball piece for Meralco, giving its primary creators more room to operate while providing a reliable outlet when defenses collapse.

- Dongiapon

22. Jomel Puno (Converge FiberXers)

Jomel Puno's athleticism would be a major plus for Converge, which already has a plethora of forwards and bigs on its roster.

At 6-foot-5, Puno would be a gamble worth taking for the FiberXers, especially if they are looking to add a young piece to replenish the roster when veteran forward Calvin Abueva eventually calls it a career. For now, Puno still has one more NCAA season to show what he can do and improve his draft stock. Puno is certainly someone to watch as a potential riser in this draft.

- Dongiapon

23. Patrick Sleat (Barangay Ginebra San Miguel)

Patrick Sleat has emerged as a reliable offensive weapon for San Juan in the MPBL. A product of the Perpetual Help Altas in the NCAA, Sleat is averaging 9.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.

Sleat is not a star by any means, but he is a capable scorer who could provide a spark off the bench, especially for a Ginebra roster that badly needs more offensive creation.

His familiarity with his former Perpetual head coach Olsen Racela, along with Altas alumni Scottie Thompson and John Abis, could also work in his favor. Those connections may prove valuable as Sleat looks to carve out a spot with one of the PBA's most popular teams.

- Dongiapon

24. Kean Baclaan (TNT Tropang 5G)

In a dribble-drive type of offense under head coach Chot Reyes, a guard who can consistently touch the paint like Kean Baclaan should fit in perfectly.

He has been a solid contributor for Caloocan Batang Kankaloo in the MPBL, putting up 9.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists despite being one of the more undersized guards in the league. As Jayson Castro nears the twilight of his career, Baclaan could give TNT another downhill guard who can attack gaps, collapse the defense, and create kick-out opportunities for perimeter threats like Jordan Heading and Rey Nambatac.

- Carmoan

Honorable mention: Allen Liwag

Allen Liwag suffered an Achilles injury playing for Strong Group Athletics in the William Jones Cup, which might affect his hopes of becoming a prized pick in this draft. The reigning two-time NCAA MVP averaged 15.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.0 block in Season 101, but the severity of the injury and his recovery timeline could create uncertainty around his readiness and availability to make the jump to the PBA.

- Caramoan