Who Won the 2015 PBA Rookie of the Year Award and Where Are They Now?
I still remember the excitement surrounding the 2015 PBA season, particularly the heated discussions about who would claim the prestigious Rookie of the Year award. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've always found rookie seasons particularly fascinating - they set the tone for entire careers. That year's race was especially compelling because we had several standout performers who seemed destined for greatness. Looking back now, it's remarkable to trace how these players' careers have unfolded, and frankly, some paths have surprised me more than others.
The 2015 PBA Rookie of the Year award ultimately went to Stanley Pringle, who edged out other talented newcomers like Chris Newsome and Maverick Ahanmisi. Pringle, selected first overall by GlobalPort in the draft, immediately demonstrated why he was so highly touted. He averaged 16.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game during his rookie campaign - numbers that made him an undeniable choice for the honor. What impressed me most wasn't just his statistical production but how seamlessly he adapted to the professional level. Having watched numerous rookies struggle with the transition, Pringle's immediate impact stood out as something special. His combination of athleticism, shooting touch, and basketball IQ made him one of those rare first-year players who could genuinely influence games rather than just contribute minutes.
Reflecting on that season, I've always felt the competition for the 2015 PBA Rookie of the Year award revealed something important about player development. While Pringle clearly deserved the recognition, the fact that Newsome and Ahanmisi pushed him so hard spoke volumes about that draft class's depth. I've noticed over the years that strong rookie classes often produce multiple quality players rather than just one standout, and 2015 certainly followed that pattern. The debate among fans that season was particularly intense on social media and in the stands, with compelling cases being made for each of the top contenders. Personally, I leaned toward Pringle from early in the season, but I'll admit Newsome's two-way game made me reconsider several times.
Now, nearly a decade later, it's fascinating to see where the 2015 PBA Rookie of the Year winner and his classmates have landed. Pringle's journey has been particularly interesting to follow. After establishing himself as a star with GlobalPort/NorthPort, he was traded to Barangay Ginebra in 2019, where he's won multiple championships and cemented his status as one of the league's premier guards. At 36 years old, he's evolved from that explosive rookie into a savvy veteran who understands how to impact winning. His comment from earlier in his career - "Being able to contribute is also a plus but I know there's still more I can give and it was really a team effort at the end" - perfectly captures the attitude that has allowed him to sustain success. That blend of confidence and team-first mentality isn't as common as you'd think among star players.
What's equally compelling is tracking the careers of the other top rookies from that class. Chris Newsome, who finished second in the voting, has developed into the heart and soul of the Meralco Bolts and has become one of the league's most respected two-way players. Maverick Ahanmisi has carved out a solid career as a reliable rotation player, currently with Rain or Shine. Meanwhile, some later picks like Moala Tautuaa (who went 1st in the regular draft) have also had meaningful careers. If I'm being completely honest, I'm slightly surprised that not more players from that class became bonafide superstars, though several have established themselves as quality professionals.
The evolution of Pringle's game has been particularly noteworthy from my perspective. He's transitioned from a score-first guard to a more complete player who understands pace and makes others better. His three-point shooting has improved dramatically - from around 32% during his rookie year to consistently above 38% in recent seasons. He's also become a more willing defender, understanding that championship teams require commitment on both ends. These developments aren't accidental; they reflect a player who has continuously worked to expand his game rather than resting on his natural talents. In my observation, this growth mindset separates good players from great ones in the PBA.
Considering where all these players are now, I can't help but reflect on how rookie awards, while meaningful, don't always predict long-term trajectories. The 2015 PBA Rookie of the Year winner has certainly lived up to the honor, but other players from that class have had impressive careers in their own right. What strikes me most is how each found their niche - Pringle as an elite scorer and champion, Newsome as a two-way leader, Ahanmisi as a reliable contributor. Their paths remind me that there's no single blueprint for PBA success. Some players burst onto the scene and maintain that star level, while others develop more gradually but still craft meaningful careers.
As I look at the current PBA landscape, the legacy of that 2015 class is still being written. Pringle remains an impactful player for Ginebra, Newsome continues to lead Meralco, and several others are still contributing around the league. Their sustained presence speaks to both their talent and professionalism. The statement "Being able to contribute is also a plus but I know there's still more I can give and it was really a team effort at the end" continues to resonate when I watch these players today. That understanding - that individual success is intertwined with team success - might be the most valuable lesson from that rookie class. In a league where egos can sometimes derail careers, the top performers from 2015 have largely avoided that pitfall.
Thinking about the bigger picture, the 2015 PBA Rookie of the Year award now serves as an interesting milestone in recent PBA history. It marked the arrival of a player who would become one of the faces of the league, while also introducing several other quality professionals who would shape the following decade of Philippine basketball. For me as a longtime follower of the league, tracking these career arcs provides not just entertainment but insights into player development, organizational culture, and the unpredictable nature of sports careers. The fact that we're still talking about these players nearly ten years later is testament to their impact and staying power in a competitive professional landscape.