I still remember the excitement surrounding the 2018 and 2019 NBA draft classes like it was yesterday. The buzz in those draft nights felt electric - we were witnessing what many analysts called potentially transformative generations of talent. As I reflect on these players now, several seasons into their careers, I can't help but draw parallels to that memorable Letran game Coach Allen Ricardo referenced in his dugout speech. Remember how he addressed his Knights after their upset loss to JRU? That moment of reckoning - of being unexpectedly challenged by younger, hungrier opponents - mirrors exactly what many of these once-heralded rookies have experienced in their transition from promising newcomers to established professionals.

When Luka Dončić stepped onto the court in 2018, I'll admit I had my doubts about how his game would translate from Europe. Boy, was I wrong. The Slovenian sensation didn't just adapt - he dominated, putting up numbers we haven't seen since LeBron's early years. His 28.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game last season place him firmly in the MVP conversation. What fascinates me most isn't just the statistics but how he's evolved into Dallas's unquestioned leader, much like how Coach Ricardo needed his Knights to respond to adversity. Trae Young, taken two spots later, has similarly silenced critics who questioned his size and shooting selection. His transformation into a legitimate superstar who averaged 25.3 points and 9.4 assists while leading Atlanta to the Eastern Conference Finals demonstrates that development isn't always linear - it's about responding to challenges.

The 2019 class brought us Zion Williamson, whose career trajectory reminds me of that "young and feisty" JRU squad - bursting with potential but facing unexpected obstacles. When healthy, Zion's been absolutely dominant, averaging 27 points on 61% shooting during his sophomore season. But his injury struggles highlight the brutal physical demands of the NBA journey. Meanwhile, Ja Morant has become must-watch television with his breathtaking athleticism and competitive fire. His leap from exciting rookie to franchise cornerstone - averaging 27.4 points and 6.7 assists while leading Memphis to playoff relevance - exemplifies the growth we hope to see from top picks.

What often gets lost in these discussions are the players taken outside the lottery who've carved out meaningful careers. Jordan Poole, selected 28th in 2019, developed into a crucial piece for Golden State's championship core, averaging 18.5 points while providing explosive scoring off the bench. His story reminds me that development isn't just about natural talent - it's about finding the right system and putting in the work when nobody's watching. Similarly, Tyler Herro (13th pick) has silenced doubters who questioned his defense and playmaking, evolving into Miami's sixth man extraordinaire while averaging 20.7 points and shooting nearly 40% from three.

The international prospects from these classes have particularly impressed me. RJ Barrett (3rd pick in 2019) has steadily improved each season in New York, averaging 20 points while shouldering significant offensive responsibility. His growth as a two-way player demonstrates the importance of patience with young talent. Meanwhile, Darius Garland (5th pick) transformed Cleveland's backcourt, making his first All-Star appearance while averaging 21.7 points and 8.6 assists. His partnership with Evan Mobley represents exactly the kind of young core franchises dream of building through the draft.

As I analyze these players' journeys, I'm struck by how their development mirrors that basketball wisdom Coach Ricardo shared after that upset loss. The transition from rookie to established pro requires navigating unexpected challenges - injuries, shooting slumps, defensive schemes designed to stop you. Some players like Luka and Trae made it look effortless, while others like Zion have faced more turbulent paths. What separates the successful ones isn't just talent but resilience - the ability to adapt and grow when confronted with adversity.

Looking at where these players stand today, I'm particularly bullish on the 2019 class's long-term potential. While Williamson's health remains a concern, players like Morant, Garland, and Herro have established themselves as core pieces for their franchises. The 2018 class has already produced multiple All-NBA talents, with Dončić likely to dominate the league for the next decade. What fascinates me most is watching players like Michael Porter Jr. (14th pick in 2018) overcome significant back injuries to become Denver's second-leading scorer at 19 points per game - proof that development timelines vary dramatically.

As we move further from their draft nights, the narratives around these players continue evolving in fascinating ways. The ones who've succeeded share that quality Coach Ricardo demanded from his team - the mental toughness to respond when things don't go as planned. The NBA journey reveals character as much as talent, and these rookies-turned-veterans have shown us both spectacular triumphs and humbling learning experiences. Their stories remind me why I love following basketball development - it's never just about where you start, but how you grow through the challenges along the way.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.