Let me be honest with you—when I first sat down to write about the 40 greatest players in PBA history, I thought I had a pretty solid idea of who belonged where. But then I stumbled upon Carlo Biado’s recent comments after Day One of the 2nd Reyes Cup, and it got me thinking. Biado, one of the Philippines’ modern greats, didn’t expect Team Asia to jump to a 4-0 lead over Team Rest of the World. He talked about setting the tone early, and honestly, that’s what separates the legends from the rest. It’s not just about winning; it’s about momentum, legacy, and that intangible quality that makes certain players unforgettable.
I’ve been following the PBA for over two decades, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that greatness isn’t just measured by stats—though they matter—but by moments that define eras. Think about it: the PBA has been around since 1975, and in that time, we’ve seen players who didn’t just dominate the court; they shaped the league’s identity. Ramon Fernandez, for instance, isn’t just a name with four MVP titles; he’s the “El Presidente” who redefined the center position. And then there’s Robert Jaworski, whose leadership in the 1980s wasn’t just about points per game—it was about heart, grit, and that famous never-say-die spirit. I’ll admit, I’m biased toward players from that era because they played with a raw intensity that’s harder to find today.
But let’s not ignore the numbers. When I look at the all-time lists, Fernandez leads with over 18,000 points and 8,000 rebounds—figures that still boggle my mind. Alvin Patrimonio, another favorite of mine, racked up four MVP awards and over 15,000 points, and his consistency was just unreal. And how can we forget June Mar Fajardo? The guy’s got six MVP titles as of 2023, and watching him dominate the paint feels like witnessing history in the making. Sure, some might argue that modern players benefit from better training and facilities, but I’d counter that the pressure is higher now, with social media and global comparisons. That’s why Biado’s remark about setting the tone resonates—it’s about seizing the moment, something these legends did repeatedly.
Now, compiling a list of 40 isn’t just about picking the top scorers. I’ve spent hours debating with fellow fans, and we always end up arguing over players like James Yap, whose clutch shots in the 2000s defined an era, or Johnny Abarrientos, whose defensive prowess changed how point guards were viewed. And let’s not overlook the international influence—guys like Justin Brownlee, who may not have the longevity but brought a new dynamic to the game. Personally, I think Brownlee’s impact in recent years, especially in the Reyes Cup, underscores how the PBA is evolving. Biado’s surprise at the 4-0 lead? It hints at that shift—Asia’s rising dominance, fueled by players who blend traditional skills with global flair.
But here’s where it gets tricky: how do you compare eras? I mean, the PBA in the ’70s was a different beast—fewer games, less media scrutiny, but arguably more physical play. Players like Atoy Co and Philip Cezar didn’t have the three-point line back then, yet they adapted and thrived. I’ve always felt that the greatest players are the ones who transcend their time, and that’s why my list includes names from every decade. For example, Benjie Paras, the only rookie MVP, brought a charisma that drew in fans, while Mark Caguioa’s “The Spark” energy in the 2000s kept audiences on the edge of their seats. It’s not just about stats; it’s about how they made you feel watching the game.
Speaking of feelings, I remember watching a game where Jaworski played through an injury, and the crowd went wild—that’s the kind of legacy that numbers can’t capture. And in today’s context, with events like the Reyes Cup highlighting regional rivalries, players like Biado are writing new chapters. His comment about the 4-0 lead isn’t just a footnote; it’s a reminder that setting the tone early can define a tournament, much like how the greats in PBA history set the tone for entire seasons. For instance, in the 2019 season, Fajardo’s average of 20.3 points and 14.8 rebounds per game didn’t just win games; it intimidated opponents into submission.
As I wrap this up, I’ll say that narrowing down to 40 names is both a science and an art. You’ve got the statistical giants, the emotional leaders, and the game-changers who pushed boundaries. From my perspective, the common thread is that they all understood the importance of momentum—just like Biado emphasized. Whether it’s Fernandez’s record-breaking rebounds or Caguioa’s explosive drives, these players didn’t wait for greatness; they grabbed it from day one. So, if you’re curious about who made my cut, stay tuned for the full list in the next piece. Trust me, it’s a debate that’ll keep us talking for years, and that’s what makes the PBA’s history so rich and worth celebrating.
