2025-11-22 15:01
I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2019 PBA season like it was yesterday. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I can confidently say this particular season brought something special to the hardwood—a perfect storm of emerging talent and unforgettable games that had us all on the edge of our seats. What made this season particularly fascinating wasn't just the action on the court, but the anticipation building around potential draft picks who could reshape the league's future.
The Gomez de Liaño situation perfectly captured that pre-season excitement. After watching his development through stints in Japan, Lithuania, and Korea, I had him pegged as someone who could make an immediate impact. When news broke that he was setting his sights on the PBA by applying for the draft, the basketball circles I frequented absolutely lit up with speculation. We all expected him to be a candidate for that coveted No. 1 pick in the September 7 proceedings, and honestly, I thought he'd be a perfect fit for teams looking to build around versatile, internationally-tested talent. That kind of global experience is exactly what the PBA needs more of, if you ask me.
Now, let's talk about the actual games that made this season memorable. The Commissioner's Cup finals between San Miguel and TNT was, in my professional opinion, one of the best championship series we've seen in recent years. Game 6 specifically had me jumping off my couch—that overtime thriller where June Mar Fajardo dropped 28 points and 15 rebounds while dealing with what we later learned was a partially torn muscle. The man played through visible pain, and that's the kind of heart you can't teach. Meanwhile, Terrence Jones was putting up historic numbers for TNT, averaging around 34 points per game throughout the series. I've analyzed basketball statistics for years, and what Jones did that series was simply phenomenal—the kind of performance that makes you appreciate having witnessed it live.
The Philippine Cup provided its own drama, particularly that semifinal clash between Ginebra and Magnolia. That Game 7 went down to the wire, with Scottie Thompson hitting what became the series-winning three-pointer with just 12 seconds left. From my perspective, what made that moment special wasn't just the shot itself, but how it showcased Thompson's growth from a role player to someone who wants the ball when everything's on the line. I've always believed pressure reveals character, and Thompson's emergence as a clutch performer throughout that playoff run told me everything I needed to know about his competitive makeup.
What often gets overlooked when discussing that season is how the rookies performed. While we were all speculating about Gomez de Liaño's potential draft position, players like Robert Bolick were already making waves for NorthPort. I distinctly remember his 25-point, 10-assist performance against Columbian in March—the kid played with a fearlessness you don't often see from newcomers. Having evaluated numerous prospects over the years, I can tell you that transition from collegiate to professional basketball is tougher than most fans realize, which made Bolick's immediate impact all the more impressive.
The Governor's Cup gave us another classic between Meralco and Ginebra, with that iconic Allen Durham vs. Justin Brownlee matchup living up to all the hype. Game 4 of that series featured one of the most complete team performances I've seen from Ginebra in years—they shot 48% from the field while holding Meralco to just 36%. As someone who values defensive execution, I have to say Coach Tim Cone's adjustments throughout that series were masterclass material. The way they rotated on Durham in the post while still contesting perimeter shots was textbook team defense.
Looking back, what made the 2019 season particularly compelling was how it balanced established superstars with emerging talent. While Fajardo was collecting another MVP trophy—his fifth consecutive, which is just absurd when you think about it—we were also witnessing the rise of players like CJ Perez, who put up 22 points per game in his rookie season. That blend of veteran excellence and youthful energy created a dynamic season that appealed to both traditionalists and those looking toward the league's future.
The draft speculation surrounding Gomez de Liaño represented something larger than just one player—it signaled the PBA's growing appeal to Filipino players who had tested themselves internationally. In my view, this trend only strengthens the league, bringing in diverse experiences and playing styles that elevate the overall product. While we can debate whether he should have been that number one pick, what's undeniable is that his potential entry generated legitimate excitement about where Philippine basketball was heading.
Reflecting on the 2019 season as a whole, it's clear we witnessed something special—a year where individual brilliance and team excellence converged to create unforgettable moments. From the statistical landmarks to the last-second heroics, this season had everything a basketball enthusiast could want. The games we discussed here represent just a fraction of the action, but they capture the essence of why that particular PBA season remains so vivid in the memory of everyone who followed it closely.
