THE Philippine Basketball Association recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a grand bash at the Solaire North Resort in Quezon City. The celebration will go down in the books as befitting the league’s outstanding stature earned over the years.
In contrast, other leagues in Asia are “Johnny-Come-Lately” associations that pale in comparison to the PBA, which, in its early years, was dubbed the Little Big League of Asia.
Organized by a group of men armed with a vision, resources and dedication, it has showcased the best basketball talent in the country and provided a platform for players to compete at the highest level.
The league’s inaugural season in 1975 featured 10 teams representing different companies, fostering a sense of corporate rivalry. The intense competition and high level of play captivated fans, setting the stage for the PBA’s enduring success.
There were bumps along the way, especially when the league was reduced to six teams in the 1980s after great rivals Crispa and Toyota disbanded one after the other. But it was during this time that the league became a bigger hit among fans, driven by the rivalry fostered by teams that thrived in the so-called “No blood, no foul” philosophy.
‘As the PBA embarks on its next 50 years, the future looks bright, with the league poised to continue its tradition of excellence, providing thrilling basketball action and inspiring the next generation of players and fans.’
The league also contended with various problems, among them allegations of game-fixing, point-shaving, and later the influx of what would later be proven as fake Filipino-foreign players. There were also allegations of some squads agreeing to become the farm teams of more established organizations.
But the distinguished gentlemen in charge of steering the ship, starting with Commissioner Leo Prieto, Mariano Yenko, Rudy Salud and Jun Bernardino, safely navigated the ship out of troubled waters and handed the steering wheel to capable and dedicated men.
Throughout its history, the PBA has produced some of the most iconic players in Philippine basketball, legends like Robert Jaworski, Ramon Fernandez, and Alvin Patrimonio, who have left an indelible mark on the league and inspired generations of players and fans alike. They showcased their incredible skills on the court and embodied the values of sportsmanship, dedication, and perseverance.
It must be stressed that basketball is more than just a sport in the Philippines; it is a way of life. The league has played a crucial role in shaping this cultural phenomenon, bringing people together and fostering a sense of community and national pride.
Who would forget the all-pro national team that competed in the Beijing Asian Games in 1990 and brought home the silver? Gilas Pilipinas later completed the mission for the Philippines, winning the gold in the Hangzhou Asian Games.
To keep pace with the changing times, the PBA has undergone numerous transformations, expanding, introducing new formats and rules, and embracing technological advancements to enhance the fan experience, ensuring the PBA remains relevant and continues to attract a new generation of fans.
As the PBA embarks on its next 50 years, the future looks bright, with the league poised to continue its tradition of excellence, providing thrilling basketball action and inspiring the next generation of players and fans. Led by Commissioner Willie Marcial, league chairman Ricky Vargas and the energetic board members, there is no way but up.
We toast to that.
