Basketball players, from time immemorial, have been given monikers or nicknames for various reasons. Some players, because of their superstar status, more than deserve such nicks. Other less deserving cagers got one simply because of certain obvious characteristics or traits that broadcasters and fans can’t pass upon.
I came out with a list of favorite monikers (http://sportingpage.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-pbas-coolest-monickers.html) yesterday. For this article, let’s dissect further and talk about how names, and not just monikers, have become a huge part of the PBA’s success.
1. Style of Play
The easiest one would be because of the way they play the game – names like “The Blur” referring to Jason Castro’s speed, or “Skryus” for Cyrus Baguio’s high-flying acts, or Francis Arnaiz’s “Mr Clutch” or “Big Game James” for James Yap for their ability to score in pressure situations or Yoyong Martirez’s “Sultan of Swipe” for his uncanny ability to steal the ball. Then, there’s “Triggerman” for Allan Caidic for his ability to snipe baskets from practically anywhere and “The Skywalker” and “The Aerial Voyager” for Samboy Lim and Vergel Meneses, respectively, for their ability to hang in the air.
Photo c/o All-Time PBA Greats FB page
2. Physical Attributes
Some players were handed out monikers with how they physically appeared –Marlou Aquino’s “Skyscraper,” (for his 6’9 beanpole frame) Bonel Balingit’s “Gentle Giant,” (a mammoth 6’9 big guy with a pleasant demeanor) Noli Locsin’s “The Tank” (heavy built, yet extremely mobile), Joel Dualan’s “El Aparador” (body the size of a cabinet), the “Extra Rice” duo of JR Quiñahan and Beau Belga (no need to explain), and Emman Monfort’s “Minion” come to mind. Alvin Patrimonio, whose nick, “Captain” came about because of his will to win, used to be called “The Face” – a compliment to his good looks that became a magnet for women fans.
(Photo c/o All-Time PBA Greats FB page)
3. Culled from Surnames
There are others whose nicks were taken from their surnames. Ali Peek’s “Mountain Peek,” (from Mountain Peak), Fortunato “Atoy” Co’s “Fortune Cookie,” Peter Simon’s “The Scoring Apostle” (Saint Peter and Saint Simon, for non-Catholics), “That Ole Black Magic” (Norman Black) or Ricardo Brown’s Quick Brown Fox are classic examples. Personally though, I’m not a fan of nicks churned from their names – not only is it lame but it can be, at times, demeaning. But that’s me.
Photo c/o All-Time PBA Greats FB page
4. Big Names, Big Nicks
The big names are given their tags simply because they’ve earned these – “El Presidente” or “The Franchise” for Ramon Fernandez, “The Big J” or “The Living Legend” for Robert Jaworski, Sr, speaks volumes of how these two superstars changed the dynamics of the local game. Without a doubt, the PBA may not have survived after Crispa disbanded at the end of the 1984 season. With only six franchises left and the PHL economy in shambles, many predicted the league’s demise by then. But with Fernandez and Jaworski involved in a deep and personal feud made public after Toyota’s disbandment, fans found the games more riveting especially when the two teams of these players went up against each other. By 1986, Ginebra and Tanduay had their own rivalry that was close to approximating the Crispa-Toyota rivalry had not the latter disbanded after 1987.
Photo c/o NBA & PBA Legends FB page
5. Not Your Everyday Name
On the other hand, we all remember when we were kids how we make fun of some of our classmates’ unusual surnames. Teachers were fond of calling their students with their surnames, hence, if you owned an unusual family name, you’re bound to receive never-ending ribbings from your peers. The PBA isn’t any different. You have fantastic names like Amomompon for Mariwasa’s Gavino Amomonpon, or Mariwasa’s Lucrecio Dacula – a name played around by adding the letter “R” between D and A. It came to a point when Dacula decided to have his name officially changed to “Dator,” taking the first syllable of his parents’ surnames (Dacula and Tortor). Other unusual names include Dylan Ababou (can be played around with “lababo” – the vernacular for sink), Gido Babilonia, Israel Catacutan, Aris Dimaunahan (wonder what happens if he doesn’t place first), Bryan Gahol (lacking), Lou Gatumbato, Rob Labagala, June Longalong (must be a lengthy one), Leo Paguntalan (Visayans really have very unique Filipino surnames), among many others.
6. Geography anyone?
Curiously, the PBA wasn’t lacking in providing geography lessons for the fans. The names of a lot of players, including imports, would provide a sneak peek on what can be viewed in the world map. Names include Efren Manila, Hubert Filipinas, Markus Leite (from the visiting Emtex Sacronels), Danny Basilan, Josel Angeles, Junthy Valenzuela, Cyrus Baguio, among others, allowed us to appreciate the 7,000 plus islands that the Philippines has. Overseas, we had the likes of Derrick Canada, Derrick Holland, Larry Boston, Byron Houston, Leo Austria, Padim Israel, Jerome Jordan and Tyrone Washington to help us navigate.
7. Coloring Book
Similarly, there are names that provide color to every discussion. Locals or imports alike, these names take away whatever dull or bland aspects of the game as they dazzle us visually just by their names. Among the locals, we’ve had the likes of Ricardo Brown, Kevin White and Roel and Derrick Bughao. From the import ranks, names like Norman Black, Sylvester Gray, a couple of Greens that include Al, Brian and Sean, several Whites like Leon, Tony, Rodney, Wayland and Willy came to shore. There was also a Warren Rosegreen who suited up for Purefoods in 2002. What’s fascinating about Purefoods in 2002 was that they suited up at least 3 imports that year that betrayed then Coach Ryan Gregorio’s partiality to “colored” personalities. Apart from Rosegreen, Leon White and Derrick Brown also played for the Hotdogs. In fairness, Gregorio was able to produce maximum dividends by copping the Governors’ Cup that year. The Browns, of course, contributed the most with names like Derrick, Johnny, Raheim, Robert, Lew, Andre, Eric, Ira, Ernest, among others.
8. Royal Names and their underlings
To underscore the players’ versatility, they’re not just basketball players. By their names alone, you can surmise they hold dual responsibilities. Most esteemed of course, at least in the Roman Catholic religion, was David Pope, who played for Tanduay Rhum Makers in 1985. There were several royalties – like Abe King, Bruce King and Victor King of Toyota and Chris King of Ginebra. Fascinating coincidence that all these “monarchs” got to play alongside the acknowledged “king of Philippine basketball,” Robert Jaworski, Sr.
A king won’t be complete without a partner and this is where Darren Queenan of Añejo and Purefoods come in. They have an able bodyguard in the 6’10 mastadon Dan Knight, who played for the U/Tex Weavers in the 1976 season. “Prince” Philip Cezar, Vince “The Prince” Hizon, Prince Caperal and Northport import Prince Ibeh can serve as their future successors. We can even add Duke Crews (ROS) to the royalty mix. Curiously, Abe King and Philip Cezar formed the Royal Brothers of Great Taste when they were teammates starting 1987, and figured in colossal battles with Hills Bros. own Bruise Brothers, Ricky Relosa and Yoyoy Villamin.
A king won’t be complete without a partner and this is where Darren Queenan of Añejo and Purefoods come in. They have an able bodyguard in the 6’10 mastadon Dan Knight, who played for the U/Tex Weavers in the 1976 season. “Prince” Philip Cezar, Vince “The Prince” Hizon, Prince Caperal and Northport import Prince Ibeh can serve as their future successors. We can even add Duke Crews (ROS) to the royalty mix. Curiously, Abe King and Philip Cezar formed the Royal Brothers of Great Taste when they were teammates starting 1987, and figured in colossal battles with Hills Bros. own Bruise Brothers, Ricky Relosa and Yoyoy Villamin.
The Royal Brothers - Prince Philip Cezar and Abe King - when they were still heated rivals
Then, you have a couple of stitch workers to provide fashion like Jay, Jess, Alyun and Cornelius Taylor, along with a close relative, Omar Weaver or educators like Brandon Dean of Coke. Servicing their needs are exceptional food handlers and helpers like Maurice Baker (TNT), James Brewer (Shell), Lenny Cooke (Purefoods), Reginald Butler (Purefoods), Kevin (Toyota) and Chris (Ginebra) Porter. Entertainers like The Magician (Rudy Soriano) or Magic Man (Dondon Ampalayo would be the royal jesters. And then, you have the bodyguards – guys with ranks like Major Pain (Eric Menk), Tinyente (LA Tenorio – his acronym being Lieutenant, or LT, hence, the tag), “The Gineral” (also for Tenorio), The Captain (Alvin Patrimonio), or The Little General (Willy Generalao) – would make everyone feel safe. Not to mention The Flying A (Johnny Abarrientos) to provide for their flying needs.
9. Nicks copied from the NBA
Going back to monikers, there are fancy names that have been produced that can make it to any fan’s top ten list. Some good ones though were aped from the NBA – names like The Bruise Brothers (as previously mentioned in the previous blog article) referring to Hills Bros.’ Yoyoy Villamin and Ricky Relosa, was actually taken from the San Antonio Spurs in the 1980 season featuring the likes of Dave Corzine, Mark Olberding, George and Reggie Johnson, among others. They were called Bruise Brothers because of the imposing defense they create inside the paint making their opponent think twice about penetrating the lanes. The “Human Eraser,” a nick given to Presto and Alaska import Winston Crite in 1990 and 1992 because of his ability to block shots, was actually taken from Marvin Webster of the NY Knicks in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Jaworski’s “Big J” wasn’t also an original, as Jaworski was given the moniker “Big Hands” back in the late 60’s by the late broadcaster Willy Hernandez. It was later changed to “The Big J” for his similarity in play to the NBA’s legendary Oscar Robertson, christened “The Big O.” His partner, Francis Arnaiz, was called “Mr. Clutch” because of his ability to score bigtime points. But we all know the original was Jerry West of the Los Angeles Lakers. And of course, one of my personal favorites, James Yap’s “Big Game James” is actually a James Worthy original, also of the Lakers. Nonetheless, original or not, they deserve the tag simply because they fit snugly to how they played.
No Nicks Yet Big Names
On the other side, believe it or not, there were at least 3 MVP winners – all Crispa players – who never had a nickname for themselves. Collectively, Bogs Adornado, Abet Guidaben and Freddie Hubalde shared six MVP awards among themselves yet surprisingly, no one ever came up with fitting moniker for them. Perhaps, Adornado’s real nickname, “Bogs” was more than enough – it wasn’t uncommon to be described as “Bogs” whenever you swish a shot from afar. Some scribes described him as “The Tender Tornado” but it didn’t fit. Hubalde, perhaps the game’s best bank-shot artist (the ability to score by hitting the ball to the glass), would have been described as “Freddie In The Bank” but they never did. Up to his final season with Añejo Rum 65 in 1990, he never got his own moniker. Guidaben would have been the “Camiguin Cog” as the two-time MVP hails from that province. Guidaben played for nearly two decades but despite being acknowledged as one of the best centers in PBA history, he never earned a moniker that would most fit his game. Instead, a hobbit who became a mini-celebrity (no pun intended there) after appearing in a couple of movies back in the early 80’s was actually called “Guidaben.”
Personal Favorites
One of my all-time favorites though is Paul Alvarez’s “Mr. Excitement.” You have to hand it over to the person who invented this – anyone from the Vintage panel back in 1989 – but there’s no other nickname worthy for Alvarez than “Mr. Excitement.” Dante Gonzalgo’s “Bicol Express” was another fitting term for the Bicolano native as he was a speedster who bulldozed his way like a wrecking train inside the paint. Likewise, he added spice to the Ginebra game with his ability to play two-way at both ends of the court.
Alex Cabagnot’s “Cool Whip” may not have stuck well in the imagination of fans but it was a fantastic nick. For whatever reason, the TV5 panel prefers the Quinito Henson-coined “Crunchman” for A-Cab’s ability to score in the crunch. Personally, I find the “Crunchman” one of the lamest monikers ever invented.
Giving out monikers to players is an art – some broadcasters have this special gift of coming up with such. What matters though is putting in the perfect fit for the player – that special tag once heard can only relate to one basketball player. Caloy Loyzaga, perhaps the greatest Filipino basketball player ever, was called “The Big Difference” back in the 50’s. You don’t even need to ask how special Loyzaga was once you hear his moniker. That’s how nicknames are made, and that’s how legacies are built.
@ No.2 - Squarefaced Patrimonio
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