More on Nicks and Names...

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.

                                                                                                  Luke Dacula (later called Luke Dator)

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.

                                                                                         Danny Basilan protecting the ball from prying hands

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.

                                                               Añejo Rum's Sylvester Gray going past the defense of Formula Shell's Bobby Parks

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.

                                      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.

                                                        The Flying A, Johnny Abarrientos, in one of his patented incursions in the paint.
                                                

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.

                                                                         Presto Tivoli's Winston Crite foiling Purefoods' Glenn Capacio's layup

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.”

                                                            Freddie Hubalde and Bogs Adornado guarding each other - PBA's first 2 MVP winners

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.

                                                                                                       Bong Alvarez with a short stab

            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.

                                                     The "Cool Whip" Alex Cabagnot of Coke Tigers, attacking Burger King's Chico Lanete's defense

            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.

                                                         The Big Difference, Caloy Loyzaga, regarded as the greatest Filipino basketball player ever.

The PBA's Coolest Monikers

            Nicknames or monikers are normally given to players who have made their mark in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Monikers are normally given for different reasons. It could be based on his style of play, his physical attributes, or his geographical roots. No matter the reason, monikers give spice and color to the players and the game. And even if they won’t admit, these nicknames can be quite flattering.

            Allow me to list down 12 of the coolest monikers (my personal favories) ever given out to PBA players. Sure, there were lame ones like Mr. President (for Gabe Norwood for being a deadringer for former US President Barack Obama), or The Skyscraper (for Marlou Aquino being a 6’9 behemoth), or Crunchman (for Alex Cabagnot for playing well at crunch time), but there were still jewels concocted by the broadcast team, the sports scribes and even the fans themselves.

            We list these down in random order:

1.    Mr. Excitement – Paul Alvarez

Perhaps one of the best monikers ever given to a player, it’s a fitting tribute to Bong Alvarez for creating so much excitement when he’s inside the game. Alvarez was a rookie for the Alaska Milkmen in the 1989 season when he rocked the league with his lightning quick plays, his deceptive moves that resulted to steals resulting to thunderous dunks. It was a period when the younger players were starting to replace the pioneers of the league, and Alvarez was definitely one of the leading faces among the young turks.

  Photo c/o All-Time PBA Greats

2.    Big Game James – James Yap

Sure, this may not be an original, as the one who actually carried this nickname was James Worthy of the Los Angeles Lakers back in the 80’s. But there’s no denying how fitting this moniker was for James Yap, who has consistently produced one big game after another during the playoffs. He may not do well in the elimination round but opponents are fully aware of the danger that lurks ahead when having Yap as opponent during the playoffs.

                                                                                                        Photo c/o GMA News

3.    The Beast – Calvin Abueva

Calvin Abueva has always been known as “The Beast” dating back to his San Sebastian days in the NCAA. The tag, authored by the late barker, Rolly Manlapaz, is perfect because of his beastly plays, despite his lithe 6’1 frame. He dominates the inside and is a bundle of energy unmatched by anyone in the PBA today. One of the most polarizing personalities in the league, people close to Abueva actually say that he’s an"angel" off the court, far from the Beast tag that he has carried all throughout these years.

                                                                         Photo c/o Spin.ph

4.    Mr. Clutch – Francis Arnaiz

Originally given to Jerry West of the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA, it’s just appropriate that there would be a PBA version of Mr. Clutch. It’s no surprise therefore to have a player dating back in the 70’s be given this moniker – no less than Francis Arnaiz. Arnaiz was the prohibitive favorite to win the Most Valuable Player plum back in the pioneer season of the league, but lost out to Bogs Adornado of Crispa. Even with the teeming talent of the Toyota Comets / Tamaraws back then, Arnaiz’s ability to deliver when the game is on the line is legendary. Whether taken from the outside or through penetrating the lanes and then releasing his patented looping layup (now called the teardrop) that swishes nothing but net, Arnaiz was clutch personified. (Note: The late Pinggoy Pengson also gave him the nick, "The Road Warrior.")

                                                                                                   Photo c/o Toyota Tamaraws FB page

5.    Skyrus – Cyrus Baguio

There have been several high-flyers in the PBA before him – Samboy Lim, Alvarez and Vergel Meneses most notably. It wasn’t easy to come up with a nick for Baguio but through the witty use of his first name, Cyrus, and prefixing this with “Sky” were enough to make casual fans not think twice that this player can hang in the air. Baguio is one of the best hang-time artists ever to play in the PBA, his ability to suspend himself in mid-air when taking the shot, while waiting for his defenders to descend, is a marvel and absolute delight to witness.

                                                                   Cyrus Baguio skies high for a twinner against Joe Devance and Marc Pingris

6.    Fast & The Furious – Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa

The combination of Helterbrand and Caguioa inside the court was mayhem and chaos combined to opposing teams. They drove defenders crazy using their speed and athleticism to get past their more experienced rivals. It wasn’t a coincidence to see these two personify these exciting traits with the most popular ballclub in the land, Ginebra San Miguel. The Fast & the Furious coin came around the same time when the movie franchise namesake became a global phenomenon. By then, the Ginebra version was already establishing its legendary status as one of the best backcourt duos in league history.

                                                                                                                    Photo c/o Rappler.com

7.    The Franchise – Ramon Fernandez

The late Pinggoy Pengson was responsible for this nick, the ultimate compliment that can be given to perhaps the greatest player ever to play in the PBA. The Franchise meant everything when describing the great Ramon Fernandez – a complete, do-it-all winner who would assume full leadership and responsibility for his team in its quest to win PBA titles. He did so in the latter years of Toyota, he continued to do so with Tanduay and San Miguel Beer. But it was when he was a Beer Hausen Brewmaster when Pengson came out with this moniker – an apt description of how franchises, when building its team around one player, should be done. There can be no other Franchise player in the PBA as great as Don Ramon, also called El Presidente.

                                                                                        Photo c/o Toyota Tamaraws FB page

8.    Bicol Express – Dante Gonzalgo

A native of Sorsogon in the plush lands of Bicolandia, Dante Gonzalgo reminded old-timers of the train that shuttled from Manila to Bicol hurling its way on the PNR tracks. An original from the late Smokin’ Joe Cantada, Gonzalgo fitted the description to the T, with his ability to shift gears – playing it slow and coy, then leaving his defender biting the dust with a sudden change of speed penetrating the lanes and going for the easy layup. He didn’t possess the vaunted crossover move when shaking off his opponent, instead, Gonzalgo merely used his court smarts, knowing when to attack at the most unexpected moment.

                                                                                        Photo c/o Classic Ginebra FB page

9.    Chairman of the Boards – Abe King

The PBA already had monster rebounders back in the 70’s, the local who held the record for most number of boards in a game was little-known Jinky Simbulan back in 1975 while playing for the 7Up Uncolas. (Junemar Fajardo eventually surpassed this record with 31 last year). But it was King who made rebounding an art to watch – the powerful “kalawit” boards having originated from him. Just watching King dominate the inside with his innate rebounding and positioning skills were already a spectacle, especially when he did that against bulkier and taller imports. Another invention by Joe Cantada, it was in reference to Cantada’s favorite singer, Frank Sinatra, the Chairman of the Board himself. With a little twist in the moniker, it became the perfect moniker for no less than the King of the Boards himself.

                                                                                                     Photo c/o Toyota Tamaraws FB page

10. Point Laureate – Ronnie Magsanoc

It wasn’t easy to come up with a moniker for Ronnie Magsanoc. He was everything a point guard stood for – exceptional playmaking, nifty passing, deadly outside shooting, and clutch shots all around. But when esteemed sportswriter Al Mendoza came up with Point Laureate as his description of the former UP Maroon sentinel in his Inquirer column back in 1990, it was a perfect fit. Magsanoc was already dominating the league back then, one of the primary catalysts why Formula Shell won its first PBA title back in the 1990 Open Conference against a Sylvester Gray-led Anejo Rum 65. Magsanoc’s game reminded Mendoza and millions of fans how the game can actually be turned into an art, amidst all the physicality and ruggedness. He didn’t hit back despite all the licks endured from the likes of enforcers like Rudy Distrito and Dante Gonzalgo. Instead, he retaliated by making one clutch shot after another, seemingly impossible shots that hit nothing but the bottom of the net in true art form.

                                                                                            Photo c/o All-Time PBA Greats FB page

11. The Sol Train – Sol Mercado

When Solomon Mercado joined the PBA as a rookie in the 2008 season, only a few really knew how he played. Alaska, the team that drafted him, immediately sent him to Rain or Shine in a trade for Joe Devance. Mercado proved his worth almost immediately, teaming up with good friend Gabe Norwood, to give respectability to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. One of the best interior penetrators in the league despite his lack in height, Mercado was as fearless cracking the defense as his blinding speed that left opponents amazed. He had an array of moves to get away from his defender – an ankle-breaking crossover, dribbling wizardry, and unmatched speed, a consistent outside jumper - there was no perfect moniker that could be better than the Sol Train.

                                                                   Sol Mercado pivots his way around Jonas Villanueva's tight defense

12. The Bruise Brothers – Yoyoy Villamin and Ricky Relosa

Ok, not another original, the tag having come from the San Antonio Spurs 6-man gang of bruising defenders made up of the likes of Dave Corzine, Reggie Johnson, Paul Griffin, Mark Olberding, Kevin Restani and George Johnson. And yes, there were only two of them at Hills Bros (now Alaska) – Yoyoy Villamin and Ricky Relosa, ironically, bitter opponents as they played for Crispa and Toyota, respectively, in their younger years. But when the two teamed up for the Coffee Kings, the Uytengsu-owned franchise almost immediately earned respectability after only a season in the PBA. The two teamed up to form one, if not, the most imposing frontline defense in the league back then, matched only by the tandem of Great Taste’s Abe King and Philip Cezar. But what made the Villamin-Relosa tandem famous, apart from their impregnable defense inside, was the moniker given to them that was more than just a perfect description of their style of game.

                                                                                   Photos c/o All-Time PBA Greats FB Page

      They say that when a player is given a nickname by broadcasters, sports scribes and fans, then he is a made commodity already. But nicks can only be special if they fit the description of the players well. These twelve not only have made it big in the PBA, they also possess the coolest monikers in the league’s 45-year old history.

The Most Memorable Quotes in PBA History

      Basketball personalities are celebrities in their own right. They have a multitude of followers who closely monitor their every move, watch their games diligently, go out of their way to visit them during practices with the hope of a “selfie” plus autographs, and even give them gifts during special occasions.

      In this modern age, it’s also not uncommon for fans to keep abreast of their respective idols’ activities and sentiments posted via social media. Whether it's an outlet for the personalities to vent their sentiments or to attract followers, or both, there's no denying the impact that social media has done for fans to hear the players. In 2012, Don Allado was fined Php 500,000 and suspended for one conference after ranting on Twitter that the PBA games were fixed. This came after his team, the Barako Bulls, lost to the Powerade Tigers, 99-95, in a knockout game that saw a missed three second violation call by the referee on Powerade import, Omar Sneed, resulting to a crucial floater by JVee Casio with three minutes left in the game. 

      As such, allow us to take a look back to the most controversial, funniest, interesting and earth-shaking quotes from PBA personalities. We’ll go old school a bit though, opting to get the quotable quotes from interviews made with the players before, during and after the game or through televised interviews and documentaries produced. 

10.  “Once we go out, it’s always a war. No ifs and buts about it. If I have a machine gun, I will mow them down and spit on their corpses.” – Red Bull Coach Yeng Guiao in the 2004 Fiesta Conference Finals

Coach Yeng Guiao, like his contemporaries Chot Reyes and Tim Cone, will always be a reporter’s dream interview. Not the type who will mince his words, Guiao’s brutal frankness coupled with his ability to articulate his sentiments has made his pre or post-game interviews exciting. When Guiao mentioned this quote, it was in preparation for the 2004 Fiesta Conference Finals duel against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. Ginebra was the odds-on favorite in this series but the two-time All-Interview Team awardee will always have a way with his words to make the rivalry even more enticing to watch.

                                                                       Photo c/o The Philippine Star

9.  “We are like sharks, if we smell blood, we go for it.” – Alaska Coach Tim Cone in the 1996 Commissioner’s Cup Finals, and swiftly replied with: “If they’re sharks, then we’re dolphins. We drive away the sharks!” – by Shell Coach Chito Narvasa who battled Alaska in the same conference finals.

            Many fans were disappointed not to see an Alaska versus Ginebra Finals series after Shell’s Kenny Redfield converted from 30 feet with a buzzer-beating three point shot in their sudden death game for the second Finals berth. When Alaska and Shell faced for the championship of the 1996 Commissioner’s Cup, the two coaching protagonists made sure that the fans would be treated to a grand show. Alaska, the slight favorites in this series, was brimming with confidence after having won the last 2 championships. Cone, who normally downplays their chances, was unusually candid with his statement. In retaliation, Narvasa, equally articulate, responded accordingly. True enough, the series went to 7 games with “the sharks” winning in the end.

                                                                                        Photo c/o ABS-CBN Sports

8.  “It was God’s play!” – Añejo playing coach Robert Jaworski in the 1988 All Filipino sudden death game.

            The young Purefoods TJ Hotdogs were able to snag the first Finals seat in the 1988 AFC. San Miguel Beer and Añejo Rum 65 slugged it out in a sudden-death knockout game, the winner to face the Hotdogs in the Finals. It was a close game all throughout as both teams engaged in a shooting duel. With time down to 5 seconds, the game was tied at 100 and the 65ers sued for time. Coach Robert Jaworski mapped out a play for Joey Loyzaga to penetrate and attract a swarm of defenders. Loyzaga was either to take it strong or to find an open man. The burly guard followed the Big J’s instructions, went straight to the paint, only to be met by a collapsing defense. Loyzaga fed off an open Romy Mamaril inside when his defender, Abet Guidaben, helped out. Mamaril got the ball and scored an easy layup with no time remaining as the ULTRA exploded. Jaworski, in the post-game interview, described this as “God’s play.” He may have been right. In the Finals, the Big J providentially won his only AFC crown as a head coach, defeating the Hotdogs, 3-1, in their series.

                                                                                             Video taken from YouTube

7.  “If I didn’t score those two points, we wouldn’t have won the game.” – Purefoods import Rob Rose in the 1990 Reinforced Conference.

            Just how sweet was Purefoods’ first championship? Consider this: Since Purefoods joined the league in 1988, they have entered the Finals 4 times out of 8 conferences and lost every single one of them. On their 5^th appearance in their 9^th conference, they had the venerable Baby Dalupan going up against Alaska and a young Tim Cone. The game stretched to the deciding 5^th game, with the Hotdogs finally winning, 99-98, courtesy of an Al Solis triple with 14 seconds left. Purefoods import Dareen Queenan exploded with 40 points in the decider but his teammate, Rob Rose, only contributed two points. Yet, Rose jested in the post-game celebration that if it were not for those two points, the Hotdogs would have lost the game. From the Joaqui Trillo school of analysis, he’s actually correct!

                                                      Photo from Champ Magazine

6.  “If this is the NBA, all Ginebra players will be thrown out in the first half!” – Swift’s Tony Harris after a bruising game against Ginebra in the 1992 season.

            It’s interesting how Yeng Guiao is considered the principal believer of the physical game in the PBA today. Many have compared his teams (NLEX, ROS, Red Bull) to the old Ginebra team of Robert Jaworski, an opinion not without basis. But when the Big J was still around as coach for the Gins, it was actually Guiao’s players at Swift who were most vocal about their opponent’s physicality. The Mighty Meaties’ prolific import Tony Harris, owner of the league’s record for most points in a game with 105 points scored against Ginebra in Dumaguete, once quipped that Ginebra’s physical style bordered on illegal and that had they been playing in the NBA, the game would have been forfeited as everyone will be thrown out. True enough, the Big J utilized Larry Villanil, Bennett Palad, JV Gayoso, Dante Gonzalgo, Pido Jarencio, Nonoy Chuatico, and Macky De Joya to slow down the "Hurricane." They weren’t able to stop him, but Harris was black and blue after the game.

                                                                             Photo from Classic Ginebra FB page

  

5.  “Pag hindi kami mag-champion, tatakbo ako ng hubad sa Roxas Boulevard.” – Ginebra’s Mark Caguioa in 2006

            We can’t have a Top 10 without Mark Caguioa being part of the list. Back in 2006, prior to the start of the Philippine Cup, Caguioa boldly predicted a repeat for the Kings, confident that they were going to defend their championship won the previous season, and even guaranteed that he'll run naked along the bayside if they lose. Unfortunately, the Kings crashed in their quarterfinals series, losing to the Red Bull Barakos, 3-2. Critics reminded the "Spark" after the game but MC47 wisely ignored this. It was a gambit he took to motivate his teammates in defending their crown. While they may not have been successful, this pledge only endeared Caguioa more to the millions of Ginebra fans nationwide.

                                                                                      Photo from Ginebra FB page

4.  “One step backwards, two step forward.” – U/Tex’s Coach Tommy Manotoc in 1980.

            In the 1980 Open Conference Best of Five Finals, U/Tex was ahead in the series, 2-1 but was trailing Toyota for practically the entire Game 4. Struggling to get their offense going, U/Tex Coach Tommy Manotoc searched for the right combination to overhaul the deficit in futility. With still six minutes left in the ballgame and the Tamaraws ahead by 11 points, Manotoc shocked everyone when he pulled out all his starters – imports Aaron James, Glenn McDonald, Bogs Adornado, Lim Eng Beng, and Fritz Gaston, and fielded in his benchwarmers, virtually surrendering the game. Manotoc was pilloried by media and the fans for the move but the astute mentor justified his action, stating the need to prepare ahead while following the adage, “one step backwards, two steps forward.” Manotoc understood that he had a shorter rotation compared to Toyota, and needed every minute of rest to get them ready  for the deciding 5^th game. In Game 5, in what may be billed as one of the best championship games in PBA history, the Wranglers came from behind 94-90 with 16 seconds left, tied the game to send it to overtime, and defeated the Tamaraws, 99-98 in a pulsating game. Manotoc’s “surrender” in Game 4 turned out to be a masterful move and his quote becoming his hallmark.

                                                                              photo from the Toyota Tamaraws FB page

3.  “But there’s also one more person I’d like to thank, who helped me through the sacrifice, who helped me through all the strength, gave me the strength to do this, to come back, to be strong even when I was down, and that one person of course…is MYSELF!!!...” – Ginebra’s Rudy Hatfield after winning the 2007 Philippine Cup championship.

            When Rudy Hatfield came back from the United States after a brief hiatus to play for the Ginebra Kings, he was a different man. While in the US, he dabbled into wrestling, virtually changing his persona from a soft-spoken, unassuming and shy player to a gregarious, loud, outspoken, even funny, personality

            But Hatfield remained to be the game’s most hardworking players, and this was clearly evident when Ginebra defeated San Miguel Beer in the 2007 Philippine Cup Finals, winning 4-2. During the championship celebrations on the court, reporter Eric Reyes went to Hatfield for an interview. Hatfield didn’t need any prodding from Reyes, as the H-Bomb came out with a one-minute monologue extolling his appreciation to the management, coaching staff and teammates for a job well done. But more than this, Hatfield mesmerized the viewers when he acknowledged himself for coming back to the game he loved. Reyes was caught off guard and couldn’t utter any other question after. It was a hilarious moment only seen in WWE episodes.

                                                                                                 Video from YouTube

2.  “We didn’t intend to win.” – Great Taste Coach Jimmy Mariano in 1983

            It was the 1983 season and three teams loomed as the favorites to win the Open Conference – the Crispa Redmanizers, who previously won the first 2 conferences, the Toyota Silver Coronas, and the Great Taste Coffeemakers. Toyota bombed out in what turned out to be their last conference in the PBA, failing to make it to the quarterfinal round. On the other hand, Great Taste was on top of the heap, ahead by one game against the Crispa Redmanizers and assured of one of the two semifinals seat. In their last game in the eliminations, the Coffeemakers surprisingly lost to lowly Galerie Dominique, giving the Artistas the lift to dislodge Toyota for one of the QF seats. In the post-game interview, Great Taste Coach Jimmy Mariano was caught with his foot in his mouth, stating without thinking, “we didn’t intend to win the game.” It was a no-bearing game for the Coffeemakers and Mariano may have meant that it wouldn’t have mattered if the team lost. But his choice of words was questionable, and was lambasted all over media. As a result, Mariano had no recourse but to resign with Baby Dalupan, then consultant for Great Taste, taking over. It may have been an innocent statement sans malice but at a time when the PBA had genuine gentlemen as members of the Board who were protective with the league’s image, Mariano had to be sacrificed to ensure the league’s integrity.

                                                          Photo from Philippine Basketball Association Retro 80s & 90s

1.    “Hindi Kami Por Kilo!” – Toyota’s Francis Arnaiz on “Tell The People” in 1984

The fabled Toyota franchise was just disbanded, and the team was sold to Basic Holdings, Inc., a company owned by Lucio Tan, Sr. Controversy erupted when Toyota stalwarts Robert Jaworski and Francis Arnaiz balked at the move, questioning why they weren’t informed beforehand of the sale. A greater controversy ensued when Beer Hausen said they plan to have the team revolve around their franchise player, Ramon Fernandez. Already involved in a deep internal turmoil when they were still at Toyota, this imploded on national television when the Big J and Arnaiz guested on Jullie Yap-Daza’s “Tell The People,” a late night talk show aired on RPN 9 at 10:30PM. In the show, Arnaiz criticized the Toyota management for selling the franchise and the players without the courtesy of being informed. Arnaiz described the sale as unprofessional and said “hindi kami por kilo,” referring to Toyota’s move of the players being packaged with the sale of the franchise. Also guesting on the show were Fernandez and Toyota team manager Jack Rodriguez, who struggled to justify management’s move. In the end, Jaworski and Arnaiz were taken in by Gilbey’s Gin’s team owner Carlos “Honeyboy” Palanca, III to avoid a public backlash on the league. Jaworski and Arnaiz found a niche with their new team and were primarily responsible for making the franchise the most popular in PBA history through their immortal “never-say-die” spirit.

                                                          Photo from Toyota Tamaraws FB page