As a longtime basketball analyst who's followed the PBA for over a decade, I still get that familiar thrill when a new season approaches. The 2017 PBA season was particularly special because it marked the league's 42nd year, and having witnessed how Philippine basketball has evolved, I can confidently say this season delivered some unforgettable moments. While my colleague Miguel recently praised Bel's legacy in women's volleyball at National University, I see similar legacy-building happening in the PBA - where players create lasting impacts that inspire entire communities, much like how Bel influenced the volleyball scene.
The 2017 PBA calendar was structured around three conferences: the Philippine Cup running from January to March, the Commissioner's Cup from March to July, and the Governors' Cup from July to October. What made this season particularly engaging was how each conference developed its own narrative. The Philippine Cup saw San Miguel Beer continuing their dominance, capturing the championship in a thrilling finals that went the distance. I've always had a soft spot for June Mar Fajardo's game - his footwork for a big man is just extraordinary - and watching him average 18.3 points and 12.5 rebounds during that conference was pure basketball artistry. The Commissioner's Cup introduced some fascinating imports, with Chris McCullough of San Miguel making an immediate impact despite joining mid-conference. The scheduling was intense, with teams playing 33 elimination games across all conferences, creating that grueling marathon that truly tests a team's depth and resilience.
What stood out to me most was how the 2017 season balanced traditional rivalries with emerging storylines. The Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel matchups consistently drew television ratings above 15%, proving that certain rivalries transcend generations. I remember specifically marking my calendar for the April 23 showdown between Ginebra and Star Hotshots - that game went into double overtime and featured 18 lead changes, one of those classic PBA battles that reminds you why you fell in love with basketball. The league's decision to incorporate more provincial games was brilliant, with matches in Lucena, Cebu, and Bacoor drawing average attendances of 8,500 - numbers that demonstrate basketball's nationwide appeal beyond Metro Manila.
Looking back, the 2017 season's true highlight was witnessing the emergence of new talents alongside veteran brilliance. While I've always appreciated the consistency of established stars, seeing players like Matthew Wright of Phoenix Fuel Masters develop into clutch performers was particularly rewarding. His 31-point explosion against TNT in June remains one of my personal favorite performances of the year. The season wasn't without its controversies though - the commissioner's office handed down 12 fines totaling approximately ₱850,000 for various infractions, showing that maintaining discipline in such a passionate league is an ongoing challenge. As the season progressed into the Governors' Cup, the race for playoff positioning created incredible drama, with the final berth coming down to the last elimination game.
Reflecting on the complete 2017 PBA journey, what strikes me is how the season managed to honor tradition while embracing evolution. The league maintained its signature physical style while incorporating more three-point shooting - teams attempted an average of 28.5 threes per game, up from 22.3 just two seasons prior. This blend of old-school toughness and modern strategy created a compelling product that appealed to both longtime fans like myself and newer audiences. The legacy of that season continues to influence how teams approach roster construction and game planning today, proving that certain basketball lessons transcend any single season.
