Looking back at the 2017-2018 PBA season still gives me chills—it was one of those rare campaigns where every conference felt like a grand finale. I remember sitting courtside during Game 7 of the Commissioner’s Cup finals, watching Justin Brownlee sink that iconic buzzer-beater against San Miguel. The atmosphere was electric, almost surreal. That moment alone encapsulated why this season remains etched in the memories of Filipino basketball fans. It wasn’t just about the flashy plays or the star power; it was about narratives—underdogs rising, dynasties being challenged, and legacies forged in real-time.
One of the standout stories, in my view, was how Barangay Ginebra managed to blend veteran smarts with youthful energy. They had this unique chemistry that you don’t see often. Speaking of veterans, I can’t help but connect it to the recent news about the 35-year-old Torres joining Barangay Ginebra as an unrestricted free agent. It reminds me of how the team has always valued experience—much like how they relied on LA Tenorio’s leadership and Scottie Thompson’s relentless hustle back in the 2017-2018 season. Thompson averaged around 12 points and 9 rebounds per game that year, but his impact went way beyond stats. He was everywhere—grabbing boards, diving for loose balls, and making plays that didn’t always show up in the box score. I’ve always believed that players like him are the glue that holds championship teams together.
Then there was San Miguel’s dominance in the Philippine Cup, where June Mar Fajardo put up monstrous numbers—something like 22 points and 13 rebounds per game, if I recall correctly. His duel with Greg Slaughter in the finals was a classic big-man battle that old-school fans adored. But what made it special was how the Beermen’s role players stepped up. Marcio Lassiter’s clutch three-point shooting, for instance, won them at least two close games that conference. I remember arguing with fellow analysts who thought San Miguel was too top-heavy; turns out, their depth was exactly what carried them through grueling seven-game series.
On the other hand, the rise of Matthew Wright and the Phoenix Fuel Masters was a subplot that caught many by surprise. Wright dropped 30 points in a crucial elimination game against TNT, showcasing a scoring prowess that hinted at his future as a franchise player. It’s moments like these that make me appreciate how the PBA balances established stars with emerging talent. Sure, the league has its flaws—scheduling quirks, occasional lopsided trades—but the 2017-2018 season was a masterclass in competitive balance. Four different teams won championships across the three conferences, which is pretty rare if you look at the league’s history.
As I reflect on that season, it’s clear that its legacy isn’t just in the trophies lifted but in the blueprint it offered for team-building. Ginebra’s focus on chemistry, San Miguel’s emphasis on star power with support, and Phoenix’s bet on youth—all these strategies resonate even today. With Torres now joining Ginebra, it feels like a nod to that same philosophy: value experience, but never underestimate the heart of a contender. If there’s one thing I took away from covering that epic season, it’s that in the PBA, the past always has a way of informing the future. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
