PBA players are the ambassadors of the successful basketball sports program in the Philippines. The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is the first in the country and Asia and second only to the NBA professional basketball league. The association consists of twelve company-branded franchised teams competing in different conferences and seasons, with some of the top basketball players in the country.
The Top 10 PBA Players
In this article, we count down the top 10 famous PBA players names in the Philippines. We also cover their achievements and significant impact on the sport and the league.
Robert Jaworski
Robert Vincent ‘Dodot’ Salazar Jaworski Sr. is one of the PBA’s best players of all time. He was a former professional basketball player who played for 23 seasons with the PBA. Jaworski has dominated during the 1978 PBA season with 20.42 points per game. He has shown tenacity as he played with Barangay Ginebra, which led to the birth of the ‘Never Say Die’ attitude. Jaworski helped the team gain its monumental comeback. Jaworski retired from basketball in 1998 at the age of 52. After his career with the PBA, he became a senator in the Philippines from 1998 to 2004.
Ramon Fernandez
Ramon Sadaya Fernandez is a former professional basketball player taking center and power forward positions. This PBA player was born on October 3, 1953. During his entire PBA career, he played for five teams. During his professional stint, Fernandez played for the Toyota Tamaraws, Tanduay, Manila Beer, San Miguel, and Purefoods. Fernandez was a three-time PBA Most Valuable Player in 1975, 1976, and 1981. He also has a record of participation in 19 PBA conference cups. After his career as one of the PBA players, Fernandez serves as the commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission.
Bogs Adornado
William “Bogs” Adornado was born on May 26, 1951. Mr. Adornado served as a PBA player and a coach. He started his PBA career with the Crispa Redmanizers and was part of the list of Philippine Basketball Association 25’s Greatest Players of All-Time. His induction into the Hall of Fame followed in 2005. Adornado also holds a record as three-time Most Valuable Player. Adornado became a head coach for Alaska Milk and an assistant coach to Shell Turbo Chargers.
Alvin Patrimonio
Alvin Dale Vergara Patrimonio was born on November 17, 1966. He is a retired Filipino PBA player and currently serves as team manager of Magnolia Hotshots. The Captain was regarded as the best power forward of his generation and known as an automatic scorer. Playing as a power forward, Patrimonio’s playing career started in 1988 and ended in 2004. Patrimonio has also been part of the Philippine Centennial Team. This PBA player holds a four-time PBA Most Valuable Player record in 1991, 1993, 1994, and 1997.
Benjie Paras
Venancio Johnson Paras Jr. is not just a PBA player but also a Filipino actor and comedian. Paras played as a center for two popular PBA teams, such as San Miguel Beermen and Shell Turbo Chargers. Also known as Tower of Power, Paras’ strength and athleticism overpower opposing big players. Paras also has several notable achievements in PBA league history. In 1989, he received recognition as the Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year in a single season. Besides being a professional basketball player, Paras also serves as an assistant coach. He has been with the San Beda Red Lions team since 2012. Paras is continuing this profession up to the present.
Ricardo Brown
Ricardo Vidal Brown, also known as the Quick Brown Fox, serves as the Point Guard in the PBA league. Born on May 22, 1957, Brown is a Filipino-American basketball player who has made notable achievements. In 1983, Brown burst onto the PBA scene with a score of 41 points in one half of the game. He was part of the PBA’s 25 Greatest Players in 2000, followed by induction into the PBA Hall of Fame in 2009. The Quick Brown Fox has played for PBA teams such as San Miguel Beermen and Great Taste Coffee Makers. He also became the second rookie to join the Mythical First Team. As a Filipino-American, Brown helped pave the way for those Filipino-American players to become part of the league.
Johnny Abarrientos
Abarrientos is a retired Filipino PBA player and a member of the Philippine National Team. Known as the Flying A, Abarrientos is the ‘little man’ and one of the best ball-handlers in PBA. Abarrientos took pride in his games and was awarded as PBA Most Valuable Player in 1996. Though he is the shortest PBA player in the league, he has achieved one of the league’s highest individual awards. In addition, he is one of the quickest and slickest point guards in Asia. He is the head coach of the FEU Tamaraws basketball team and an assistant coach for PBA’s Magnolia Hotshots.
Allan Caidic
Allan Vitor Flores Caidic, also known as ‘The Triggerman,’ was born on June 15, 1963. He is a retired Filipino PBA player and coach regarded as the greatest shooter in the PBA league. During his years with PBA, he held the forward position. Allan Caidic is one of the most prolific three-point shooters in the Philippines. Caidic played for several teams such as Magnolia, San Miguel Beermen, Barangay Ginebra Kings. He also became a part of the PBA Centennial Team. Caidic also served as a coach for Barangay Ginebra Kings from 1999 to 2003.
Junemar Fajardo
June Mar Sotto Fajardo, also known as ‘The Kraken,’ is a famous PBA player taking the center position. His career history as a PBA basketball player started in 2011 and is active until today. He also plays for PBA San Miguel Beermen during the ASEAN Basketball League. Fajardo was known for his extraordinary size against his opponents. Another notable achievement of Fajardo is his consecutive wins in the PBA Most Valuable Player award from 2014 to 2019.
James Yap
James Carlos Agravante Yap Sr. is one of the famous basketball players in the PBA, best known for his great moves and shots. Born on February 18, 1982, Yap serves as a shooting guard and forward in PBA leagues and tournaments. He played for Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, also known as Magnolia Hotshots, from 2004 to 2016. For twelve seasons, Yap won seven PBA championship games.
Final Thoughts
Most of the names in this list of PBA players have received league MVP awards, making them a true asset to the national team. Their contributions to the victory of the nation are truly remarkable. Undoubtedly, PBA players stood the test of time and generations. They continue to be a legacy and inspiration to Filipinos.
FAQs about the PBA Players
1. How much do PBA players earn?
PBA players earn money through contracts with the organization. For example, a freshman PBA player can make Php 200,000.00 monthly. Sophomore players can earn up to Php 300,000.00. Meanwhile, veteran PBA players can earn as much as Php 420,000.00 per month.
2. Who are the top NBA players who played in PBA?
Throughout the league’s history, former NBA players have played in PBA games as import players. Some famous NBA players who played for the PBA are Chris Morris, Cedric Ceballos, Kevin Gamble, and Leon Wood. In addition, Vincent Askew, Henry Walker, and Al Thornton also participated in PBA games.
