Discover the Complete PBA Centennial Team Roster and Their Historic Achievements

I still remember the first time I walked into the Araneta Coliseum back in 2015, the air thick with anticipation for another PBA classic. That electric atmosphere got me thinking about how this league has evolved over generations, and frankly, Valdez's preseason comment about "the changing of the guard" couldn't be more timely as we examine the PBA Centennial Team. When she suggested it might just be a matter of time before new legends emerge, she was speaking to something fundamental about sports evolution - how greatness isn't static but constantly being redefined.

The selection process for the Centennial Team was nothing short of monumental, involving over 200 basketball experts, former players, and sports journalists who spent months debating the 25 greatest players in league history. What struck me most was how these selections weren't just about statistics but about cultural impact - how these players transformed Filipino basketball. Robert Jaworski's inclusion was perhaps the most emotionally charged selection, and personally, I've always believed his leadership qualities fundamentally changed how captains operate in the PBA. His stats - 9,285 points and 3,902 assists across 958 games - only tell half the story. The real magic was how he could single-handedly shift momentum, something I've noticed modern coaches still study in their training sessions.

Ramon Fernandez's selection was arguably the most statistically justified, and here's where I might ruffle some feathers - I'd argue he's the most complete Filipino big man we've ever seen. His numbers are almost mythical: 18,996 points, 8,652 rebounds, and 1,853 blocks spanning 1,074 games. But what the stats sheets don't show is how he revolutionized the center position, bringing a guard's sensibility to the paint. I've spoken with current players who still watch his footwork videos, and the consensus is that his technical mastery remains unmatched decades later.

The backcourt selections particularly fascinated me because they highlight how basketball philosophy has shifted. When you look at Johnny Abarrientos - all 5'7" of him - dominating against much larger opponents, it speaks volumes about Filipino basketball identity. His 8,290 points and 4,711 assists came with 1,132 steals, showcasing that defensive tenacity we sometimes miss in today's perimeter-oriented game. I've always preferred guards who impact both ends, and Abarrientos was the prototype for what we now call two-way players.

Alvin Patrimonio's inclusion sparked some of the most passionate debates I've witnessed in basketball circles, and I'll admit I was firmly in his corner. The 15,324 points he scored while playing his entire 17-year career with one franchise represents a loyalty we rarely see today. His four MVP awards tie him with Fernandez for the most in league history, but what impresses me more is how he maintained elite performance - shooting 48% from the field - while carrying franchise expectations year after year.

The international influence through imports deserves its own discussion, particularly Billy Ray Bates who averaged 34.7 points during his brief but spectacular tenure. His inclusion raised questions about how we value longevity versus peak performance, and honestly, I think both have their place in these conversations. The 1983 Commissioner's Cup where he scored 63 points in a single game remains one of those legendary performances that older fans still describe with awe.

What Valdez's changing of the guard comment really gets at is how we're currently witnessing another transitional period. When you compare the Centennial Team's selections to today's emerging stars, the evolution in playing style becomes apparent. The classic post moves that made Fernandez dominant are being replaced by perimeter skills even for big men, and the physical style of the 90s has given way to pace and space. Yet what remains constant is that Filipino basketball soul - the creative passing, the defensive intensity, the emotional connection with fans.

Looking at the complete roster, what stands out to me is how these 25 players collectively represent the narrative of Philippine basketball. From the pioneering days when the league averaged 12,000 fans per game in the 70s to the modern globalized era, each selection tells a story about how the game has grown while maintaining its essential character. The statistical milestones - like the combined 35 championship rings among the selections - only partially capture their impact.

As I reflect on these legends, I'm struck by how their legacy isn't just in record books but in the very fabric of how basketball is played and appreciated in the Philippines. The Centennial Team isn't merely a historical document but a living conversation about excellence, and frankly, I suspect future selections will continue to evolve as new players redefine what's possible. What makes this exercise so compelling is that it's never really finished - every generation will have its contenders for this exclusive club, just as Valdez predicted new guards will inevitably emerge to challenge our understanding of greatness.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-14 11:00