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Walking into the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Day One of the 2nd Reyes Cup, I felt that familiar buzz—the kind of electric anticipation that only comes when you know you’re witnessing history in the making. As someone who’s followed the Philippine Basketball Association for over two decades, I’ve seen dynasties rise, legends fade, and rivalries ignite. But this? Carlo Biado’s reaction to Team Asia’s stunning 4-0 lead over Team Rest of the World caught my attention in a way that felt symbolic. Biado didn’t expect such a dominant start, but he understood its weight: setting the tone early matters, whether in an international cup or across a career. It’s that same principle—the importance of establishing momentum—that guided me as I sat down to compile what might be the most definitive ranking yet of the PBA’s 40 greatest players.

Let’s be honest—any “greatest of all time” list in Philippine basketball is bound to stir debate, and I’m fully prepared for the passionate reactions this one will provoke. I’ve always believed rankings shouldn’t just tally stats; they should reflect impact, legacy, and that intangible quality we Filipinos call “puso.” Heart. That’s why, in putting this list together, I leaned not just on cold, hard numbers but on moments that made us stand up and cheer, players who didn’t just win titles but changed how the game was played. Take the top five, for example. At number one, I’ve got Ramon Fernandez—El Presidente himself. With 19 PBA titles and over 18,000 points, his versatility was simply unreal. I remember watching him in the 80s, dominating both ends of the floor with a grace that made it look easy. Close behind, at number two, is Alvin Patrimonio. Captain Lionheart. Four MVP awards and that iconic mid-range jumper—he wasn’t just a scorer; he was the soul of Purefoods for years. Then there’s Robert Jaworski at number three. Sure, his stats might not stack up evenly with Fernandez’s, but tell that to anyone who saw him play. The Big J brought an intensity that lifted entire teams, and his move into coaching and politics only solidified his legendary status.

Numbers four and five belong to two modern-era giants: June Mar Fajardo and James Yap. Fajardo, with his six MVP awards and 9 PBA championships as of 2023, redefined the center position in the Philippines. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen him impose his will in the paint, almost single-handedly shifting games in San Miguel’s favor. And James Yap? The man they call “Big Game James” delivered when it mattered most—two MVP titles, 16.4 points per game average across 17 seasons, and a clutch gene that’s the stuff of highlight reels. But here’s where my personal bias might show: I’ve always had a soft spot for players who carried teams through lean years, which is why I’ve ranked Yap slightly above some other luminaries.

As we move deeper into the list, names like Allan Caidic, Bogs Adornado, and Benjie Paras fill out the top 15, each bringing something unforgettable to the league. Caidic, the “Triggerman,” once dropped 79 points in a single game back in 1991—a record that still gives me chills. Adornado, the first-ever PBA MVP, paved the way with his scoring prowess, while Paras remains the only player to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. I had the privilege of interviewing Paras a few years back, and he spoke about the pressure of that early success with a humility that’s rare among stars. That human element—the struggles behind the stats—is something I weighed heavily. For instance, Johnny Abarrientos, my pick for number 12, wasn’t just a phenomenal point guard with 5,315 career assists; he was a defensive nightmare whose quickness felt almost supernatural. I’ll never forget his steal in the 1996 Governors’ Cup finals that sealed the title for Alaska. Moments like that elevate players beyond their numbers.

The middle of this list, spots 16 through 30, include talents like Danny Ildefonso, Vergel Meneses, and Asi Taulava—each dominant in their own right. Ildefonso’s two MVP awards and his footwork in the post were a masterclass in big-man fundamentals. Meneses, the “Aerial Voyager,” brought a flair that made him a fan favorite, averaging 18.1 points per game over his career. And Taulava? The ageless wonder. At 46 years old, he was still grabbing rebounds and setting screens like a man half his age. I have to admit, I’ve always been fascinated by longevity in sports, and Taulava’s 22-season career is a testament to his dedication. Then there’s Jimmy Alapag at number 25. Though undersized, his leadership and three-point shooting—he nailed over 1,200 threes in his career—made him indispensable. I remember chatting with a fellow analyst who argued Alapag belonged higher, and while I see the point, I stand by this placement given the depth of talent in PBA history.

Rounding out the top 40, we have legends like Jerry Codiñera, Philip Cezar, and Mark Caguioa, each leaving an indelible mark. Codiñera, the “Defense Minister,” was a shot-blocking force with 1,200-plus rejections, while Caguioa’s explosive scoring earned him an MVP award in 2012. But let me share a personal reflection: compiling this list reminded me of how the PBA has evolved. From the physical, half-court battles of the 70s and 80s to the faster, more perimeter-oriented game today, these players adapted and thrived. That’s why I’ve included younger stars like Scottie Thompson at number 35—his triple-double ability signals the league’s future. Yet, as Biado’s surprise at Team Asia’s 4-0 lead shows, momentum can shift in an instant. In the same way, rankings like this are snapshots in time, open to reinterpretation as new legends emerge.

In the end, what strikes me most about this list isn’t just the individual brilliance but the collective story of Philippine basketball. These 40 players built the PBA into what it is today—a league fueled by passion, resilience, and moments of pure magic. As I look back on Day One of the Reyes Cup, Biado’s emphasis on setting the tone resonates deeply. Greatness isn’t just about winning; it’s about making your presence felt from the opening tip-off to the final buzzer. Whether you agree with my rankings or not, I hope this list sparks conversations, rekindles memories, and honors the icons who’ve given us so much to cheer for. After all, that’s what the PBA is all about—heart, history, and the endless pursuit of legacy.