Let me take you back to what feels like just yesterday—the 2019 PBA season. I still remember the buzz around that year’s draft, especially the chatter about Javi Gomez de Liaño. Having followed his journey closely, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and curiosity. After stints in Japan, Lithuania, and Korea, Gomez de Liaño was setting his sights on the PBA by applying for the draft, and many expected him to be a strong candidate for the No. 1 overall pick in the September 7 proceedings. That anticipation alone set the tone for what would become one of the most memorable seasons in recent PBA history.
The 2019 season wasn’t just another year in Philippine basketball—it was a turning point. From my perspective, the league had been building toward something special, and Gomez de Liaño’s entry symbolized a shift toward embracing players with diverse international experience. I’ve always believed that exposure to different playing styles overseas enriches a player’s game, and seeing someone like him, who’d competed in three different countries, step into the PBA felt like a breath of fresh air. It wasn’t just about raw talent anymore; it was about how global experience could elevate the local scene. I recall thinking, "This is exactly what the PBA needs—more players who’ve been tested abroad." And honestly, it paid off in ways that surprised even skeptics like me.
One of the standout moments for me was the draft day itself. The energy in the arena was electric, with fans and analysts alike speculating about which team would snag Gomez de Liaño. I was there, soaking it all in, and I remember how the tension built as the proceedings unfolded. Though he didn’t end up as the No. 1 pick—something I found a bit disappointing, given his potential—his selection still made waves. Teams were clearly thinking strategically, weighing his international resume against other prospects. In the end, he landed with a franchise that, in my opinion, knew how to leverage his versatility. Watching him adapt to the PBA’s pace was fascinating; he brought a level of court vision and defensive awareness that I hadn’t seen in a rookie for years. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love covering the league—you never know who’s going to shake things up.
Beyond the draft, the 2019 season delivered on so many fronts. The games were packed with intensity, and I’ll never forget the nail-biting finals series that stretched to seven games, with an average attendance of over 12,000 fans per match—a number that, while I might be off by a few hundred, speaks volumes about the season’s draw. From a tactical standpoint, I noticed coaches experimenting more with lineups, partly inspired by the influx of globally seasoned players. For instance, Gomez de Liaño’s ability to switch between positions reminded me of how European leagues operate, and it forced local teams to rethink their strategies. I’ve always argued that the PBA could benefit from more hybrid players, and 2019 proved that point beautifully. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about evolving the game here at home.
Of course, no season is without its controversies or surprises. I recall one particular game where a last-second three-pointer shifted the standings dramatically—a moment that had fans and pundits like me debating for weeks. Personally, I think the refereeing could have been tighter in that match, but hey, that’s part of what makes basketball so thrilling. The unpredictability is why we tune in. And through it all, Gomez de Liaño’s journey served as a subplot that tied everything together. His adjustment period wasn’t seamless; he had rough patches, like any rookie, but his resilience stood out. I remember chatting with a few insiders who noted that his overseas stints had toughened him up, and it showed in how he bounced back from setbacks. That kind of grit, in my view, is what separates good seasons from legendary ones.
As the season wrapped up, I found myself reflecting on how much the PBA had grown. The 2019 year wasn’t just a collection of games; it was a narrative of change, driven by players who brought global perspectives to the local court. Gomez de Liaño’s story, in particular, underscored that theme. Looking back, I’d say the season’s legacy lies in its blend of tradition and innovation—something I hope the league continues to embrace. If there’s one takeaway I’d want fans to remember, it’s that the PBA’s excitement isn’t just in the scores, but in the stories behind the players. And for me, 2019 will always be the year those stories felt more interconnected than ever.