(2nd of five parts)
As the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) turns 50 this year, the Manila Standard began presenting the 50 Greatest Moments of the league, beginning with memorable events in the 1970s.
Curated by this writer, a PR specialist, and a sports historian, here are some of the most unforgettable PBA moments from the 1980s:
1. Benjie Paras Makes History (1989)
Venancio “Benjie” Paras Jr. became the first and only player in PBA history to win both Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the same season—an incredible feat for someone barely out of his teens.
2. San Miguel Beermen’s Triple Crown Triumph
The Beermen became the second franchise to win the coveted PBA Grand Slam (Triple Crown), cementing their place as one of the league’s greatest dynasties.
3. Añejo Rhum 89ers’ All-Filipino Championship
In a heated showdown against the league’s rising glamour team, Purefoods Hotdogs, the Añejo Rhum 89ers captured their first and only All-Filipino Conference title under the leadership of playing coach Sonny Jaworski.
4. “God’s Play” (1988)
In the dying seconds of a knockout match between Añejo and San Miguel, Joey Loyzaga’s drop pass to Romy Mamaril sealed the win, securing Añejo’s spot in the finals. Playing coach Robert Jaworski later dubbed this sequence “God’s Play.”
5. The Great Taste Dynasty (1984–1986)
Following the disbandment of Toyota (1983) and Crispa (1984), the Gokongwei-owned Great Taste Coffee Makers took over, winning four consecutive PBA titles before being dethroned by the Tanduay Rhum Makers.
6. Ramon Fernandez’s Triple-Double Machine Season (1984)
Playing for Beer Hausen, Ramon “El Presidente” Fernandez redefined the role of big men in the PBA. His MVP season saw him register near triple-double averages, proving that centers could also be elite playmakers.
7. Crispa’s 1983 Grand Slam Run
Led by the electrifying Billy Ray Bates, who averaged nearly 60 points per game, Crispa Redmanizers completed their second PBA Grand Slam, dominating both the Reinforced Conference and Open Conference.
8. ULTRA Becomes the PBA’s New Home (1985 Onwards)
The Philippine Sports Arena (ULTRA) replaced the Araneta Coliseum as the league’s main battleground, a venue that later became familiar to millennials and Gen Z fans.
9. Robert Jaworski’s Historic Playing Coach Championship (1986)
Sonny Jaworski became the first playing coach to win a PBA title, leading Ginebra past Manila Beer in a dramatic six-game series. The finals saw imports Billy Ray Bates and Mike Hackett clash with Harold Keeling and Phi Slamma Jamma’s Mike Young.
10. Northern Consolidated Cement (NCC) Wins as an Amateur Team
The NCC-RPN MBT made history as the first amateur guest team to win a PBA title, led by Elmer Reyes and Allan Caidic. This squad later brought the Philippines back to Asian basketball supremacy, winning the Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) Championship, the precursor to FIBA Asia.
Honorable Mentions
• The Arrival of Fil-Am and Naturalized Players (1983)
The league saw its first wave of Filipino-American and naturalized players, including Ricky Brown and Willie Pearson.
• Francis Arnaiz’s “Por Kilo” Controversy (1983)
When Toyota disbanded, Francis Arnaiz famously reacted to the sale of his rights to Beer Hausen with the now-iconic remark: “Parang binenta na lang ako ng kilo ng baboy.”
• Tanduay’s First PBA Title (1985)
A founding member of the PBA, Tanduay Rhum Makers finally broke through, winning their first championship.
• Magnolia’s PBA Return (1986)
After a brief hiatus, Magnolia rejoined the PBA, bringing in direct hires from the NCC core, including Calma, Reyes, Lim, Pumaren, Almario, Yturri, and Dignadice.
• Allan Caidic’s Rookie of the Year Campaign (1987)
The “Triggerman” Allan Caidic entered the 1987 PBA Draft, winning Rookie of the Year, setting the stage for an illustrious career.
• Purefoods Becomes the League’s Newest Gla mour Team (Late 1980s)
After acquiring the Tanduay franchise, Purefoods emerged as a powerhouse, boasting a star-studded rookie class featuring Jerry Codiñera, Jojo Lastimosa, Glenn Capacio, and Alvin Patrimonio—ushering in the second wave of PBA superstars.