A Look Back at the PBA Teams 2019 and Their Standout Players
As I look back at the 2019 PBA season, what strikes me most isn't just the championship outcomes or statistical leaders, but the fascinating team-building philosophies that emerged throughout that year. I remember watching practices and post-game interviews, and one particular quote from a team official has stayed with me ever since: "My thing dito sa team is for us to have that baby steps. Baby steps lang kami. We are not going to sprint right away. Unti-until lang. We get better, we improve, that's how it is. Tignan namin kung saan kami makakarating." This patient approach perfectly captured the mindset of several teams that year, and honestly, I found it refreshing in a league where instant success is often demanded.
The San Miguel Beermen entered the 2019 season with their usual championship expectations, but what made them truly remarkable was how they balanced their veteran core with emerging talent. June Mar Fajardo, the Kraken himself, was simply unstoppable - averaging around 20.6 points and 11.8 rebounds per game in the Philippine Cup. But what impressed me more was how Christian Standhardinger gradually integrated into their system after his acquisition. He didn't come in trying to revolutionize their game immediately; instead, he took those "baby steps" the quote mentions, finding his role alongside Fajardo rather than competing with him. This gradual integration strategy paid off tremendously when they needed fresh legs during crucial playoff moments. I've always believed that teams who understand pacing - both in games and in player development - tend to have more sustainable success, and San Miguel demonstrated this beautifully throughout their campaigns.
Meanwhile, the TNT KaTropa presented a fascinating case study in roster construction. They had this interesting mix of established stars like Jayson Castro and emerging talents like Roger Pogoy, who honestly surprised me with his consistent scoring outbursts. What stood out about TNT was their willingness to let players develop at their own pace while maintaining competitive intensity. Troy Rosario's improvement from the beginning to the end of the season was noticeable - his three-point percentage jumped from about 28% to nearly 35% by the Commissioner's Cup. This kind of gradual development speaks to the "unti-unti" philosophy that several teams embraced that year. From my perspective covering the league, teams that allow for organic growth often discover unexpected strengths, and TNT's ability to adapt their game plan based on which players were developing well gave them a unique flexibility that made them dangerous in any series.
The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel always brings that special energy to the court, and 2019 was no different. What fascinated me about their season was how Scottie Thompson evolved beyond just being an energy guy. His stat line of approximately 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists per game doesn't fully capture his impact - it was his timing in crucial moments that really stood out. I remember watching their game against Magnolia in the Governors' Cup where Thompson made three consecutive defensive stops in the final two minutes. That kind of growth doesn't happen overnight; it's the result of that "baby steps" approach to skill development. LA Tenorio's leadership in managing the team's pace throughout games was masterclass material - he knew exactly when to push the tempo and when to slow things down, embodying that patient yet progressive mindset.
Rain or Shine's 2019 campaign particularly embodied the "baby steps" philosophy in my observation. They were transitioning between eras, moving from their veteran core to developing younger players like Rey Nambatac and Javee Mocon. Coach Caloy Garcia repeatedly emphasized process over immediate results in his press conferences, and while it made for some inconsistent stretches during the season, you could see the foundation being built. James Yap's role transformation was particularly interesting to watch - he became more of a mentor and situational scorer rather than carrying the offensive load every night. Their development approach reminded me that sometimes taking a step back in the short term can lead to greater gains in the long run, though I'll admit this strategy requires tremendous patience from management and fans alike.
The Alaska Aces presented what I consider one of the most compelling stories of gradual team building. After their roster overhaul, they focused on developing chemistry through shared experiences rather than forcing a system. Vic Manuel's emergence as a consistent scoring threat didn't happen overnight - it was the product of carefully designed plays that expanded as his confidence grew. What impressed me most about Alaska was their commitment to their process even during losing streaks. They stuck to their defensive principles and gradually incorporated more offensive sets as players became more comfortable. This approach resulted in surprising victories against more talented teams, proving that systematic growth can sometimes overcome raw talent.
Looking back, the 2019 PBA season taught me valuable lessons about team development that extend beyond basketball. The teams that embraced gradual progress, that understood the value of "baby steps," often built more resilient cultures than those chasing quick fixes. The standout players weren't necessarily always the highest scorers, but those who showed measurable growth throughout the season. In my years covering the league, I've come to appreciate that sustainable success comes from this patient approach to development. The 2019 season, with its mix of established superstars and emerging talents developing at their own pace, perfectly illustrated how basketball excellence isn't built in dramatic leaps, but through consistent, incremental improvements that eventually lead to remarkable destinations.
