Philippine Basketball Throwback

In the rich and storied history of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), few moments resonate as deeply as that shot—Justin Brownlee’s cold-blooded buzzer-beater that ended Barangay Ginebra’s eight-year title drought. It wasn’t just a game-winner; it was a moment of destiny that turned doubt into legend and heartbreak into history. The Road to Redemption: Ginebra’s Governors’ Cup Journey Coming off a disappointing Commissioner’s Cup campaign that saw them swept by Rain or Shine in the quarterfinals, Barangay Ginebra entered the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup with something to prove. Under the guidance of multi-titled coach Tim Cone, and the burden of an eight-year title drought, expectations were high. Originally tapping former Best Import Paul Harris, Ginebra’s title hopes were immediately shaken when Harris suffered a thumb injury in the opening game. In a surprising move, the team turned to an unfamiliar name: Justin Brownlee , an undrafted player out of St. John's University...

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is home to legendary dynasties—and behind each championship run is a coach whose vision, leadership, and basketball IQ elevated teams to greatness. Here’s a look at the top 5 winningest coaches for one team in PBA history , celebrating those who defined eras and built legacies that stand the test of time. 1. Tim Cone – 13 Championships with Alaska No name is more synonymous with coaching success in the PBA than Tim Cone . His legendary 22-year tenure with the Alaska Aces from 1989 to 2011 produced a staggering 13 championships , the most won by a head coach with a single franchise. Under Cone, Alaska achieved a rare Grand Slam in 1996 , winning all three conference titles in a single season. His triangle offense and culture-building approach created a dynasty that consistently contended for titles. Cone would go on to win 5 more championships with San Mig Coffee (formerly B-MEG), including another Grand Slam in 2014, and later led Barangay G...

  The Air21 Express’ remarkable run to the 2007–2008 PBA Fiesta Conference Finals wasn’t a fluke — it was the result of years of patient team building, bold trades, and heartbreak-filled seasons that molded a competitive core. From relying on draft picks to making smart roster moves, this was a journey of perseverance for a franchise that came so close to glory. 2004–2005 Season: Planting the Seeds Fresh from finishing sixth overall and earning a third-place result in the Invitational Conference, the Air21 Express entered the 2004–2005 season hoping to build on their momentum. The franchise used its three first-round draft picks to select Marc Pingris (3rd) , Ranidel De Ocampo (4th) , and Wesley Gonzales (9th) — a trio meant to infuse young blood and potential into the team. Despite the additions, the results didn’t come. The Express struggled across three tournaments, failing to advance beyond the wildcard round and finishing with a disappointing 16–24 record (9th overall). ...

The 2011 PBA Philippine Cup became one for the history books when Gary David and the underdog Powerade Tigers defied the odds and eliminated the top-seeded B-MEG Llamados in a dramatic quarterfinal series. From being on the brink of elimination to orchestrating one of the most unforgettable playoff upsets, Powerade’s Cinderella run captivated basketball fans across the Philippines. Powerade Tigers: A Team Rebuilt Following a dismal 2010-2011 season, the Powerade Tigers retooled their roster with the future in mind. With the first overall pick in the 2011 PBA Draft, they selected National Team standout Jvee Casio, while using their third overall pick—acquired from a previous trade with Rain or Shine—to draft another National Team player, Marcio Lassiter. Powerade also added valuable pieces through trades. They acquired Doug Kramer and Josh Vanlandingham in exchange for JR Quinahan, Norman Gonzales, and two second-round picks. These moves, initially seen as preparations for the future...

The PBA Playoffs are known for thrilling upsets and unforgettable Cinderella runs. While top seeds usually dominate, there have been rare and electrifying moments when low-seeded teams defied expectations and charged all the way to the Finals . From gritty wildcard battles to shocking victories over top-ranked teams, these six teams proved that heart, hustle, and belief can overcome any odds. Here’s a look back at the lowest-seeded teams in PBA history to make it to the Finals — and in some cases, win it all. 1. 2002 Talk N Text Phone Pals – #7 Seed (Commissioner’s Cup) Upset 2nd seed Sta. Lucia twice to erase their twice-to-beat disadvantage Defeated 3rd seed Alaska in a grueling 5-game semifinal Took a 3-2 lead in the Finals before falling to top-seeded Red Bull Talk N Text’s 2002 run is the blueprint for underdog magic. They clawed their way past powerhouses with gutsy performances but ultimately fell short in the finals. Still, pushing Red Bull to 7 games as ...

When the Alaska Aces swept Barangay Ginebra in the 2013 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, they not only secured their 14th championship but also wrote the final glorious chapter of their storied PBA legacy. What made this victory even more remarkable was the path they took to get there—an incredible turnaround from one of the worst seasons in franchise history to becoming champions once again. This is the story of how Alaska rebuilt, retooled, and reclaimed their place among the PBA elite. The Struggles of the 2011-2012 Season The Alaska Aces entered the 2011-2012 season facing a major identity crisis. Legendary coach Tim Cone had departed to take over B-MEG (now Magnolia), ending an era defined by stability, discipline, and success. Alaska tapped Joel Banal as head coach and drafted Gilas standout Mac Baracael with the 6th overall pick, hoping to turn the page. Unfortunately, the transition proved difficult. In the Philippine Cup, the Aces managed only three wins in 11 games, finishing...