A Look Back at the Top PBA Bowling Moments and Champions of 2019

I remember sitting in the arena during the 2019 PBA season, feeling the electric atmosphere that only Philippine basketball can generate. That year was particularly special because we witnessed some of the most dramatic moments in recent PBA history, especially during the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup where underdogs became champions and veterans solidified their legacies. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over two decades, I can confidently say that 2019 delivered some of the most memorable championship moments we've seen in years.

The Philippine Cup finals between TNT KaTropa and San Miguel Beermen was absolutely electric, and I still get chills thinking about that crucial Game 6 where ALMOND Vosotros delivered what I consider his career-defining performance. Having watched Vosotros develop from his college days, I've always believed he had this potential for greatness, but seeing him score 18 points in just 21 minutes during that final game was simply spectacular. What made it more impressive was his shooting accuracy - he went 6-of-9 from the field and 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. Those numbers might not jump off the page for casual fans, but for us who understand the pressure of championship basketball, that efficiency in a finals game is remarkable. I remember turning to my colleague during that game and saying, "This is the Almond we've been waiting to see."

San Miguel's championship run that year was particularly impressive because they managed to win despite facing what I considered superior opposition throughout the playoffs. June Mar Fajardo, who I've always argued is the most dominant big man in PBA history, averaged 22.8 points and 13.2 rebounds during that finals series - numbers that still astonish me when I look back at the statistics. What many fans might not remember is that San Miguel actually trailed 2-3 in the series before winning the final two games, making this one of the most dramatic comebacks I've witnessed in my years covering Philippine basketball.

The Governors' Cup provided another layer of excitement that season, with Barangay Ginebra capturing their 11th PBA championship under coach Tim Cone. I've always had a soft spot for Ginebra's never-say-die attitude, and watching Justin Brownlee score 31 points in the clinching game was exactly the kind of import performance that makes PBA basketball so thrilling. The crowd at the Araneta Coliseum that night was absolutely deafening - I remember my ears ringing for hours after the game ended. Ginebra's 105-93 victory over Meralco in Game 5 wasn't just a win; it was a statement that they remained the league's most popular and resilient franchise.

What made the 2019 season particularly memorable for me was the emergence of new stars alongside established veterans. While we had Fajardo continuing to build his legacy, we also saw players like CJ Perez making their mark - Perez averaged 16.8 points per game that season and won Rookie of the Year honors in what I consider one of the strongest rookie classes in recent memory. The balance between veteran excellence and young talent created a dynamic season where any team could beat anyone on any given night. I recall discussing with fellow analysts how this parity made the 2019 season one of the most unpredictable we'd seen in years.

The Commissioner's Cup provided yet another championship chapter with San Miguel completing what I like to call their "near-grand slam" - they won two of the three conferences that year, falling just short in the Governors' Cup. Their import Chris McCullough was particularly impressive during their Commissioner's Cup run, averaging 28.7 points and 14.2 rebounds throughout the conference. As someone who's watched numerous imports come and go, McCullough's combination of athleticism and skill stood out to me as particularly special. His performance in the finals against TNT, where he scored 35 points in the clinching game, demonstrated why successful imports need both physical gifts and mental toughness.

Looking back at the statistics from that season, what stands out to me is the incredible scoring balance we witnessed. Six different players averaged over 20 points per game that season, compared to just three the previous year. This offensive explosion made for more entertaining basketball, though I must admit I missed the defensive battles that characterized earlier PBA eras. The game was clearly evolving, and 2019 represented a turning point where three-point shooting became more emphasized than ever before - teams attempted an average of 28.3 three-pointers per game, up from 24.1 the previous season.

Reflecting on the entire 2019 PBA season, what strikes me most is how perfectly it encapsulated the drama and excitement that makes Philippine basketball unique. From Vosotros' breakout performance to Fajardo's continued dominance and Ginebra's crowd-pleasing championship, the season had everything a basketball fan could want. The memories from that year still come up frequently in my conversations with fellow basketball enthusiasts, and I often find myself using 2019 as the benchmark when evaluating more recent PBA seasons. While every season has its highlights, 2019 delivered a special combination of individual brilliance, team excellence, and dramatic moments that I believe will be remembered for years to come.