The title of Greatest PBA Import of All Time is subjective and often debated among fans, players, and analysts. However, a few imports stand out due to their impact on the game, their individual skills, and their ability to lead their teams to championships. Below are some of the top contenders, followed by the opinions of 5 great coaches regarding who the greatest PBA import is.
Top Contenders for Greatest PBA Import of All Time:
1. Norman Black
One of the most iconic imports in PBA history, Norman Black had an incredible career both as a player and later as a coach. He was known for his all-around game, leadership, and basketball IQ. He won the PBA Best Import Award 5 times (1979, 1981, 1982, 1984, and 1986), and he led the San Miguel Beermen to several championships during his playing days. His success and long-lasting influence on Philippine basketball, particularly as a coach later on, solidified his legacy as one of the greatest imports of all time.
2. Billy Ray Bates
Billy Ray Bates is widely regarded as one of the most explosive imports to ever play in the PBA. His incredible athleticism, scoring ability, and impact on the court made him an immediate fan favorite. Bates played for the Tanduay Rhum Makers in the 1980s and won the Best Import award in 1983. Known for his dunking ability and scoring prowess, Bates helped elevate the PBA’s profile and was a key figure during his time in the league.
3. Justin Brownlee
Currently the face of Barangay Ginebra, Justin Brownlee has been a mainstay in the PBA and has won several championships with the team. Known for his clutch performances, particularly in the Barangay Ginebra Kings’ championship runs in the Governors’ Cup, Brownlee’s leadership and skills have made him one of the most beloved and successful imports in PBA history. His contributions, especially in critical moments, have made him an enduring figure in PBA lore.
4. AJ Guyton
AJ Guyton’s time in the PBA may have been relatively short, but his impact was undeniable. Playing for the Magnolia Hotshots in the mid-2000s, he was known for his incredible shooting ability and scoring. Guyton helped lead the team to multiple finals appearances and was one of the most dominant imports during his time in the league. His high-scoring games and leadership qualities made him one of the top imports of his era.
5. Allen Durham
Allen Durham is another import who has significantly impacted the PBA, especially with his stint with the Meralco Bolts. Known for his strong rebounding, versatile scoring, and leadership, Durham’s contributions to the team’s success in the PBA, particularly in the Governors’ Cup, made him one of the top imports in recent years. Durham led Meralco to multiple finals appearances and was consistently one of the league’s top performers.
5 Great Coaches’ Opinions on the Greatest PBA Import of All Time
1. Tim Cone (Barangay Ginebra)
Tim Cone, one of the most successful coaches in PBA history, has had his fair share of success with both local players and imports. When asked about the greatest PBA import, Cone often cites Norman Black as one of the best. Cone emphasizes Black’s basketball IQ, leadership, and ability to influence games in various ways. He believes Black’s impact on both the San Miguel Beermen and later the league, as a coach, elevated him to the top of the PBA imports list.
2. Chot Reyes (Meralco Bolts, National Team Coach)
Chot Reyes, a coach known for his strategic mind and success at both the club and international level, recognizes Justin Brownlee as one of the greatest imports in PBA history. Reyes praises Brownlee’s consistency, professionalism, and ability to deliver in clutch situations. He believes that Brownlee’s role in leading Barangay Ginebra to multiple championships over the years places him among the best.
3. Yeng Guiao (NLEX Road Warriors)
Known for his fiery coaching style, Yeng Guiao has seen his fair share of imports throughout his coaching career. He often mentions Billy Ray Bates as one of the top imports, primarily for his electrifying style of play and ability to dominate offensively. Guiao notes Bates’ impact in raising the excitement level in the PBA during the 1980s, contributing to the league’s growth and increasing its fan base.
4. Leo Austria (San Miguel Beermen)
Leo Austria, the legendary coach of the San Miguel Beermen, knows the value of having a great import. He often mentions Norman Black as a player who changed the dynamics of the team during his time. Austria highlights Black’s leadership, his basketball acumen, and how his presence on the court made every player around him better. According to Austria, Black was a game-changer for the Beermen during his years in the PBA.
5. Franco “Bobby” Pardo (Former PBA Coach)
Bobby Pardo, a former PBA coach, is known for his deep knowledge of the game and his ability to work with both local players and imports. When it comes to imports, he has spoken highly of Justin Brownlee, praising his ability to adapt to the Filipino style of basketball. Pardo believes Brownlee’s versatility, leadership, and consistency in winning championships with Barangay Ginebra places him in the conversation as one of the best PBA imports.
Conclusion:
The Greatest PBA Import of All Time depends on what criteria you use—whether it’s leadership, statistical performance, or championships won. Norman Black, Billy Ray Bates, Justin Brownlee, AJ Guyton, and Allen Durham are all strong contenders, with each import leaving a unique mark on the PBA.
From the perspectives of great coaches like Tim Cone, Chot Reyes, and Leo Austria, the consensus seems to point toward Norman Black for his all-around game, leadership, and championship impact, while others lean towards Justin Brownlee for his consistency and clutch performances, especially with Barangay Ginebra.
In the end, there isn’t a single definitive answer, but these imports are certainly legends who helped shape the history of the PBA.
