Let me tell you, compiling this complete list of PBA teams for 2019 felt like putting together pieces of a fascinating basketball puzzle. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've always been fascinated by how teams evolve each season, and 2019 presented some particularly interesting dynamics. That quote from one of the coaches - "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." - perfectly captures the philosophy many teams embraced that season. It wasn't about immediate glory but sustainable growth, and honestly, that approach created some of the most compelling basketball stories I've witnessed.
The San Miguel Beermen entered 2019 as the league's powerhouse, and frankly, they lived up to that reputation. With June Mar Fajardo still dominating the paint - averaging around 19.8 points and 12.9 rebounds that season - they were the team to beat. What impressed me most wasn't just their star power but how players like Arwind Santos and Chris Ross complemented the system. Ross specifically averaged about 2.1 steals per game, creating transition opportunities that often broke opponents' spirits. I remember watching their game against Ginebra where they turned a 15-point deficit into a 10-point victory purely through defensive intensity. That's championship DNA right there.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, coached by the legendary Tim Cone, maintained their massive fan following with good reason. LA Tenorio's leadership at point guard was something special to watch - his basketball IQ seemed to elevate everyone around him. Combined with Japeth Aguilar's athleticism and Greg Slaughter's interior presence before his departure, they formed what I considered the most balanced roster in the league. Their "never say die" attitude wasn't just a slogan; I saw it in how they consistently outperformed in clutch situations, winning 6 of their 8 games decided by 5 points or less in the first half of the season.
The TNT KaTropa brought an exciting style that I personally enjoyed watching. Jayson Castro, even at 32 years old that season, remained arguably the quickest guard in the league, averaging approximately 16.7 points and 5.9 assists. What made TNT dangerous was their depth - Roger Pogoy developing into a legitimate two-way threat and Troy Rosario stretching defenses with his three-point shooting. Their games often felt like track meets, and when their three-pointers were falling, they could beat anyone on any given night.
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters embodied that "baby steps" philosophy more than any team. Coach Caloy Garcia focused on developing young talent while maintaining their signature physical style. James Yap, though in the later stages of his career, still provided veteran leadership and clutch shooting. What impressed me was how Beau Belga adapted his game, becoming more of a facilitator from the high post. Their team might not have had the biggest names, but they played with a cohesion that often frustrated more talented opponents.
The Phoenix Fuel Masters were my dark horse pick that season. Matthew Wright's scoring ability - he put up around 20.3 points per game - made them dangerous every night. Combined with Jason Perkins' energy and Calvin Abueva's all-around contributions when he joined later, they had this gritty identity that I found compelling. Their games against top teams were always competitive, and they pulled off what I considered the upset of the season against San Miguel in the Commissioner's Cup.
Alaska Aces went through what felt like a transitional phase, focusing on developing younger players while maintaining their disciplined system. Vic Manuel's efficient scoring in the paint - he shot around 48% from the field - provided consistent offense, while Chris Banchero's playmaking kept them organized. I admired how coach Alex Compton stuck to his system even during rough patches, believing in that gradual improvement philosophy.
Meralco Bolts remained competitive through their import selections and Allen Durham's dominance in the Commissioner's Cup. Baser Amer's development at point guard was noticeable, and Chris Newsome's versatility made him one of the more underrated players in my opinion. Their games often came down to execution in half-court sets, which made for some methodical but fascinating basketball.
NorthPort Batang Pier had Stanley Pringle putting up All-Star numbers before his trade, averaging about 21 points and 5 assists. What I loved about NorthPort was their up-tempo style - they played at the second-fastest pace in the league and weren't afraid to shoot early in the shot clock. Sean Anthony's energy and Sean Manganti's development gave them interesting pieces to build around.
Blackwater Elite, Columbian Dyip, and NLEX Road Warriors each had their moments too. Blackwater relied heavily on Bobby Ray Parks' scoring, while Columbian focused on building around CJ Perez, who averaged approximately 20.8 points as a rookie. NLEX had Kiefer Ravena returning from suspension, providing them with a much-needed playmaker and clutch scorer.
Looking back, 2019 represented a shifting landscape where teams recognized that sustainable success required patience. That "baby steps" approach we heard about wasn't just coach speak - it reflected a genuine understanding that building a contender takes time. The teams that balanced veteran leadership with youth development, like Ginebra and San Miguel, found the most success, while those chasing quick fixes often struggled with consistency. What made the 2019 season particularly memorable wasn't just the star power but watching teams grow throughout the season, each at their own pace, each with their own version of those baby steps toward greatness.
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