Having spent over a decade covering Philippine basketball, I've developed a particular fascination with how imports transform the PBA's competitive landscape. I still vividly remember watching Game 3 of the 2018 Commissioner's Cup Finals between San Miguel and Ginebra at the magnificent Mall of Asia Arena. The atmosphere was absolutely electric, with Justin Brownlee and Renaldo Balkman putting on a masterclass that had the entire stadium on its feet. After the game, I ran into former import Joel Heading in the media area, and his comment perfectly captured what makes these international players so special to our league: "Unbelievable venue so it was a super fun game. I'm excited for the series to keep going." That genuine excitement from someone who's been through the PBA grind himself reminded me why we're all so passionate about ranking these incredible talents.
When I think about the absolute best imports in PBA history, my mind immediately goes to the legendary Bobby Parks. This man wasn't just good—he was revolutionary. Parks dominated the league for seven consecutive seasons with Shell from 1987 to 1993, winning an unprecedented six Best Import awards in the Commissioner's Cup. What made him truly exceptional wasn't just his scoring average of 39.2 points per game during his peak season, but his complete understanding of Filipino basketball culture. He connected with fans in a way few foreign players ever have, becoming part of the local basketball fabric rather than just a hired gun. His son, Ray Parks Jr., would later play in the PBA, creating one of those beautiful full-circle moments that make Philippine basketball so uniquely compelling.
Then there's the phenomenon known as Justin Brownlee, who I firmly believe has the strongest case for being the greatest modern-era import. Brownlee's connection to Barangay Ginebra transcends typical player-team relationships—he's become family to both the franchise and its massive fanbase. I've lost count of how many championship moments he's delivered, but that game-winning three-pointer in the 2018 Commissioner's Cup Finals remains etched in my memory. What sets Brownlee apart is his incredible basketball IQ and clutch gene. He's not the most athletic import we've ever seen, but when the game is on the line, there's nobody I'd rather have with the ball in his hands. His averages of 28.7 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists during their 2019 championship run don't even fully capture his impact—it's the timing of his contributions that makes him truly special.
Speaking of timing, we can't discuss great imports without mentioning Sean Chambers, who led Alaska to an incredible eight championships during his tenure. Chambers had this remarkable ability to elevate his game when it mattered most, and his partnership with coach Tim Cone produced some of the most beautiful basketball I've ever witnessed in the PBA. His scoring numbers might not jump off the page compared to some other imports—he averaged around 25 points during his peak—but his leadership and defensive intensity were absolutely game-changing. I've always maintained that Chambers set the standard for what a team-first import should look like, sacrificing personal stats for team success in a way that's become increasingly rare in modern basketball.
The conversation about all-time great imports inevitably leads to Norman Black, though I'll admit I'm slightly too young to have watched him play live. Still, through countless hours of film study and conversations with older colleagues, I've come to appreciate his incredible impact. Black led the fabled Crispa Redmanizers to multiple championships in the early 80s, averaging a staggering 41.3 points during their 1983 Grand Slam campaign. What fascinates me about Black is how he transitioned from dominant import to legendary coach, winning 11 championships as a mentor after his playing days. That dual legacy is something we've never quite seen replicated in the PBA.
When I look at today's imports, I can't help but notice how the game has evolved. Modern imports need to be more versatile than ever before, capable of stretching the floor while still defending multiple positions. Guys like Allen Durham and Johnathan Williams represent this new breed—powerful enough to battle in the paint but skilled enough to create for others. Durham's back-to-back MVP awards in 2017 and 2018 with Meralco demonstrated just how valuable a multifaceted import can be in today's game. His averages of 26.4 points, 19.8 rebounds, and 6.9 assists during their 2019 Governors' Cup campaign showcase the all-around game that modern teams crave.
What often gets overlooked in these discussions is how much the import experience has changed over the decades. Early imports like Cyrus Mann and Lew Massey often had to adjust to much different living conditions and playing styles. Today's imports arrive to world-class facilities and comprehensive support systems, yet the pressure to perform immediately remains just as intense. I've spoken with numerous imports who've described the unique challenge of adapting to Filipino basketball's physical style while dealing with immense fan expectations. That pressure cooker environment either forges champions or breaks players—there's very little middle ground.
As I reflect on these incredible talents, I'm struck by how each era produces imports who perfectly fit their time. The physical giants of the 80s, the versatile forwards of the 90s, and the positionless players of today all reflect the evolution of our beloved game. While statistics provide valuable benchmarks, the true measure of an import's greatness lies in their championship impact and cultural resonance with Filipino fans. The best imports don't just put up numbers—they become part of our basketball story, creating moments that we'll reminisce about for generations. That's why, despite all the advanced metrics available today, I still trust my eyes and memories when evaluating these remarkable players who've given us so much excitement over the years.
