As I sit here watching old PBA highlight reels, that iconic moment from the 2013 Governors' Cup keeps replaying in my mind. "Kuya kaya pa, a," San Miguel's veteran guard whispered in awe as LA Tenorio engineered yet another breathtaking comeback. That raw, emotional reaction captures exactly what makes evaluating PBA imports so fascinating - it's not just about statistics, but about those unforgettable moments that define careers and championships. Having followed Philippine basketball for over two decades, I've developed my own strong opinions about who truly deserves the title of greatest import in PBA history.
The conversation inevitably begins with the legendary Bobby Parks, who won an unprecedented six Best Import awards during his tenure with Shell from 1987 to 1998. Parks wasn't just dominant - he was consistently excellent across multiple eras, averaging around 32 points and 12 rebounds throughout his PBA career. What impressed me most was his ability to adapt his game as he aged, transitioning from explosive scorer to savvy veteran who understood exactly when to take over games. His eight championships speak to his winning impact, though some critics argue he benefited from playing on stacked teams. Still, in my view, sustained excellence over more than a decade gives Parks a strong claim to the throne.
Then there's the phenomenal Sean Chambers, who became synonymous with Alaska Milk's golden era. Chambers led Alaska to eight championships between 1994 and 1998, forming an incredible partnership with Johnny Abarrientos that produced one of the most dominant stretches in league history. Watching Chambers play was like witnessing controlled fury - he played with such physicality and determination that he often seemed to will his team to victory through sheer force. His four Best Import awards might trail Parks' total, but his championship impact was arguably more concentrated and dramatic. I've always felt Chambers embodied what an import should be - someone who elevates everyone around him while delivering in clutch moments.
The modern era has produced its own contenders, with Justin Brownlee building an extraordinary resume with Barangay Ginebra since 2016. Brownlee's five championships and three Best Import awards don't fully capture his magical connection with Filipino fans. He has this uncanny ability to deliver exactly what his team needs precisely when they need it, whether it's a crucial defensive stop, a timely assist, or a game-winning three-pointer. His performance in the 2018 Commissioner's Cup finals, where he averaged 28.7 points and 12.3 rebounds while shooting 52% from three-point range, remains one of the most complete import performances I've ever witnessed. Brownlee's case is strengthened by how he's adapted to the evolving PBA game, expanding his range and playmaking as the league has modernized.
We can't ignore the statistical monsters either - players like Lew Massey, who put up video game numbers for Crispa in the early 80s, averaging a ridiculous 42.3 points per game during the 1983 Reinforced Conference. Or Norman Black, who seamlessly transitioned from import to local and won 13 championships across both roles. Black's unique perspective gives him special insight into what makes imports successful in the Philippine context, and he's often argued that the best imports are those who understand the cultural nuances of Filipino basketball rather than just relying on pure talent.
What strikes me about these great imports is how their legacies are defined by specific moments rather than just season-long statistics. That "Kuya kaya pa" moment with Tenorio illustrates how imports can inspire not just fans but fellow professionals with their performances. The greatest imports create memories that outlive their statistics - Parks' game-winning shots, Chambers' heroic performances through injuries, Brownlee's buzzer-beaters that sent crowds into absolute pandemonium.
Having watched hundreds of import-laden games through the years, I've come to believe that the true measure of greatness extends beyond awards and statistics. The best imports become part of the PBA's cultural fabric, connecting with fans in ways that transcend basketball. They adapt to the unique Philippine style of play, embrace the passionate fan culture, and understand that in the PBA, every game matters intensely. This is why, despite Parks' incredible resume, I'd give the slight edge to Sean Chambers for his transformative impact on Alaska's franchise and his ability to consistently deliver in the biggest moments.
The debate will undoubtedly continue as new imports arrive and create their own legacies. But looking at the complete picture - statistics, championships, cultural impact, and those unforgettable moments that give us chills years later - I believe Sean Chambers stands as the greatest PBA import of all time. His combination of individual excellence, team success, and iconic moments represents the gold standard for what an import can achieve in the Philippine Basketball Association.
