I remember sitting in the press box during the 2017 PBA season finals, watching the San Miguel Beermen complete their historic comeback against the Alaska Aces. That season felt like the culmination of years of established patterns - veteran players dominating, traditional powerhouses controlling the league, and a certain predictability to how teams approached player development. Fast forward to 2018, and the landscape had shifted in ways few of us anticipated. The transformation wasn't just about rule changes or new teams; it was about a fundamental shift in how teams valued player development and managed roster construction. Looking back at those two pivotal years, I can confidently say that 2018 marked the beginning of modern PBA basketball as we know it today.
The 2017 season operated under what I'd call the "established star" paradigm. Teams were still heavily reliant on their veteran core, with limited minutes going to developing players unless injuries forced coaches' hands. The import conferences followed predictable patterns, with teams favoring experienced international players over taking risks on younger, more athletic prospects. What struck me most about that season was how conservative team management seemed - sticking with known quantities even when the writing was on the wall that changes were needed. The playoff format, while exciting for fans, often rewarded teams that peaked at the right moment rather than those that showed consistent development throughout the season.
When 2018 rolled around, something felt different right from the Commissioner's Cup. Teams were experimenting with younger lineups, the pace of games increased noticeably, and we started seeing more innovative offensive sets. The league introduced several rule modifications that year that don't get enough attention - subtle changes to the shot clock reset rules and how physical contact was being officiated in the post. These adjustments might seem minor on paper, but they dramatically changed how teams constructed their rosters. Suddenly, versatile big men who could handle the ball became more valuable than traditional back-to-the-basket centers. The three-point attempt rate jumped from approximately 28% to 33% between seasons, reflecting this strategic evolution.
What really defined the 2018 shift, in my view, was the changing philosophy around player reintegration and development. I recall talking to coaches who were implementing more sophisticated load management programs, something that was virtually unheard of in previous seasons. This brings me to that memorable quote from Coach Lastimosa that perfectly captures the new mindset: "Management is extremely happy about how he came out despite having not played a long time and getting into battle in the playoffs with no time to work himself slowly back." This statement represents a complete departure from the old way of thinking. Teams were becoming more sophisticated about bringing players along gradually, understanding that throwing someone into deep waters wasn't always the best development strategy.
The numbers from those two seasons tell a fascinating story about this evolution. Team scoring averages increased from around 95 points per game in 2017 to nearly 102 points by the end of 2018. The pace of play accelerated by roughly 4 possessions per game, which might not sound like much but actually represents a significant stylistic shift. What the statistics don't capture is the qualitative change in how basketball was being played - more ball movement, more positionless lineups, and a greater emphasis on spacing. Having covered the league for over a decade, I can tell you that the difference between the 2017 and 2018 seasons felt like watching two different leagues at times.
From a team management perspective, the approach to building rosters underwent what I consider the most dramatic transformation. In 2017, teams were still thinking in terms of traditional positions and rigid rotations. By 2018, front offices were prioritizing versatility and skill redundancy. The successful teams were those that could switch everything defensively while maintaining multiple ball handlers and shooters on the court. This philosophical shift forced coaches to reconsider their entire approach to player development. No longer could you afford to have one-dimensional players eating up significant minutes; everyone needed to contribute in multiple ways.
The import selection process evolved considerably between these two seasons as well. In 2017, teams tended to go for known commodities - players with PBA experience or those who had established themselves in other Asian leagues. By 2018, we saw teams taking calculated risks on younger, more athletic imports who could defend multiple positions and stretch the floor. This change reflected the global evolution of basketball, but what impressed me was how quickly PBA teams adapted to these trends. The days of lumbering big men dominating the import spots were clearly ending, replaced by a new breed of versatile forwards who could impact the game in numerous ways.
When I reflect on what these changes mean for the league's future, I'm genuinely excited about the direction. The 2018 season laid the groundwork for the more dynamic, entertaining product we see today. Teams became smarter about player management, more creative with their offensive schemes, and more willing to embrace modern basketball concepts. The increased scoring and pace made games more exciting for fans, while the emphasis on player development created more sustainable team building approaches. If there's one lesson from comparing these two seasons, it's that evolution in basketball isn't just about rule changes - it's about philosophical shifts in how the game is understood and played. The PBA's transformation between 2017 and 2018 represents one of those pivotal moments where the league collectively leveled up its approach to the beautiful game.
People in Motion (PiM) is our employee advocacy and improvement program. These cross-functional groups are comprised of employees, with an executive sponsor, who contribute ideas and drive action towards focused areas of improvement across the employee experience. The groups include: Kyruus Kontext & Business Readiness; Community, Connectivity, & Engagement; System, Tools, & Productivity; IDEA [Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility].
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