As someone who's been covering the PBA for over a decade, I've witnessed countless imports come and go, each leaving their unique mark on Philippine basketball history. The debate about who truly deserves the title of greatest PBA import isn't just about statistics—it's about legacy, impact, and that intangible quality that separates good players from legendary ones. When I look at the current draft order for the third round and beyond—Terrafirma, Phoenix, Blackwater, NorthPort, NLEX, Magnolia, Meralco, Converge, San Miguel, Rain or Shine, Barangay Ginebra, and TNT—I can't help but think about how these franchises have been shaped by the imports they've chosen throughout the years.
Let me start with my personal favorite—Bobby Ray Parks Sr. Now here was a player who fundamentally changed how we think about imports. During his prime in the 1980s, Parks averaged around 52 points per game in multiple conferences, numbers that seem almost mythical by today's standards. What made him special wasn't just his scoring ability but his basketball IQ. I remember watching him dissect defenses with an almost surgical precision, making everyone around him better. He led the fabled San Miguel Beermen to numerous championships, creating a dynasty that would define an era. When I compare him to modern imports, there's simply no contest—Parks had that rare combination of physical dominance and mental acuity that we rarely see anymore.
Then there's the sentimental choice for many fans—Sean Chambers. The man played for Alaska for an incredible 14 seasons, winning six championships and becoming synonymous with the franchise's golden years. Chambers wasn't the most physically imposing import at 6'2", but he had heart that measured ten feet tall. I've never seen a player sacrifice his body more consistently for loose balls or dive into stands more frequently. His loyalty to Alaska created a blueprint for what imports could achieve when they truly embraced Philippine basketball culture. Looking at teams like Terrafirma and Blackwater who've struggled to find consistent import success, they could learn from Chambers' example about building long-term relationships rather than constantly cycling through temporary solutions.
The modern era has produced some spectacular talents too. Justin Brownlee's transformation from solid import to legendary figure for Barangay Ginebra deserves special mention. Since joining in 2016, he's delivered five championships and countless clutch performances. What separates Brownlee from other contemporary imports is his ability to elevate his game when it matters most. I've lost count of how many game-winning shots I've seen him make, each one cementing his legacy further. His chemistry with local stars like LA Tenorio and Scottie Thompson demonstrates how imports can integrate seamlessly rather than just dominating the ball. Given Ginebra's position late in the current draft order, they've historically shown that finding the right import matters more than draft position.
Speaking of draft order, it's fascinating how teams approach import selection differently based on their position. Franchises like Terrafirma and Phoenix, who pick early in the third round, often take bigger risks on imports, hoping to uncover hidden gems. Meanwhile, established powers like San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra, picking later, tend to go for proven commodities who can immediately contribute to championship aspirations. This dynamic creates an interesting ecosystem where different types of imports find homes suited to their skills and temperament.
We can't discuss great imports without mentioning the controversial ones. Derrick Brown put up astronomical numbers—averaging 42.7 points and 21.3 rebounds in the 2013 Commissioner's Cup—but couldn't lead San Miguel to the championship. Then there's Arizona Reid, who brought pure excitement to Rain or Shine with his explosive scoring and relentless energy, winning two Best Import awards. Each of these players represents different facets of what makes an import successful or unsuccessful in the PBA context.
Having watched hundreds of import-laden games, I've developed my own criteria for evaluating them. Championship pedigree matters immensely—about 60% of my evaluation weight goes to playoff performance and titles won. Cultural impact accounts for another 25%, measuring how much the player connected with Filipino fans and adapted to local basketball culture. The remaining 15% considers statistical dominance, though raw numbers can sometimes be misleading in evaluating true impact. Using this framework, Parks still tops my list, followed closely by Chambers and Brownlee.
The evolution of the import role in the PBA fascinates me. In earlier decades, teams looked primarily for volume scorers who could carry offensive loads. Today, the ideal import is more versatile—someone who can defend multiple positions, facilitate offense, and provide leadership. This shift reflects how Philippine basketball has matured strategically, moving beyond reliance on individual brilliance toward more team-oriented approaches. Still, when the game is on the line, there's nothing quite like watching a great import take over, reminding us why we fell in love with this debate in the first place.
After all these years and countless games watched from press row, I keep returning to Bobby Ray Parks Sr. as the gold standard. His combination of individual excellence and team success remains unmatched. While modern fans might argue for Brownlee or other contemporary stars, and old-timers might have their own favorites from different eras, Parks' legacy transcends statistics. He didn't just win games—he elevated the entire league and set the benchmark for what an import could achieve in Philippine basketball. In my book, that makes him the greatest PBA import of all time, though I acknowledge this debate will continue as long as there's basketball being played in the Philippines.
