For some of the greatest Filipino players to ever play the game of basketball, the PBA is in good hands with the influx of young talent such as sophomores JVee Casio and Paul Lee and rookies Chris Tiu and Calvin Abueva joining the league’s established stars.“They’re the third wave of stars playing in the PBA,” said Ronnie Magsanoc, who was selected as one of the league’s 25 Greatest Players during its silver anniversary in 2000. “Eto na yung James Yap intertwining with players like Casio, Chris Tiu, Abueva, Paul Lee.”
For Magsanoc, the first wave of stars came during the league’s inception, when pioneers like Robert Jaworski, Ramon Fernandez, Philip Cezar, and Atoy Co ruled the PBA. The second wave came during the late ’80s, when talented players such as himself, Alvin Patrimonio, Jerry Codinera, Jojo Lastimosa, and Benjie Paras, among many others.
Lastimosa said that the entry of new stars ensures a bright future for the PBA.
“They’re coming at a perfect time. These guys, Chris Tiu, Casio, Abueva, Paul Lee, they will serve as the foundation of the PBA for the next few years,” said Lastimosa. “And these guys are the players with impact.”
Patrimonio, one of the most popular players in PBA history, sees the entry of Tiu into the PBA fold as a big boost for the league.
“Malakas yung hatak niya sa fans. It’s good for the league,” said Patrimonio.
-Rey Joble, InterAKTV
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