Looking back at the 2019 PBA D-League season, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia mixed with admiration for how much talent and drama unfolded on the court. As someone who’s followed Philippine basketball for years, I’ve always seen the D-League as this incredible incubator for future stars—a place where raw potential meets high-stakes competition. That season, in particular, stood out not just for the usual buzzer-beaters and breakout performances, but for how it set the stage for players who’d later make waves internationally. I remember thinking then, this is where the next generation of Gilas Pilipinas is being forged.
One of the most compelling storylines that year revolved around the emergence of young guards and big men who seemed ready to leap into the PBA or even represent the national team. Take RJ Abarrientos and Juan Gomez de Liaño—though the latter wasn’t in that specific Gilas practice mention, his energy was palpable throughout the D-League games. Abarrientos, with his slick ball-handling and fearless drives, averaged around 14.2 points and 5.1 assists per game, numbers that don’t fully capture his clutch gene. I recall one game where he dropped 22 points against the Marinerong Pilipino Skippers, sealing it with a step-back three in overtime. Moments like that made you sit up and take notice. And then there’s James Spencer, who, though not part of that initial Gilas gathering, was lighting it up from beyond the arc all season. His shooting splits were something like 42% from three-point land, which, in my book, is just elite for a developing league.
But what really stuck with me was how the D-League served as a testing ground for chemistry. Teams like the Cignal-Ateneo Hawkeyes and the Bataan Risers weren’t just collections of individual talents; they were units learning to mesh under pressure. I watched a game where the Hawkeyes executed a half-court set with such precision—it felt like watching a well-oiled machine. That’s the kind of experience you can’t get in practice scrimmages. And it’s why when news broke that Abarrientos and Dave Ildefonso—wait, scratch that, I’m mixing up names—actually, it was Abarrientos and Rosario who’d already attended Gilas’ first practice on that Monday, it made perfect sense. These guys were battle-tested. Rosario, in particular, had been a force in the paint, pulling down roughly 8.3 rebounds per game while showing flashes of defensive versatility. Seeing them transition from D-League hustlers to national team prospects was, frankly, a validation of the league’s role in Philippine hoops.
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the absence of some players due to overseas commitments. I’ve always had a soft spot for how the D-League balances local development with global opportunities. Take Lucero, for instance—the guy was still in the US for a vacation during that initial Gilas practice. It’s moments like these that highlight the challenges of scheduling and player availability. From my perspective, while it’s fantastic that players get breaks, it does create a bit of a gap in team cohesion early on. I remember chatting with a coach who mentioned that missing even one key piece can shift dynamics, especially in a short tournament like the D-League where every game counts. Lucero, who’d been averaging around 12.8 points and 6.5 rebounds, was someone I’d hoped to see in that Gilas mix sooner. His athleticism and wing play could’ve added another layer to the national team’s preparations.
As the season progressed, the playoff race heated up, and I found myself glued to every matchup. The finals between the Cignal-Ateneo Hawkeyes and the Centro Escolar University Scorpions was a classic—a five-game series that went down to the wire. Game 3, in particular, was a masterclass in resilience, with the Hawkeyes erasing a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Stats from that game showed they shot over 50% from the field in the final period, which is just insane under pressure. Personally, I’ve always leaned toward underdog stories, so part of me was rooting for the Scorpions, but you had to admire the Hawkeyes’ discipline. It’s these kinds of moments that make the D-League more than just a developmental league; it’s a narrative goldmine.
Wrapping up, the 2019 PBA D-League season wasn’t just a prelude to bigger things—it was a statement. With key players like Abarrientos and Rosario stepping into Gilas duties, and others like Lucero navigating their paths, it underscored how vital this platform is. From my seat, I’d argue that the D-League deserves more spotlight, not just for producing stats but for building character. Sure, there were flaws—attendance could dip below 1,000 on weekdays, and broadcast coverage wasn’t always consistent—but the heart was always there. As we look ahead, I’m excited to see how these experiences shape the next wave of Filipino basketball legends. If 2019 taught us anything, it’s that greatness often starts in the most unassuming arenas.
