November 06, 2024

PBA 49 and Thriving: A Retro Route to celebrate the league's foundation

PBA 49 and Thriving: A Retro Route to celebrate the league
Happy Birthday, PBA! | Art by Mitzi Solano/One Sports

It's not even Thursday yet, but you can excuse the PBA for this epic throwback as the league celebrates its 49-year anniversary on April 9, 2024.

Since 1975, Asia's first play-for-pay league has served as the heartbeat of the Filipino basketball fandom.

Dribbling down memory lane, the two-minute video published on PBA's social channels unveil the gems of Philippine basketball history, such as Ramon “El Presidente” Fernandez, the “Living Legend” Robert Jaworski, and the pioneer of all the superstars, William “Bogs” Adornado, among others.

Through 49 long years, the PBA acted as launching pad for the Philippine basketball icons such as "The Captain" Alvin Patrimonio, “Mr. 4th Quarter" Jojo Lastimosa, and who would forget the “Tower of Power" in Benjie Paras?

And now, after almost five decades, the PBA remains as strong as ever, with modern pillars like June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, and many more.

The PBA is more than a game; it is a national legacy. It has already touched not just the basketball heart, but the actual lives of millions of Filipinos. While there are many other basketball leagues in Asia, the PBA will always be a vital part of succeeding generations.

Watch the full video here: 


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