PBA players we wish were taller

A long-standing Filipino tradition is jumping as the clock strikes 12 on New Year’s Eve.

Filipinos believe that if you do that annually, chances are you’ll get taller.

Ceiling has always been an issue for us especially in the sport we all love — basketball. Yes, we have had seven-foot behemoths like EJ Feihl and Greg Slaughter. But most of our players are not blessed with size like they are. 

And since we’re in the topic of size, let's talk about the PBA cagers we wish did this tradition religiously every year. 

Here are some hoopers in recent memory (late 90s to present) we wish were taller. 

Johnny Abarrientos - 5'8"

At 5-foot-8, he almost made it to the NBA. With his speed and ability to put the ball to the basket with ease, he naturally attracted attention from NBA scouts during his heydays in the PBA.

Imagine if he were six to eight inches taller. maybe it's not just the Charlotte Hornets who could have knocked on his door. Other NBA teams would probably be salivating over this prized Filipino point guard that is widely regarded as the best in his position. 

Jimmy Alapag - 5'9"

With additional inches on top of that range from Jimmy Alapag country, this icon of a point guard could be the eldest Splash Brother. Right? 

Lest you forget, Alapag owns the record of most 3-pointers made in the PBA with 1,250.

Calvin Abueva - 6’2" 1/2

A shade under 6-foot-3 with brute strength that could match any heavyweights in the game and his boundless energy, Calvin Abueva can pretty much play any position. 

Imagine if he were 6-9. He’d give even NBA legend Dennis Rodman a run for his money.

Jayson Castro - 5'10"

Jayson Castro is a two-time best point guard in Asia. His speed is second to none. His shooting is deadly. His skills are impressive.

I mean, who drives against a 7-foot-2 Hamed Haddadi without fear and actually makes his shot? 

Castro did, and did so gracefully. 

So if the TNT superstar were 6-foot-5, I bet even the elite in Asia and the NBA would have a hard time guarding him. 

June Mar Fajardo - 6’10"

Yeah, I know. We’re being greedy. This gargantuan player who is collecting individual awards season after season should be satisfied with his size. 

But I would have loved to see him go toe-to-toe against probably the best NBA player to come out of Asia in Yao Ming. 

A 7-feet-tall Fajardo against 7-foot-5 Yao would definitely be fun to watch.

Which PBA player would you love to see grow taller?