Discover the Complete List of PBA Teams for the 2019 Season and Key Players
As a longtime follower of Philippine basketball, I still remember the excitement building up towards the 2019 PBA season. Having covered the league for over a decade, I've learned that each new season brings its own unique blend of veteran savvy and fresh talent, creating that special chemistry that can turn underdogs into champions. The 2019 season was particularly fascinating because it marked a transitional period for several franchises - some were rebuilding, others were reloading, and a few were genuinely figuring out their identity. That quote about taking "baby steps" rather than sprinting right away perfectly captures the philosophy I saw many teams embracing that year. It wasn't about immediate domination but sustainable growth, and that approach made for one of the most compelling seasons in recent memory.
Let me walk you through the complete lineup of teams that competed in the 2019 season, starting with my personal favorite, the San Miguel Beermen. They were coming off another championship run and returned with their legendary core intact - June Mar Fajardo, the league's most dominant big man, Arwind Santos, Chris Ross, and Alex Cabagnot. What made San Miguel special wasn't just their talent but their incredible chemistry. Having watched them develop over years, I'd argue they had the best ball movement in the league, with Cabagnot and Ross forming what I consider the most underrated backcourt in PBA history. Right beside them in the powerhouse category were the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, always drawing the biggest crowds and most passionate reactions. Coach Tim Cone's system had fully taken root, with LA Tenorio running the show, Scottie Thompson doing his triple-double magic, and Japeth Aguilar providing those highlight-reel blocks that brought crowds to their feet. I've always had a soft spot for Ginebra's never-say-die attitude - it's what makes Philippine basketball so special.
The TNT KaTropa entered the season with what I believed was the most explosive backcourt combination in Terrence Romeo and Jayson Castro. Having covered both players since their amateur days, I can tell you their speed in transition was simply breathtaking. What made TNT dangerous was their depth - they could go ten players deep without significant drop-off, a luxury few teams possessed. Then there were the Phoenix Fuel Masters, a team I found particularly intriguing because of their youth movement. Matthew Wright had developed into a legitimate star, and Calvin Abueva, despite his controversies, brought an energy that could single-handedly change games. I remember thinking Phoenix was exactly the kind of team that embodied that "baby steps" philosophy - they weren't ready to challenge for a championship yet, but you could see the pieces coming together.
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters maintained their reputation as one of the league's best developmental systems. Coach Caloy Garcia had them playing that gritty, defensive-minded basketball that made every possession a battle. James Yap, though in the twilight of his career, still had those moments of brilliance that reminded you why he was once the most feared scorer in the league. Meanwhile, the Magnolia Hotshots built around their twin towers of Ian Sangalang and Rafi Reavis, with Paul Lee providing clutch shooting. I've always admired how Magnolia played with discipline and structure - they rarely beat themselves, which made them dangerous in playoff settings.
The Alaska Aces were undergoing what I'd call a quiet rebuild. Veterans like Vic Manuel provided scoring punch, but the team was clearly transitioning toward a new identity. The Columbian Dyip, on the other hand, were all about youth and potential. CJ Perez was the obvious standout - his rookie season was nothing short of spectacular, and I remember telling colleagues he'd be a future MVP. The NorthPort Batang Pier had what I considered one of the most entertaining rosters, with Stanley Pringle's offensive brilliance and Sean Anthony's all-around game. What made NorthPort fascinating was their high-risk, high-reward style - when their shots were falling, they could beat anyone.
The Meralco Bolts continued to build around veteran guard Baser Amer and import Allen Durham, while the Blackwater Elite were in what I'd characterize as a development phase, focusing on building through the draft and young talent. What struck me about the 2019 season was how different each team's approach was - some were clearly in win-now mode, while others were building for the future, taking those incremental steps toward contention.
Looking back, that "baby steps" philosophy resonated throughout the season in ways I didn't fully appreciate at the time. Teams that tried to rush their development often stumbled, while those that built systematically showed the most sustainable success. The 2019 season taught me that in professional basketball, sometimes the slow, steady approach yields the best results. The PBA's balance between established stars and emerging talent created a compelling product that kept fans like me engaged throughout the year. What made that season special wasn't just the games themselves but watching teams grow and evolve, each at their own pace, each with their own story unfolding week by week.