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The Best PBA Imports of All Time: A Definitive Ranking List
Having spent over a decade covering Philippine basketball, I've developed a particular fascination with how imports transform the PBA's competitive landscape. I still vividly remember watching the 2019 Commissioner's Cup finals at the magnificent Mall of Asia Arena, where Heading's comment about the "unbelievable venue" perfectly captured the electric atmosphere that these international players help create. That's the magic of great imports - they don't just elevate the game statistically, they create unforgettable moments in incredible settings that stay with fans forever.
When compiling this definitive ranking of the best PBA imports, I've weighed several factors beyond mere statistics - cultural impact, championship pedigree, and that intangible ability to make everyone around them better. Let's start with what I consider the undisputed king of imports - Sean Chambers. The man delivered six championships for Alaska from 1994 to 2001, an absolutely staggering achievement that no other import has matched. Chambers wasn't just physically dominant with his 6'2" frame, he possessed this incredible basketball IQ that allowed him to read defenses like a chess master. I'd argue his 1996 season where he averaged 28.7 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists while leading Alaska to a rare grand slam might be the single greatest import performance in league history.
Then there's the legendary Bobby Parks, who many younger fans might know more as Ray Parks' father than the dominant force he was in the late 80s and early 90s. Parks won a record seven Best Import awards with Shell, showcasing an incredible consistency that's never been matched. His rivalry with Norman Black in the 1988 finals remains one of the most compelling storylines in PBA history. What made Parks special was his two-way dominance - he could drop 35 points while completely shutting down the opposing team's best scorer. Statistics from that era are somewhat spotty, but I'd estimate Parks averaged around 32 points and 12 rebounds during his prime years.
Speaking of Norman Black, he absolutely deserves his spot in the top three. Before becoming one of the most successful coaches in PBA history, Black was a nightmare matchup for every team in the league. His fundamental approach to the game - no flash, just results - perfectly embodied the San Miguel franchise he led to multiple championships. I particularly remember his 1989 conference where he reportedly averaged 34.8 points and 15.2 rebounds while shooting an incredible 58% from the field. Black understood Philippine basketball culture in a way few imports have, seamlessly integrating with local players rather than dominating the ball excessively.
Justin Brownlee represents the modern era of imports, and what separates him from other talented reinforcements is his clutch gene. I've lost count of how many game-winners I've seen Brownlee hit for Ginebra, each one more dramatic than the last. His transformation from a pure scorer to a complete offensive hub has been incredible to witness. Brownlee understands that being a successful import in the Philippines isn't just about putting up numbers - it's about embracing the culture, connecting with fans, and delivering when it matters most. His performance in the 2018 Governors' Cup finals where he averaged 29.5 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 6.8 assists while shooting 42% from three-point range showcased his evolution into arguably the most complete import since Chambers.
The conversation about great imports inevitably leads to controversial omissions, and in my view, while someone like Lew Massey put up incredible numbers - I've seen records suggesting he averaged over 40 points in the 1980 season - his lack of championship success keeps him just outside my top five. Similarly, modern stars like Allen Durham and AZ Reid, while statistically magnificent, didn't quite have the sustained dominance of my top selections. Reid's 2015 season where he reportedly averaged 31.4 points and 13.8 rebounds for San Miguel was spectacular, but championship success matters when we're talking about the absolute best.
What makes ranking imports particularly challenging is how the game has evolved. The physical, defense-oriented imports of the 80s and 90s like Chambers and Black would need to adapt to today's pace-and-space game, while modern versatile imports like Brownlee might have struggled with the more physical post play of previous eras. Still, the common thread among all great imports is their ability to raise the level of competition and create those magical moments that Heading referenced. I've been fortunate to witness many of these players firsthand, from the gritty determination of Chambers to the smooth efficiency of Brownlee, and each has contributed to making the PBA the uniquely exciting league it is today. The debate about the greatest import will continue as long as the league exists, but for my money, Chambers' combination of individual excellence and team success gives him the slightest of edges in this incredibly competitive field.
