I still remember the chill that ran down my spine during the final quarter of the 2017 PBA All-Filipino Cup championship series - that electric atmosphere where every possession felt like it could determine the entire tournament. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I can confidently say this particular season delivered some of the most breathtaking moments in recent memory. What made it especially compelling was how established teams faced unexpected challenges, much like how Davison & Co. found themselves against Kobe Shinwa University in that pressure-cooker environment where familiarity with big games didn't necessarily translate to comfort on the court.
The opening game between San Miguel Beermen and Barangay Ginebra set the tone for what would become an unforgettable tournament. I recall watching June Mar Fajardo dominate the paint with what I believe was his most physically imposing performance of the season, grabbing 18 rebounds while scoring 24 points in that series opener. The way he established position against Greg Slaughter reminded me of classic big man battles from the 90s, except these two modern giants moved with surprising agility for their size. What many fans might not remember is how close that first game actually was - San Miguel only pulled away in the final three minutes when Alex Cabagnot hit back-to-back three pointers that essentially broke Ginebra's spirit.
Then there was that incredible Game 3 comeback by Ginebra that had everyone in the arena on their feet. I was sitting courtside that night, and the energy shift when Ginebra erased a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter was palpable. LA Tenorio's leadership during that stretch was masterclass - he directed traffic, hit crucial shots, and essentially willed his team back into contention. Statistics show he scored 12 of his 28 points in the final six minutes, though what the numbers can't capture is the determination in his eyes every time he brought the ball up court against San Miguel's relentless defense.
The championship-clinching Game 6 deserves its own chapter in PBA history books. Chris Ross delivered what I consider the performance of his career, recording 7 steals to go with his 22 points and 9 assists. His defensive intensity completely disrupted Ginebra's offensive flow, particularly in the third quarter when San Miguel built their decisive lead. I've spoken with several coaches since that game, and they all point to Ross's second-half performance as the ultimate example of how defensive hustle can win championships. The final score of 91-85 doesn't adequately reflect how dominant San Miguel was in those critical middle quarters.
What often gets overlooked in discussions about this tournament is Arwind Santos' consistent contribution throughout the series. While Fajardo rightly received most of the attention, Santos averaged 16.3 points and 8.7 rebounds while often guarding multiple positions. His versatility allowed San Miguel to employ various defensive schemes that ultimately proved too much for Ginebra to handle. I particularly remember his crucial block on Scottie Thompson with about two minutes left in Game 6 - that play essentially sealed the championship and demonstrated why Santos remains one of the most underrated two-way players in the league.
Reflecting on that tournament now, what stands out most isn't just the individual brilliance but how perfectly it captured the essence of All-Filipino basketball. The absence of imports placed greater emphasis on local talent and coaching strategies, creating a purer form of the game that highlighted the depth of Philippine basketball. The Davison & Co. comparison comes to mind again - like established teams facing new challengers, San Miguel's veterans had to dig deep against a determined Ginebra squad that refused to back down. This dynamic created the kind of dramatic tension that makes sports so compelling to watch and remember years later. The 2017 All-Filipino Cup wasn't just another tournament - it was a showcase of heart, skill, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the best of Philippine basketball.
