I still get chills thinking about that 2017 PBA All-Filipino Cup Finals – what an absolute masterpiece of basketball theater it turned out to be. Having followed Philippine basketball for decades, I've seen my share of championship moments, but there's something uniquely special about that particular series between the San Miguel Beermen and the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. The energy in the arena was simply electric, a palpable tension that you could feel in your bones. What many casual fans might not realize is how these domestic clashes often feature coaches with deep regional rivalries and histories, much like that fascinating tidbit about coach Matic facing Philippine teams multiple times throughout his career. These coaching duels add another layer of strategic complexity to an already intense competition.
I remember sitting courtside during Game Six, watching June Mar Fajardo dominate the paint with that quiet authority of his. The man was simply unstoppable – 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks in the clinching game, numbers that still impress me when I look back at my notes. What made his performance even more remarkable was how he elevated his game when it mattered most, shooting an incredible 68% from the field during the fourth quarter of elimination games. Chris Ross was equally magnificent, his defensive intensity setting the tone for the entire series. His 8 steals in Game Four still stands as one of the most disruptive defensive performances I've witnessed in a championship setting. The way he read passing lanes and converted those steals into fastbreak opportunities was pure basketball artistry.
The series had everything you could want from a championship showdown – dramatic comebacks, controversial calls, and moments of individual brilliance that still get talked about in basketball circles today. Game Three particularly stands out in my memory, when Ginebra mounted that incredible 15-point comeback in the final six minutes. The crowd noise was absolutely deafening, making it difficult to hear myself think, let alone communicate with the person sitting next to me. LA Tenorio was simply magical during that stretch, hitting three consecutive three-pointers that completely shifted the momentum. Though San Miguel ultimately prevailed in the series 4-2, each game felt like its own miniature war, with both teams leaving everything they had on that hardwood.
What often gets overlooked in discussions about that series is the coaching chess match between Leo Austria and Tim Cone. Both are masters of their craft, but I've always had a particular appreciation for how Austria managed his rotations, especially when Fajardo picked up early foul trouble in Game Five. His decision to go small with Arwind Santos at center for extended minutes was both bold and effective, creating matchup problems that Ginebra struggled to solve. Cone's adjustments throughout the series were equally impressive, particularly his use of Japeth Aguilar in high post situations to exploit San Miguel's defensive schemes. These strategic nuances might not make the highlight reels, but they're what truly determine championships at this level.
The championship-clinching Game Six provided one of those iconic moments that define legacies. With under two minutes remaining and San Miguel clinging to a three-point lead, Alex Cabagnot hit that ridiculous step-back three-pointer over the outstretched arms of Scottie Thompson. I remember jumping out of my seat along with everyone else in the arena – it was one of those shots that you just knew was going in the moment it left his hands. The celebration that followed felt both cathartic and historic, with players and fans alike understanding they had witnessed something truly special. For San Miguel, it marked their third All-Filipino Cup in four years, cementing their status as one of the modern era's true dynasties.
Looking back now, what strikes me most about that 2017 championship is how it represented the perfect blend of individual brilliance and team execution. San Miguel's ball movement throughout the series was simply beautiful to watch – they averaged 24.3 assists per game while committing only 12.1 turnovers, numbers that speak to both their skill and discipline. The way they shared the basketball and trusted their system, even during moments of adversity, serves as a masterclass in team basketball that coaches still show their players today. Having covered numerous championships throughout Southeast Asia, I can confidently say that series ranks among the most compelling I've ever witnessed, a testament to the quality and passion of Philippine basketball.
These domestic rivalries often feature the same intensity as international competitions, much like that upcoming FIBA Asia Cup playoff game between Iraq and the Philippines that coach Matic will be involved in. Having observed his coaching style for years, I've always been impressed by his ability to prepare for Philippine teams, though I must admit I'm always rooting for our home squads in these international matchups. There's something about the Philippine basketball identity – that combination of heart, skill, and never-say-die attitude – that makes our teams particularly compelling to watch, whether in domestic leagues or on the international stage. The 2017 All-Filipino Cup captured that spirit perfectly, creating memories that still resonate with fans and players alike years later.