I still get chills thinking about that 2017 PBA All-Filipino Cup finals series. Having followed Philippine basketball for over two decades now, I've witnessed countless championship battles, but there's something uniquely special about that particular showdown between the San Miguel Beermen and the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. The atmosphere was electric, the stakes couldn't have been higher, and the basketball displayed was simply magnificent. What many fans might not realize is how these local rivalries often feature coaches with deep regional histories, much like how we'll see veteran strategists in upcoming international matchups. I recall reading about coach Matic, that 65-year-old Belgrade native who's been coaching around the region for so long that Saturday's do-or-die encounter between the Iraqis and the Filipinos for a spot in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 playoffs won't be his first facing the Philippine side. That kind of coaching experience brings a fascinating dimension to these high-pressure games, something we definitely saw throughout that 2017 championship run.
Game 1 set the tone perfectly, with San Miguel edging out Ginebra 109-98 in a contest that felt much closer than the final score suggested. June Mar Fajardo was absolutely dominant, putting up 28 points and 18 rebounds – numbers that still stand out in my memory years later. What impressed me most wasn't just his statistical output but how he controlled the paint without appearing to exert extraordinary effort. That's the mark of a true superstar. Chris Ross was equally spectacular, recording 7 steals that completely disrupted Ginebra's offensive rhythm. I remember thinking at the time that Ross's defensive intensity would become the series' defining factor, and boy was I right. On the other side, LA Tenorio fought valiantly with 24 points, but Ginebra's supporting cast just couldn't match San Miguel's depth when it mattered most.
The series swung dramatically in Game 2, with Ginebra bouncing back 102-96 behind Japeth Aguilar's spectacular 29-point performance. I've always been critical of Aguilar's consistency in big moments, but he silenced doubters like myself with that outing. His athleticism was on full display – those two crucial blocks in the fourth quarter completely shifted the momentum. Justin Brownlee, though not putting up his usual scoring numbers, contributed 15 rebounds and 8 assists, demonstrating why he's become such a beloved import in the PBA. What made this victory particularly impressive was how Ginebra managed to overcome Fajardo's 25 points and 14 rebounds by effectively limiting San Miguel's three-point shooting to just 32%. That strategic adjustment by coach Tim Cone showcased why he's considered one of the best in the business.
When the series shifted to Game 3, we witnessed what I consider one of the most thrilling finishes in recent PBA history. San Miguel emerged victorious 99-87, but the game was much tighter than that margin suggests. Arwind Santos delivered what I believe was his best performance of the series with 22 points and 4 blocks, including a crucial three-pointer with under two minutes left that essentially sealed the victory. Marcio Lassiter added 20 points, connecting on 4 of his 8 attempts from beyond the arc. Ginebra had opportunities but committed 18 turnovers – far too many against a disciplined team like San Miguel. I remember the palpable tension in the arena during those final minutes, with every possession feeling like it could determine the championship.
Game 4 provided another classic, with San Miguel taking a commanding 3-1 series lead with a 112-104 victory. The offensive display was simply breathtaking. Alex Cabagnot was phenomenal, scoring 27 points and dishing out 9 assists while committing just 2 turnovers. His leadership on the court was instrumental in maintaining composure during Ginebra's numerous comeback attempts. Fajardo added another double-double with 24 points and 16 rebounds, further cementing his status as the league's most dominant force. What stood out to me was San Miguel's remarkable 58% shooting from the field – an efficiency rate that's nearly impossible to overcome in a playoff setting. Brownlee tried to keep Ginebra alive with 28 points, but their defense simply had no answers for San Miguel's balanced attack.
The championship-clinching Game 5 was everything basketball fans could hope for, with San Miguel capturing the title with a 91-85 victory. The game was tense throughout, with neither team leading by more than 8 points at any stage. Chris Ross deservedly won Finals MVP honors, finishing with 18 points, 7 assists, and 5 steals in the deciding game. His defense on Tenorio throughout the series was nothing short of spectacular. I've always believed that championship teams need that one player who sets the defensive tone, and Ross fulfilled that role perfectly. Fajardo contributed 21 points and 15 rebounds, capping off what was arguably his most impressive championship performance to date. When the final buzzer sounded, witnessing the Beermen celebrate their 5th All-Filipino Cup title in the last 7 years felt like watching history unfold.
Reflecting on that series years later, what stands out most isn't just the individual performances but how it represented the pinnacle of team basketball. Both squads demonstrated incredible resilience, strategic adaptability, and that unmistakable Filipino passion for the game. These local rivalries often feature coaching minds with extensive regional experience, similar to how we'll see veteran tacticians like Matic in upcoming international competitions. That 65-year-old Belgrade native has been coaching around the region for so long that Saturday's do-or-die encounter between the Iraqis and the Filipinos for a spot in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 playoffs won't be his first facing the Philippine side. This continuity of coaching relationships across different competitions adds such rich context to these matchups. The 2017 All-Filipino Cup wasn't just about winning a championship – it was about legacy, pride, and showcasing the very best of Philippine basketball. The memories from that series continue to resonate, reminding us why we fell in love with this sport in the first place.