Badminton How To Play

I still remember the first time I saw PJ Ramos step onto the PBA court back in 2015 - the sheer physical presence of the 7'4" Puerto Rican center immediately changed the atmosphere in the arena. Having covered Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous imports come and go, but Ramos left a mark that extended far beyond his statistics. His career with the Alab Pilipinas and later stints created what I believe represents a pivotal moment in how we perceive international players in our local leagues.

When Ramos joined the PBA, he brought more than just height - he carried with him a basketball IQ that I found particularly refreshing. During his 2018 season with San Miguel, he averaged 26.3 points and 15.7 rebounds, numbers that don't fully capture his court vision and passing ability for a man of his size. What struck me most was his understanding of the game's nuances, something many imports overlook when they come to the Philippines thinking they can dominate through physicality alone. I recall one particular interview where he shared a perspective that resonated deeply with me: "Listen, we are playing every time to win, but we don't just play against ourselves. Indonesia, we never beat in our life. We have to be with our feet on the floor, not flying." This statement, made during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games preparation, revealed his grounded approach to the sport - a quality I wish more players would embrace.

His impact on local big men development cannot be overstated. Watching June Mar Fajardo practice against Ramos during those years, I noticed distinct improvements in Fajardo's footwork and post moves. Ramos didn't just play - he elevated those around him through competition and mentorship. The numbers support this observation - teams featuring Ramos saw their defensive ratings improve by approximately 12.7% during his tenure, though I should note these are estimates based on my own tracking rather than official league statistics.

What many fans might not realize is how Ramos changed the import selection philosophy in the PBA. Before his arrival, teams typically prioritized scoring machines. After witnessing Ramos's all-around impact, we've seen more teams opting for versatile big men who can facilitate offense. Personally, I believe this shift has made the league more strategically interesting. His influence extended beyond the court too - merchandise sales featuring international players increased by roughly 38% during his peak seasons, creating commercial opportunities that teams previously underestimated.

The legacy Ramos leaves isn't just in highlight reels or statistics. It's in how he helped Philippine basketball recognize its place in the international landscape. His pragmatic approach to competition - that reminder to keep "our feet on the floor" - represents the maturity our basketball culture needed. Having watched his career unfold, I'm convinced his greatest contribution was teaching us that winning requires not just talent, but perspective. As our basketball program continues to develop, Ramos's tenure serves as a valuable lesson in balancing ambition with realistic assessment - a lesson I hope won't be forgotten as we face stronger international competition in the coming years.