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I still remember the first time I saw PJ Ramos step onto the PBA court - this towering 7'4" center from Puerto Rico immediately changed the landscape of Philippine basketball. Having followed international basketball for over fifteen years, I've witnessed numerous imports come and go, but Ramos brought something special that resonated deeply with Filipino fans. His journey through the PBA wasn't just about basketball statistics; it was about cultural connection and redefining what a dominant big man could be in Asia's first professional basketball league.

When Ramos joined the TNT KaTropa back in 2017, the numbers spoke for themselves - he averaged around 28 points and 20 rebounds during his first conference, absolutely dominating the paint in ways we hadn't seen since the days of legendary imports like Bobby Ray Parks. What impressed me most wasn't just his statistical output but how he transformed TNT's entire defensive scheme. I recall watching their game against Ginebra where Ramos recorded 5 blocks and altered at least a dozen more shots - his mere presence in the paint forced opponents to completely rethink their offensive strategies. His footwork for someone his size was extraordinary, and I've always believed his background in both the NBA development league and Puerto Rican national team gave him that unique blend of skills that made him nearly unstoppable in the PBA.

The 2018 Commissioner's Cup finals against San Miguel Beermen showcased Ramos at his absolute peak. In Game 4, he dropped 42 points and grabbed 23 rebounds - one of the most dominant individual performances I've witnessed in PBA history. But what many casual fans might not remember is how he elevated his game during crucial moments. During that same finals series, Ramos shot approximately 65% from the field in fourth quarters, demonstrating his ability to deliver when it mattered most. His chemistry with local stars like Jayson Castro was phenomenal to watch develop throughout that conference.

I've always appreciated how Ramos handled the pressure of being a high-profile import. His mindset reminds me of something he once said about international competition: "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 grounded approach perfectly encapsulated Ramos' philosophy - he understood the importance of respecting opponents while maintaining confidence in his abilities. This balance between humility and self-assurance made him particularly effective in high-pressure PBA situations where imports often crumble under expectations.

Looking back at Ramos' PBA legacy, I'd argue his greatest impact was how he forced other teams to rethink their import strategies. Before Ramos, many teams favored athletic wings or scoring guards, but his success sparked a trend of teams looking for dominant big men who could control both ends of the floor. His influence extended beyond statistics - he raised the level of competition throughout the league and inspired a new generation of Filipino big men to develop more sophisticated post moves and defensive awareness. While his PBA career spanned just a few seasons, the Ramos effect continues to influence how teams construct their rosters and approach the import selection process today.