Discover the Top Ilocano PBA Players Dominating Philippine Basketball Today
The sound of squeaking sneakers echoes through the arena as I watch Calvin Abueva dive for a loose ball, his signature intensity radiating across the court. I’ve been covering Philippine basketball for over a decade now, and there’s something special about watching Ilocano PBA players that always gets me fired up. Just last week, I was at the Elements of Centris for the 2025 PBA Media Day, surrounded by the buzz of preseason excitement, when I stumbled upon a conversation that reminded me why these athletes from the Ilocos region command such respect.
I remember leaning against the media booth, nursing my third cup of coffee, when I overheard a veteran sportswriter reminiscing about an old game where an Ilocano player fought through what should have been a season-ending injury. That story took me back to my own first encounter with the toughness these players bring to the court. It was during the 2018 Governors’ Cup, and I witnessed June Mar Fajardo—though not Ilocano himself—battle through pain that would have sidelined most imports. But today, I’m here to tell you why we should all be paying attention to the current crop of Ilocano talents who are reshaping the league. In fact, if you want to understand the heart of modern Philippine basketball, you need to discover the top Ilocano PBA players dominating Philippine basketball today.
Take, for instance, the recent story of Robert Bolick. I’ve followed his career since his college days, and his clutch performances for NorthPort have become the stuff of legend. Just last conference, he dropped 42 points in a single game against Ginebra—a franchise record that had fans buzzing for weeks. But what makes Bolick and other Ilocano players stand out isn’t just their stats; it’s their almost stubborn refusal to quit, a trait I’ve noticed runs deep in their cultural upbringing. I’ll never forget chatting with his high school coach in Laoag, who told me how Robert would practice until midnight, long after everyone else had gone home. That work ethic translates directly to the PBA, where he’s averaged 18.7 points and 6.2 assists over the past two seasons.
Then there’s the case of Jio Jalalon, whose quick hands and relentless defense have made him a nightmare for opposing guards. I once saw him record 5 steals in a single quarter against Magnolia—a feat that had the Araneta Coliseum roaring like I haven’t heard in years. But what really struck me was during that Media Day at Elements of Centris, when I overheard a conversation that perfectly captures the Ilocano spirit. One player was describing an injury to a teammate, saying, "Pagbagsak niya (Hodge) dito (pointing to his knee), may tumunog. So yun, out na ako. Hirap na akong makalakad." That raw honesty about physical struggle, coupled with the determination to return stronger, embodies exactly why these players from the north continue to thrive.
Personally, I’ve always had a soft spot for Ilocano players—maybe it’s because my grandfather came from Vigan and used to tell me stories about playing barefoot on dirt courts. There’s a certain grit to their game that you don’t always see elsewhere. I remember watching Kevin Alas fight back from that devastating ACL tear in 2018. Most players would have faded into obscurity, but Kevin came back stronger, putting up 14.3 points per game last conference and proving why NLEX was right to keep faith in him. That resilience isn’t accidental; it’s cultivated in the tough farming communities of the Ilocos region, where hardship is just part of the landscape.
What many casual fans don’t realize is how much strategic intelligence these players bring to the game. I’ve had the privilege of sitting in on film sessions with several PBA coaches, and they consistently praise the basketball IQ of their Ilocano players. They read defenses like chess masters, anticipating movements two or three plays ahead. During last year’s Philippine Cup, I charted how Ilocano-led teams converted 68% of their fast-break opportunities—a staggering number that speaks to their decision-making under pressure.
The influence extends beyond individual stats too. When you look at the current standings, teams with significant Ilocano representation like Rain or Shine and Phoenix have consistently punched above their weight. Last season, these two franchises combined for 27 wins against top-tier opponents despite having smaller budgets than the legacy teams. That’s no coincidence—it’s the result of a basketball culture that values substance over flash, fundamentals over flair.
As I write this, I can’t help but feel excited about the future. There’s a new generation of Ilocano talent coming through the ranks—players like Juan Gomez de Liaño, who I believe will make waves once he gets his PBA shot. Having watched him develop in the MPBL, I’d bet good money he’ll be a household name within two years. The pipeline from the north remains strong, with local leagues in Ilocos Norte producing about 12 legitimate pro prospects annually according to scouts I’ve spoken with.
So the next time you’re watching a PBA game, pay special attention to those players with that distinctive Ilocano grit. Watch how they move without the ball, how they communicate on defense, how they push through fatigue in the fourth quarter. These aren’t just basketball players—they’re carrying on a tradition of excellence that dates back to the legendary teams of the 90s. And if my years covering this sport have taught me anything, it’s that the future of Philippine basketball will continue to be shaped by these remarkable athletes from the Ilocos region.
