PBA 2015 Season Highlights: Top Games and Players to Remember
I still remember the 2015 PBA season like it was yesterday - the electric atmosphere in arenas, the buzzer-beaters that left us breathless, and the emergence of new heroes who would define Philippine basketball for years to come. That season had everything a basketball fan could ask for: dramatic comebacks, individual brilliance, and team rivalries that reached fever pitch. As someone who's covered Philippine basketball for over a decade, I can confidently say the 2015 season stands out as one of the most memorable in recent PBA history, blending veteran mastery with exciting new talent in ways we hadn't seen before.
The game that immediately comes to mind when I think about that season was that incredible Meralco Bolts match where Garvo Lanete delivered what I consider one of the most clutch performances of his career. I was sitting courtside that night, and the energy in the arena was absolutely electric, especially during that pivotal moment when Newsome completely shifted the momentum. What made this moment so special wasn't just the shot itself, but the context - Meralco had been fighting from behind for what felt like forever, and you could see the frustration building with every possession. Then came that magical sequence where Newsome took the ball beyond the arc, created just enough space, and sank that beautiful three-pointer that put Meralco ahead 67-66. I remember turning to my colleague and saying, "This changes everything," because you could feel the entire complexion of the game shift in that instant. That shot wasn't just about the points - it was about restoring belief in a team that had been searching for momentum since the opening minutes.
What many casual fans might not realize is how statistically remarkable that particular game was within the broader context of the season. Meralco actually shot 48% from beyond the arc that night, which was about 7% higher than their season average of 41%. Newsome himself contributed 22 points in that game, but more importantly, his leadership during crucial moments demonstrated why many analysts, including myself, considered him one of the most underrated players that season. I've always believed that true greatness isn't just about putting up big numbers, but about delivering when your team needs you most, and Newsome embodied that perfectly throughout the 2015 campaign.
The season also gave us June Mar Fajardo's dominant performance where he averaged 18.9 points and 14.2 rebounds - numbers that still impress me when I look back at the statistics. I had the privilege of interviewing him after one of his 25-point games, and what struck me wasn't just his physical dominance but his basketball IQ, which I think was significantly underappreciated at the time. Then there was Jayson Castro, who in my opinion played the best basketball of his career that season, particularly during that elimination game where he dropped 31 points against Ginebra. I remember thinking during that game that we were witnessing something special - Castro wasn't just playing, he was orchestrating, controlling the tempo like a master conductor.
Another game that stands out in my memory was the Rain or Shine versus Alaska clash that went into double overtime. The sheer endurance and willpower displayed by both teams was something I haven't seen replicated often in recent seasons. Paul Lee's performance in that game - 28 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds - was particularly memorable because he was playing through what we later learned was a pretty significant ankle injury. As someone who's watched hundreds of PBA games, I can tell you that it's rare to see that combination of skill and grit, especially in such a high-pressure situation.
The 2015 season also marked the emergence of several young players who would go on to become mainstays in the league. I distinctly remember watching Chris Newsome develop throughout the season, transforming from a promising rookie into a genuine star who could take over games when it mattered most. His growth trajectory that season was something I made sure to highlight in my coverage because it represented exactly what makes the PBA so special - the development of homegrown talent into professional stars. Similarly, players like Stanley Pringle and Calvin Abueva really came into their own that year, showing flashes of the brilliance that would define their careers in subsequent seasons.
Looking back, what made the 2015 season truly special wasn't just the individual performances or specific games, but how everything came together to create one of the most competitive and entertaining seasons in recent memory. The level of play across the board was exceptional, with teams pushing each other to new heights night after night. As a basketball analyst, I've always believed that the quality of a season can be measured by how many "must-watch" games it produces, and by that metric, the 2015 season was an overwhelming success. Even now, when I discuss classic PBA seasons with colleagues and fans, the 2015 campaign consistently comes up as a benchmark for excellence and excitement. The memories from that year - from Newsome's clutch shots to Fajardo's dominance to Castro's brilliance - continue to resonate because they represent Philippine basketball at its very best.
