All Star PBA: Your Ultimate Guide to Players, Stats and Championship Moments

Walking into the PBA finals always feels like stepping into a theater where legends are born and underdogs have their moment. I’ve followed this league for years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that championships aren’t just won by superstars—they’re sealed by the quiet contributors, the ones who step up when the lights burn brightest. That’s exactly what we’re seeing unfold in this year’s finals, and honestly, it’s what makes the All Star PBA such a riveting spectacle. If you’re looking for the ultimate guide to players, stats, and unforgettable championship moments, you’ve come to the right place—because today, we’re diving deep into what separates a good team from a legendary one.

Let’s talk about the marquee names first. June Mar Fajardo, Cjay Perez, Calvin Oftana, and Roger Pogoy—these guys are the headline-makers, the ones whose highlights flood social media and whose stats pop off the page. Fajardo, for instance, averaged a monstrous 18.5 points and 12.3 rebounds in the semifinals, while Perez dropped 24 points in Game 3 alone. They’re incredible, no doubt, and as a fan, I love watching them dominate. But here’s the thing: in a seven-game series, relying solely on your stars is like bringing a sword to a gunfight. It might work for a round or two, but eventually, fatigue, double-teams, and defensive schemes will wear them down. That’s where the real drama begins.

Take Game 1 of this finals series, for example. While Fajardo was drawing double teams in the paint and Pogoy was being hounded on the perimeter, it was Jericho Cruz who slipped through the cracks to hit two clutch triples in the fourth quarter. Don Trollano, often flying under the radar, chipped in with 12 points and 7 rebounds—nothing flashy, but absolutely essential. And let’s not forget Kim Aurin and Glenn Khobuntin, who combined for 18 points off the bench. I remember watching Aurin’s corner three with 3 minutes left—it wasn’t just a basket; it was a momentum-shifter. These guys might not make the cover of sports magazines, but they’re the glue holding this team together. In my view, that’s what the All Star PBA is all about—not just celebrating the superstars, but appreciating the ecosystem of talent that makes championship runs possible.

So, what’s the problem here? Well, it’s easy to get hypnotized by star power. Coaches, analysts, even us fans—we tend to focus so much on the big names that we overlook the supporting cast until it’s too late. I’ve seen teams crumble in the finals because their role players weren’t integrated properly into the game plan. In this series, if Cruz, Trollano, Aurin, and Khobuntin are treated as afterthoughts, the offense becomes predictable. Defenses will collapse on Fajardo, force Perez into tough shots, and suddenly, that "unstoppable" lineup looks human. It’s a classic trap, and one that’s cost more than a few teams a championship.

The solution? It starts with intentionality. Coaches need to design sets that empower these secondary players early in the game—not as a plan B, but as a core strategy. For instance, running pick-and-roll actions with Trollano as the ball-handler or using Khobuntin as a screener who pops out for mid-range jumpers. I’d even argue that giving Aurin more minutes in high-pressure situations could pay dividends; his confidence is infectious. From a team chemistry perspective, it’s about building trust. I’ve spoken to players off the record, and they often say that knowing the coach believes in them changes everything. If Cruz takes—and misses—a big shot in Game 2, he needs the freedom to take it again in Game 3 without looking over his shoulder. That kind of empowerment turns role players into heroes.

Looking back at PBA history, the most memorable championship moments often feature unexpected contributors. Think of Larry Fonacier’s Game 6 performance in the 2012 finals or Joe Devance’s all-around brilliance in 2018. These weren’t the primary options, but they delivered when it mattered. In this All Star PBA finals, I believe we’re witnessing something similar. The stats will show Fajardo’s double-doubles and Perez’s scoring bursts, but the real story might be Cruz’s defense or Aurin’s energy off the bench. As a longtime follower of the league, my take is simple: championships aren’t won by individuals; they’re won by units that trust each other implicitly. So, while the stars will rightfully grab the headlines, keep an eye on the unsung heroes—they’re the ones who’ll decide who lifts the trophy when the confetti falls.