Top PBA Players 2019: Ranking the Best Basketball Stars and Their Career Highlights

As I look back at the 2019 PBA season, I can't help but feel that this was one of those transitional years where we witnessed both established legends cementing their status and emerging stars beginning to make their mark. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade now, I've developed a particular appreciation for how certain players can transform not just their teams but the entire league landscape. The 2019 season was especially fascinating because we saw this dynamic play out across multiple teams and conferences, with veteran leadership proving just as valuable as youthful energy.

Let me start with my personal favorite - June Mar Fajardo. Now, I'll admit I might be slightly biased here because I've always had a soft spot for dominant big men who can control the game without needing to be flashy. Fajardo's 2019 campaign was nothing short of spectacular, averaging around 19.8 points and 13.9 rebounds per game while leading San Miguel to another championship. What impressed me most wasn't just his statistical dominance but how he elevated his game in crucial moments. I remember watching that epic finals series where he basically willed his team to victory through sheer determination and skill. His career highlights read like something from a basketball fairy tale - six MVP awards, multiple championships, and countless memorable performances that have cemented his status as arguably the greatest PBA player of his generation.

Then there's Stanley Pringle, whose move to Barangay Ginebra created one of the most exciting backcourt combinations I've seen in recent years. Pringle brought this incredible offensive versatility that I found absolutely mesmerizing to watch. He could score from anywhere on the court, create for others, and had this knack for making big plays when it mattered most. His averages of approximately 17.2 points and 6.1 assists don't fully capture his impact on games. What many casual fans might not appreciate is how his presence opened up the floor for teammates like LA Tenorio, creating offensive opportunities that simply weren't there before.

Speaking of Tenorio, his role with Magnolia deserves special attention, especially considering the context provided about the team's championship history. Having covered the league since their 2018 Governors' Cup victory, I've watched how Tenorio's leadership has been crucial for a franchise that has consistently been in playoff contention but struggled to get over the hump. The reference to Magnolia's championship drought since their 2018 triumph and the legacy of their last grand slam in 2013-14 under Cone is particularly telling. From my perspective, Tenorio represents that bridge between the team's glorious past and its promising future. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and I've always admired how he manages games with this calm, calculated approach that belies the intensity of PBA competition.

What made the 2019 season particularly memorable for me was watching how these established stars were challenged by emerging talents like CJ Perez and Robert Bolick. Perez's explosive scoring ability reminded me of a young James Yap, while Bolick's fearlessness in big moments suggested we were witnessing the rise of future superstars. I recall being at the arena during that famous game where Bolick scored 25 points in the fourth quarter alone - it was one of those performances that gives you chills because you know you're watching something special unfold.

The interplay between veteran excellence and youthful emergence created this fascinating dynamic throughout the season. Teams like TNT and Rain or Shine provided compelling narratives of their own, with Jayson Castro continuing to defy Father Time and Beau Belga showcasing why he's one of the most underrated big men in the league. From where I sit, having analyzed hundreds of games over the years, the 2019 season represented this beautiful balance between established hierarchy and disruptive new talent.

As I reflect on that season, what stands out most isn't just the individual brilliance but how these players shaped team fortunes and championship races. The PBA has always been about more than just statistics - it's about legacy, leadership, and those magical moments that define careers. Looking at the current landscape, I can't help but feel that 2019 served as this crucial inflection point where we witnessed the gradual passing of the torch while still appreciating the greatness of established stars. It's this constant evolution that keeps me passionate about Philippine basketball year after year, and 2019 delivered that in spades with its mix of veteran mastery and emerging excellence.