As I sit down to write this comprehensive guide to the 2021 PBA teams, I can't help but reflect on that powerful statement from one of the league's coaches that perfectly captures the spirit of this season: "Marami pa rin kaming hinahanap, marami pa kaming gusto, but we're so happy kung nasaan man kami ngayon dahil nakikita namin kung sa'n pa kami papunta at ano pa 'yung pwedeng marating namin." This translates to "We're still looking for a lot, we still want a lot, but we're so happy where we are now because we see where we're headed and what more we can achieve." This sentiment echoes throughout the league as teams navigate through one of the most challenging yet promising seasons in recent memory.
The 2021 PBA season unfolded under extraordinary circumstances, with the Philippine Cup being played in a bubble environment in Angeles City, Pampanga. Having followed the league for over a decade, I've never witnessed such determination from players and coaching staff alike. The roster changes this year were particularly strategic, with teams making calculated moves rather than the usual dramatic shakeups. Take Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, for instance - they retained their core championship lineup but added crucial depth with the acquisition of Prince Caperal and Arvin Tolentino. What impressed me most about their roster strategy was how they balanced veteran leadership with young talent, creating what I believe to be the most well-rounded team in the league. Their 38-22 record during the elimination rounds doesn't fully capture their dominance, especially considering they played through multiple COVID-related disruptions.
TNT Tropang Giga emerged as the team to watch, and honestly, they became my personal favorite to follow throughout the season. Their roster saw the integration of Mikey Williams, who immediately made his presence felt with an average of 19.7 points per game. The chemistry between Williams and established stars like Jayson Castro and Roger Pogoy created an offensive powerhouse that was simply thrilling to watch. I remember thinking during their semifinal series that this team had found something special - that perfect blend of youth and experience that championship teams are made of. Their journey to the finals was marked by impressive comebacks, including that memorable Game 7 victory where they overcame a 15-point deficit in the third quarter. The numbers speak for themselves: they led the league in three-point percentage at 36.8% and assists per game at 24.3, showcasing their unselfish brand of basketball.
San Miguel Beermen faced what many considered a transitional year, especially with June Mar Fajardo's injury recovery timeline affecting his playing time. Yet what fascinated me was how they adapted their game plan. With Fajardo playing limited minutes initially, they transformed into a faster, more perimeter-oriented team than we've seen in recent years. Terrence Romeo stepped up magnificently, averaging 22.4 points during crucial stretches of the season. Their roster depth was tested repeatedly, but players like Moala Tautuaa and Arwind Santos showed why veteran presence matters in a compressed season format. From my perspective, their ability to remain competitive while integrating new pieces speaks volumes about their organizational culture.
What struck me about the 2021 season was how teams embraced the uncertainty. The Meralco Bolts, for example, made subtle but significant roster adjustments that paid dividends. Their acquisition of Alvin Pasaol added much-needed scoring punch off the bench, while Chris Newsome continued his development into one of the league's premier two-way players. I've always appreciated how coach Norman Black manages his rotations, and this season was no different. Their defensive schemes were particularly effective, holding opponents to just 88.3 points per game - the second-best mark in the league. Watching their evolution throughout the season reminded me that sometimes the most important moves aren't the flashiest ones, but those that address specific needs within a system.
The Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters represented one of the more interesting case studies in roster construction. After losing Calvin Abueva to Magnolia, many (including myself) wondered how they'd replace his production and energy. The answer came through collective effort rather than relying on a single star. Matthew Wright elevated his game to MVP candidate level, while rookies like Larry Muyang provided unexpected contributions. Their 12-9 record might not jump off the page, but considering the roster turnover they experienced, it was quite an achievement. I found their games particularly compelling because they played with nothing to lose, often taking risks that more established teams wouldn't attempt.
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters took a different approach, focusing heavily on developing their young core. With an average age of just 25.7 years across their main rotation, they were clearly building for the future while remaining competitive in the present. Rookie Santi Santillan immediately made an impact, averaging 12.3 points and 8.1 rebounds in his debut season. What I admired about their approach was their patience - they understood that development isn't always linear, and they gave their young players meaningful minutes even during crucial games. This long-term vision, while sometimes frustrating in the short term, positions them well for sustained success.
The season format itself presented unique challenges that affected roster management decisions. With the conference stretched over five months due to pandemic-related pauses, teams had to consider player conditioning and depth more carefully than ever before. The league implemented strict health protocols that sometimes resulted in last-minute roster changes when players entered health and safety protocols. I recall speaking with one team executive who described the season as "the ultimate test of organizational depth and flexibility." Teams that invested in developing their bench players during the offseason reaped the benefits when starters needed rest or couldn't play due to protocol requirements.
Looking back at the complete 2021 PBA landscape, what stands out to me is how each team's journey reflected that initial quote about understanding where they're headed. The successful teams weren't necessarily those with the most talent on paper, but those who best understood their identity and built their rosters accordingly. The season produced unexpected heroes, surprising performances, and moments that reminded us why we love this sport. As we look toward future seasons, the lessons learned from 2021 about roster construction, player development, and organizational flexibility will undoubtedly shape how teams approach building their squads. The PBA continues to evolve, and if 2021 taught us anything, it's that the teams who embrace their journey while keeping their eyes on future possibilities are the ones who ultimately find success.
