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PBA Players 2015: Where Are They Now and What They Achieved
I still remember watching the 2015 PBA season with such excitement - that was truly a special year for Philippine basketball. Looking back now, it's fascinating to track where those players ended up and what they've accomplished since then. As someone who's followed the league for over a decade, I've developed particular admiration for players who maintained their competitive edge while staying grounded in their roots.
That quote from Shaina about family support building their competitive spirit really resonates with me. I've noticed this pattern repeatedly among the most successful PBA athletes - those strong family foundations often translate directly to professional longevity. Take June Mar Fajardo, for instance. Back in 2015, he was already showing promise, but nobody could have predicted he'd become a six-time MVP. His consistency amazes me - he's averaged around 16.8 points and 12.5 rebounds throughout his career, numbers that very few centers in PBA history have maintained. What impresses me most isn't just his statistical dominance but how he's remained with the same team, San Miguel Beermen, building something truly special there.
Then there's Calvin Abueva, who brought such explosive energy to the Alaska Aces that season. Love him or hate him, you can't deny his impact on the court. His journey has been rockier than others - that suspension in 2016 definitely set him back - but I admire how he fought his way back to relevance. His current stats with Magnolia (approximately 11.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game) might not scream superstar, but his defensive intensity changes games. He's exactly the type of player I'd want on my team in crucial moments.
What often gets overlooked in these discussions is how many players from that 2015 cohort actually transitioned into coaching or front office roles. About 15% of them are now involved in basketball operations in some capacity, which tells you something about their deep understanding of the game. Alex Compton, who was coaching Alaska back then, has mentored several players who've become excellent analysts and commentators. That mentoring aspect matters more than people realize - the league's institutional knowledge gets preserved through these relationships.
The international performances have been particularly revealing. The Gilas Pilipinas teams featuring 2015 PBA standouts achieved some memorable victories, including that stunning upset against South Korea in 2015. Those moments made me incredibly proud as a Filipino basketball fan. Yet I can't help feeling somewhat disappointed that we haven't built more systematically on that success. The potential was there for sustained international competitiveness, but various factors prevented that momentum from fully developing.
When I look at players like Jayson Castro, still performing at high level years later, it makes me appreciate the professional dedication these athletes maintain. Castro's probably lost half a step since 2015, but his basketball IQ has improved so much that he remains effective. That's the thing about great players - they adapt. About 60% of the primary players from that 2015 season are still active in professional basketball today, which speaks volumes about their conditioning and love for the game.
Reflecting on all this, I'm struck by how much family support systems, like what Shaina described, really do shape these careers. The players who maintained strong personal foundations tended to have more sustainable success. The PBA landscape has changed significantly since 2015, with new talents emerging every season, but that particular group will always hold special significance for me. They represented both the tradition of Philippine basketball and its evolving future, creating memories that still get basketball fans like me excited when we reminisce about that era.