I still remember watching that incredible game-winning play unfold during the 2022 PBA Commissioner's Cup finals. While LA Tenorio's name will forever be etched in the history books for sinking that championship-winning basket, anyone who truly understands basketball knows it was Scottie Thompson's brilliant assist that created the magic. This moment perfectly illustrates how imports during that season didn't just bring individual talent—they fundamentally transformed how local players approached the game, elevating everyone around them.
When I look back at that tournament, what strikes me most is how the imports created a fascinating dynamic between traditional PBA basketball and international styles. We had players like Justin Brownlee from Barangay Ginebra, who brought this beautiful blend of American fundamentals and European team-oriented play. Brownlee wasn't just scoring—he was teaching through his movements, showing local big men how to read defensive rotations in ways they hadn't considered before. His impact went beyond statistics, though his averages of 28.7 points and 12.3 rebounds per game certainly caught everyone's attention. What impressed me more was watching young Filipino players studying his footwork and decision-making during timeouts.
The conference featured about 15 different imports throughout the season, each bringing something unique to the table. I particularly enjoyed watching Magnolia's Mike Harris, whose veteran presence reminded me of having an additional coach on the floor. At 38 years old, he demonstrated how basketball IQ could compensate for declining athleticism, something many local veterans took notes on. Then there was Phoenix's Paul Harris, whose defensive intensity set a new standard for import commitment. I recall one game where he recorded 4 steals and 3 blocks while playing through what later turned out to be a minor fracture in his shooting hand—that kind of dedication resonated throughout the league.
What many fans might not realize is how these imports influenced tactical approaches beyond their individual performances. Teams began experimenting with different defensive schemes they'd seen their imports execute from overseas leagues. The pick-and-roll coverage became more sophisticated, with teams showing more varied looks rather than sticking to traditional switches. Offensively, we saw more creative spacing and movement patterns, with local players gradually adopting these concepts into their own games. The imports essentially served as basketball ambassadors, introducing strategies that Philippine basketball had previously encountered only during international competitions.
The Thompson-Tenorio connection that decided the championship exemplifies this evolution perfectly. Thompson's game-winning assist showcased a level of court vision and timing that reflected what he'd learned playing alongside and against world-class imports throughout the conference. His ability to draw two defenders and make the perfect pass under pressure demonstrated growth in his decision-making that I believe was accelerated by competing against higher-level opponents regularly. Tenorio, meanwhile, displayed the confidence to take and make that crucial shot—the kind of confidence that grows when you're constantly testing yourself against superior athletes.
Statistics from that season reveal interesting patterns about import impact. Teams with imports averaging above 25 points per game won approximately 68% of their matches, but what fascinated me was how the most successful imports weren't necessarily the highest scorers. The ones who elevated their local teammates—those with higher assist numbers and better defensive ratings—tended to carry their teams deeper into the playoffs. This suggested that the imports who focused on making everyone around them better had the most lasting impact on their teams' development.
From my perspective covering Philippine basketball for over a decade, the 2022 Commissioner's Cup represented a turning point in how teams approach import selection. Rather than just looking for pure scorers, teams started valuing imports who could mentor local talent while still delivering elite performance. The successful imports that season became temporary player-coaches, sharing knowledge during practices and film sessions. I've spoken with several local players who confirmed that learning from these international professionals accelerated their development more than any local training camp could have.
The legacy of those imports continues to influence the PBA today. We're seeing more sophisticated offensive sets and defensive adjustments from local coaches who absorbed lessons from observing how imports were utilized. The game has become faster, with teams pushing the pace more frequently—a direct influence from imports who brought transition basketball philosophies from other leagues. Even the physical conditioning of local players has improved as they work to match the endurance levels demonstrated by imports who were accustomed to longer seasons and more intense competition schedules.
Reflecting on that championship moment between Thompson and Tenorio, I see it as symbolic of the entire import experience that season. The imports didn't always take the final shot themselves, but they empowered local players to make those crucial plays when it mattered most. They changed the game not by dominating it, but by elevating it—raising the basketball IQ, intensifying the competitive fire, and expanding the strategic possibilities for everyone involved. The 2022 Commissioner's Cup imports didn't just participate in Philippine basketball—they helped transform it into a smarter, more sophisticated version of itself, and frankly, I don't think the league will ever look back.
