Watching thousands of Filipinos erupt in cheers for Alas, even in defeat, reminded me why the PBA is so special. Coach Gabby Frigoni’s smile after that tough loss—caught on camera, almost serene amid the chaos—said it all. There’s something electric about this stage, something that goes beyond wins and losses. And now, with the playoffs looming, that energy is about to shift into overdrive. The question on everyone’s mind is simple but loaded: Who will make the PBA playoffs, and what will that mean for the championship race? I’ve followed this league for over a decade, and I can tell you—this isn’t just about seeding. It’s about momentum, heart, and sometimes, a little bit of luck.
Let’s start with the obvious contenders. Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beermen have been fixtures at the top, and honestly, it’s hard to imagine a finals without one of them. Ginebra’s crowd presence alone—we’re talking 16,000-plus at their peak home games—gives them a tangible edge. I’ve sat in those stands, felt the floor vibrate, and watched visiting teams crumble under the pressure. But San Miguel? They’ve got June Mar Fajardo. The man’s a walking double-double, averaging around 18 points and 12 rebounds this conference. Numbers like that don’t just win games—they build dynasties. Still, I’ve got a soft spot for the underdogs. Teams like Meralco and NLEX have shown flashes of brilliance, and if they sneak into the playoffs, they could turn everything upside down.
Playoff positioning isn’t just math—it’s psychology. Take that moment with Coach Frigoni. His team, Alas, lost, but the support from the crowd? That’s the kind of fuel that carries over. I’ve spoken to players who say a single momentum swing in the last few elimination games can define their entire postseason run. For teams clinging to the 6th to 8th seeds, every possession feels like Game 7. And let’s be real—the difference between 4th and 5th place? That’s a twice-to-beat advantage, and in my view, it’s almost unfair. One bad night, and your championship dreams vanish. Last season, TNT squandered that edge and got knocked out by Rain or Shine in a stunning upset. I still remember the silence in the arena—deafening.
Then there’s the X-factor: injuries and roster depth. I’ve seen teams like Magnolia claw their way in, only to lose a key player days before the quarterfinals. It’s brutal. Right now, at least three teams in contention are dealing with nagging injuries—ankle sprains, knee issues—that could derail everything. And let’s not forget the imports. The right reinforcement can transform a middle-seed team into a title threat. Back in the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup, I watched San Miguel’s import, Chris McCullough, drop 35 points in a playoff clincher. That kind of performance sticks with you.
What does all this mean for the championship race? If Ginebera and San Miguel secure top-two spots—which I think they will—we’re looking at a predictable but thrilling path. But if a team like Phoenix or NorthPort slips in, things get messy. Those squads play with a nothing-to-lose swagger. I love it. They run the floor, take risky threes, and defend like their lives depend on it. In a best-of-seven series, that energy can exhaust more polished opponents. Personally, I’m rooting for a Cinderella story. The PBA needs it. Too often, the same teams dominate, and while excellence deserves recognition, unpredictability keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
Of course, coaching will play a huge role. Tim Cone’s system at Ginebra is a well-oiled machine, but younger coaches like Yeng Guiao bring a fiery, unpredictable style. I’ve always admired Guiao’s ability to motivate—his halftime speeches could probably power a small city. In the playoffs, that passion translates. Remember, it’s not just about X’s and O’s. It’s about who wants it more, who’s willing to dive for loose balls in the fourth quarter when legs are tired and the pressure is suffocating.
As we head into the final stretch of eliminations, keep an eye on those mid-table clashes. The game between NLEX and Meralco next week? That could decide the 4th seed. I’ll be there, notebook in hand, because moments like these—where desperation meets opportunity—often produce the most memorable basketball. And when the playoffs begin, don’t be surprised if we see another Frigoni-like moment: a coach smiling through the pain, a crowd roaring for a fallen hero, and a team nobody expected making a deep run. That’s the beauty of the PBA. It’s not just about who wins—it’s about who believes they can, against all odds.