PBA 2017-2018: Complete Guide to Results, Rankings and Player Performance Analysis

2025-11-15 17:01

Looking back at the PBA’s 2017-2018 season, I still get chills thinking about the sheer intensity and unpredictability that defined those months. As someone who’s followed Philippine basketball for years, I can confidently say that season was one of the most memorable in recent history—not just because of the titles won, but because of the stories behind the stats. I remember sitting courtside during the Commissioner’s Cup finals, feeling the arena shake as Alaska and Barangay Ginebra battled it out. That kind of energy is rare, and it’s what keeps fans like me coming back season after season.

When we talk about standout performances, it’s impossible not to mention June Mar Fajardo. The man was an absolute force, averaging 21.3 points and 13.7 rebounds per game in the Philippine Cup. I’ve always admired his consistency, but that season he took it to another level. San Miguel’s dominance in the All-Filipino conference was a masterclass in teamwork, but Fajardo’s individual brilliance was the engine. Watching him maneuver in the paint, you could tell he was playing with a kind of focus that’s rare even among pros. And let’s not forget about Stanley Pringle—his agility and scoring bursts were a joy to watch. He ended the season with an average of 18.9 points, and in my opinion, he was one of the most underrated players that year.

But what really stood out to me was the comeback narrative that unfolded during the playoffs. I’ll never forget TNT’s Jayson Castro and how he returned from injury just in time for the crucial games. His coach, Jong Uichico, summed it up perfectly when he said, "Management is extremely happy about how he came out despite having not played a long time and getting into battle in the playoffs with no time to work himself slowly back." That quote stuck with me because it captures the essence of playoff basketball—the pressure, the urgency, and the sheer will to perform when it matters most. Castro’s ability to drop 24 points in his first game back wasn’t just impressive; it was inspirational. It reminded me why I love this sport: the human element, the resilience, the stories that numbers alone can’t tell.

On the team front, Barangay Ginebra’s Governor’s Cup victory was a highlight. They finished with a 9–2 record in the eliminations, and Justin Brownlee’s leadership was nothing short of phenomenal. I’ve always been a bit biased toward Ginebra—there’s something about their never-say-die attitude that resonates with fans. Watching them claw their way through the semifinals against San Miguel, especially that overtime thriller where they edged out a 104–102 win, was basketball at its finest. Greg Slaughter’s 18 points and 11 rebounds that game were crucial, but it was the team’s collective grit that sealed the deal. In moments like those, you see how strategy and heart intersect.

From a rankings perspective, the season was a rollercoaster. San Miguel topped the team standings with a 75% win rate, but they faced stiff competition from teams like Magnolia and Rain or Shine. What fascinated me was how the import-laden conferences shook things up. In the Commissioner’s Cup, Alaska’s import, Diamond Stone, put up staggering numbers—around 32 points per game—but it wasn’t enough to secure the title. That’s the thing about the PBA; individual stats don’t always translate to wins. Team chemistry, especially in high-stakes games, often makes the difference. I recall chatting with a fellow analyst who pointed out that Alaska’s defense lagged in key moments, and I have to agree. Their 102.5 points allowed per game in the finals was a telling stat.

As the season wrapped up, the individual awards ceremony was another moment that highlighted the depth of talent. Fajardo bagged his fifth MVP award—no surprise there—but seeing young guns like CJ Perez break through was exciting. Perez averaged 16.8 points in his rookie year, and I believe he’s one of the future stars of the league. Reflecting on it all, the 2017-2018 season wasn’t just about who won or lost; it was about the narratives that unfolded on and off the court. For fans and analysts alike, it offered a rich tapestry of performances that we’ll be dissecting for years to come. If there’s one takeaway, it’s that in the PBA, resilience often trumps raw talent, and that’s what makes every game worth watching.