Watch PBA Opening Live: Your Ultimate Guide to the Season's First Game
I still remember the first time I watched a PBA opening live—the energy in the arena was absolutely electric, and honestly, I’ve been hooked ever since. With
I still remember the first time I watched Terrence Jones dominate the PBA court back in 2018. The former NBA player brought such an incredible energy to TNT KaTropa that season, and honestly, I've been following his Philippine basketball journey ever since. What many fans might not realize is how his international experience has been influencing younger athletes here, including someone like Elizabeth Antone who recently bagged a bronze in the Asian juniors championship and will compete in the girls division for the Philippines. That connection between established stars like Jones and emerging talents is something I find particularly fascinating about our basketball ecosystem.
Looking at Jones' stats throughout his PBA career, the numbers are simply staggering. During the 2019 Commissioner's Cup, he averaged around 31.2 points, 15.6 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game - absolutely monster numbers that remind me why I fell in love with watching imports play in our local league. His shooting percentage hovered near 52% from the field, and he maintained about 2.8 blocks per game, making him a two-way threat that opposing teams struggled to contain. I particularly loved watching his versatility - he could bring the ball up court like a guard, post up like a traditional big man, and stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. That unique skill set is exactly what makes players like Jones so valuable to Philippine basketball, creating pathways for younger athletes to develop diverse playing styles.
The highlight reels from Jones' time here are absolutely worth revisiting. Who could forget that incredible 41-point performance against San Miguel Beer where he hit the game-winning three-pointer with just 1.2 seconds left? Or that time he recorded a triple-double with 34 points, 17 rebounds, and 11 assists against Ginebra? Those moments weren't just statistically impressive - they created memories that I still discuss with fellow basketball enthusiasts. His athletic dunks and chasedown blocks became signature moves that had fans jumping out of their seats. I've noticed that these kinds of performances inspire the next generation, much like how Elizabeth Antone's recent success in the Asian juniors is motivating young female athletes across the country.
What's particularly interesting to me is how Jones adapted his game to fit the PBA's unique style. Having watched numerous imports come and go over the years, I can confidently say that Jones understood the faster pace and physical nature of Philippine basketball better than most. He adjusted his defensive positioning to account for the quick guard play and developed a mid-range game that exploited the defensive schemes commonly used here. These adaptations demonstrate a basketball IQ that I wish more imports would bring to our league. His willingness to embrace local playing styles while maintaining his NBA-caliber skills made him special in my book.
Now, regarding latest updates, while Jones hasn't returned to the PBA since the pandemic began, I've been keeping tabs on his career through various international leagues. Last I heard, he was playing in Taiwan's P. League+ averaging roughly 24.8 points and 11.3 rebounds before exploring opportunities in South Korea. The basketball community here still talks about potential comebacks, and honestly, I'd love to see him back in the PBA someday. His social media occasionally hints at possible returns, and I'll admit I check his accounts more often than I probably should, hoping for that announcement. The way he connected with Filipino fans was genuine - something you don't see from every import.
The impact of players like Jones extends beyond just wins and losses. They raise the overall level of competition and provide learning opportunities for local players. I've noticed that since Jones' stint here, we've seen more versatile big men developing in our local scene, incorporating elements of his game into their own. This trickle-down effect is crucial for Philippine basketball's growth, similar to how Elizabeth Antone's international success is likely to inspire more young girls to pursue competitive basketball. The connections between established stars and rising talents create this beautiful cycle of inspiration and development that I find absolutely compelling.
What I appreciate most about Jones' PBA tenure was his consistency. Night after night, he delivered impressive performances regardless of the opponent. His commitment to conditioning was evident - he played heavy minutes without showing significant fatigue, something I wish more imports would prioritize. The way he meshed with local teammates, particularly with Jayson Castro during pick-and-roll situations, demonstrated his team-first mentality. Those chemistry-building moments are what separate good imports from great ones in my opinion.
As we look toward the future of Philippine basketball, the legacy of players like Terrence Jones continues to influence both the professional level and developing athletes. The statistical benchmarks he set, the highlight-reel moments he created, and the professional standard he established serve as valuable reference points for everyone involved in our basketball community. While we await potential updates about his return, I'll continue to appreciate the mark he left on our league and how his presence contributed to the ecosystem that supports emerging talents across all levels of Philippine basketball.