Basketball is heavily ingrained in our culture. Not only is it just a sport, but it is a way of life. At almost every corner of rural areas, you can find make-shift dirt courts. Local channels feature basketball games on primetime. Since its introduction in the country during the onset of the 1900’s, basketball has steadily grown to become the country’s favorite pastime. But apart from those who play for leisure, there are legends who have etched their names in the halls of fame.
Legends are those whose stories continue to resonate and live on. Most people remember the birth of Ginebra’s “Never Say Die” when Robert Jaworski returned to the game from the hospital after getting his busted lip stitched up. That’s why he’s a living legend, but there are others. Inspired by STR8’s #GoForGreatGiannis campaign featuring 2019 NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, we dive into the stories behind some of the legends in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Allan Caidic: The Legend of The Triggerman
21 November 1991 | Most Points scored by a PBA Player: 79
Allan Caidic was highly touted coming out of college and was the overall first pick in the 1987 PBA rookie draft. Since then, he became a multiple-time PBA champion and all-star, and the league’s MVP in 1990. On top of highly decorated collegiate and professional careers, Caidic represented the Philippines internationally. He helped the Philippines get gold in the 1985 Southeast Asian Games, and led our national team to grab a couple of bronze finishes (1986, 1998), a silver (1990) and a gold (1990) in FIBA Asia.
But, best of all, he has the most cold-blooded moniker in the history of Philippine sports: The Triggerman. One has to shoot for such an honor—and Caidic did just that on the evening of November 21, 1991. He sat at the bench the whole first quarter during a game against the crowd favorite Ginebra San Miguel. Caidic wasn’t even supposed to play, having rushed from a nearby hospital where his wife was in extended labor. He was supposedly tense, which explains the benching. But then he entered the game in the second quarter and finished with 17 three pointers, scoring a total of 79 points on 74% field goal shooting.
Seventy-nine. The final score: Presto, 162; Ginebra, 149. In that game alone, The Triggerman made history three times over. He had the most points in a quarter (37), most points in a half (53), and most points in a game (79). After the game, Caidic was able to successfully hold in his arms his newborn child. It’s a bit of weight the legend surely didn’t mind hoisting after an epic hooping performance.
Jerry Codiñera: The Legend of The Defense Minister
3 October 1989 | Most Blocks by a PBA Player: 11
People will always remember Jerry Codiñera’s name alongside his frontcourt teammate and fellow hardcourt legend Alvin Patrimonio. While Captain Lion Heart Patrimonio got the lion’s share of MVPs and offensive responsibilities, The Defense Minister Codiñera played the role of a perfect partner.
While Patriminio posted by the paint, Codiñera hovered by the elbow. This coordination was a prelude to the high-low action by the Duncan-Robinson and Webber-Divac pairings in the late 90s to the 2000s NBA. Codiñera was a big man with a good-to-great 18-foot jumper. It was a skill two decades too early for the Philippine game and a huge team advantage. He probably figured having that outside shot would draw the opposing team’s big men out of the paint. This, in turn, could halve their ability to patrol around the basket.
He probably knew this. After all, Jerry was a 9-time all-defensive team selection and the PBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1994. These accomplishments were in addition to his resumé as a five-time champion and 11-time all-star. But, while his name is almost always mentioned along Patrimonio’s, Codiñera made sure to stand out in that one legendary game almost 30 years ago.
In a game against San Miguel Beer on October 3, 1989, Codiñera posted a record that stands to this day: most blocks in a single PBA game. While at present he wishes today’s big men like 5-time MVP June Mar Fajardo and Greg Slaughter would break his record, he relishes blocking 11 (eleven!) shots, including a series of them on American import Keith Smart.
Codiñera’s #44 jersey was retired by the Purefoods (Magnolia) franchise five years ago. Fortunately for today’s players, it doesn’t hover over the Smart Araneta Coliseum’s hardcourt. The sight of it might elicit 30-year-old memories of the legend of The Defense Minister ready to swat their shots.
Coach Yeng Guiao: The Legendary Coach with a Legendary Temper
Coach Yeng is like Mayon Volcano—you know it’s a volcano, but somehow somewhere along the way you stop to admire the view, forgetting that it erupts. But before we talk about all the hellfire and brimstone he could spout, let’s admire the legendary coach’s view.
Joselier “Yeng” Guiao has always gravitated towards positions of leadership. Coach Yeng, son of former Pampanga Governor Bren Guiao, is a politician himself. He has held positions as provincial board member, congressman, and eventually vice governor. Guiao was also the Philippine Basketball League Commissioner during the semi-pro league’s heydays in the late 90’s. Aside from that, he was also juggling his other roles as a basketball analyst and commentator.
Being on the sidelines of the PBA hardcourt, however, is where his volcanic personality seems most comfortable. It’s a position where his leadership has borne the most fruit. He holds 7 PBA championships in 15 finals appearances, with 3 different franchises in almost 3 decades as a head coach. His winning ways have put him in position to, once again, coach the Gilas Pilipinas Men’s Basketball Team in this year’s FIBA World Cup in China.
While Coach Yeng is a solid tactician, his ability to build his players’ and team’s character stands out. One might say that whichever team he takes over, they assume his character and it becomes part of the group’s culture. His teams have always walked the talk. But it’s worth noting the way the fiery coach talks. A couple of ex-PBA players have actually coined the word “Guiao-isms”. This term refers to Coach Yeng quotes that they felt if and when compiled merited a book.
These quotes are infamous earthy zingers that have decimated the most swaggering of egos. They have had their fair share of reactions from players and fans alike. His heightened exposition illustrates his deep love for the game. In the end, the goal is simple: to play the game they put their soul into the best they can. This is what Coach Guiao hopes to bring out in each session—whether you like to hear it or not.
It in itself is a moment made of legends. After all, men of these sort are usually subjected to the wringer and back, just as he has, pulling through in the end. And yes, if you have an “ism” named after you largely because you walk your talk, you are legendary—bar none.
