The Best PBA Import of All Time: A Definitive Ranking and Analysis

I still remember the first time I witnessed Justin Brownlee take over a PBA game back in 2016. The way he moved on the court—that smooth combination of power and finesse—made me realize I was watching someone special. Over the years, I've seen countless imports come and go through the PBA, but only a handful have truly left their mark. Today, I want to share my personal ranking and analysis of what I consider the greatest PBA imports of all time, while also looking at how today's teams might find their next franchise import through the current draft order that has Terrafirma picking first, followed by Phoenix, Blackwater, NorthPort, NLEX, Magnolia, Meralco, Converge, San Miguel, Rain or Shine, Barangay Ginebra, and TNT.

Let's start with my undisputed number one: Justin Brownlee. What makes Brownlee so exceptional isn't just his stats—though averaging 27.8 points and 11.2 rebounds per game across multiple conferences is impressive—but his incredible clutch performances. I've lost count of how many games I've watched where Brownlee would take over in the final minutes, hitting impossible shots while double-teamed. His connection with Barangay Ginebra's local players is something I haven't seen replicated by any other import. He doesn't just play for the team; he becomes part of its soul. Watching him evolve from a solid import to a PBA legend has been one of the great pleasures of following Philippine basketball.

Coming in at second place is Bobby Ray Parks Sr., who dominated the PBA in the 80s with his incredible athleticism and scoring ability. I never got to watch him live, but the footage and stories from older fans paint a picture of a revolutionary player. He averaged 52.4 points during the 1982 Open Conference—a number that still boggles my mind—and brought a level of excitement that helped popularize the league during its formative years. What fascinates me about Parks is how he set the standard for what an import could be in the PBA, blending sheer dominance with crowd-pleasing flair.

My third spot goes to Sean Chambers, who became synonymous with Alaska Milk's success throughout the 90s. I particularly remember his performance during the 1996 Commissioner's Cup, where he averaged 28.7 points while leading Alaska to multiple championships. Chambers had this bulldog mentality that I absolutely loved—he wasn't the most polished scorer, but his toughness and leadership were unmatched. He understood how to win in the PBA better than any import I've seen except Brownlee, and his connection with the Alaska franchise reminds me of what Brownlee has with Ginebra today.

Now, when I look at the current draft order—Terrafirma picking first, then Phoenix, Blackwater, NorthPort, NLEX, Magnolia, Meralco, Converge, San Miguel, Rain or Shine, Barangay Ginebra, and TNT—I can't help but think about which teams might discover their version of these legendary imports. Terrafirma, sitting at that number one spot, has a golden opportunity to find a franchise-changing import, much like how Ginebra found Brownlee back in 2016. Phoenix at number two could potentially land someone who transforms their team identity, similar to how Chambers did for Alaska. The middle teams like NorthPort and NLEX have found solid imports before, but what they really need is that transcendent talent who can carry them to championships.

What separates the all-time great imports from the merely good ones, in my view, is their ability to elevate their teammates. Brownlee made everyone around him better—I watched Scottie Thompson develop into a star playing alongside him. Chambers did the same with Johnny Abarrientos and Jojo Lastimosa. Today, teams like Converge and Blackwater need imports who can not only put up numbers but also help develop their local talent. San Miguel at pick nine might seem disadvantaged in the draft order, but they've historically been brilliant at finding imports who fit their system perfectly, like AZ Reid who averaged 31.2 points during their 2015 championship run.

The later picks—Rain or Shine, Barangay Ginebra, and TNT—might have to work harder to find their next great import, but they also have the advantage of established systems and strong local cores. Ginebra already has their legendary import in Brownlee, but watching how they manage his eventual replacement will be fascinating. TNT has shown they can identify talented imports who fit their run-and-gun style, like KJ McDaniels who put up 37.8 points in last year's Commissioner's Cup.

Looking back at PBA history, the most successful imports weren't always the highest scorers or most athletic players. They were the ones who understood the unique challenges of Philippine basketball—the physical style, the passionate fans, the need to mesh with local players. That's why my personal ranking favors players like Brownlee and Chambers over more statistically dominant but less impactful imports. The current draft system, with Terrafirma picking first through TNT last, gives every team a chance to find that perfect fit, though some will undoubtedly make better choices than others.

As someone who's followed the PBA for over two decades, I believe we're entering an exciting period for imports in the league. The level of talent keeps rising, and the strategic importance of finding the right import has never been higher. While we may not see another Brownlee or Chambers immediately, the framework exists for teams to discover their next franchise import through smart drafting and development. And for fans like me, that means more unforgettable moments and new legends in the making.