As I look back on the PBA 2016-17 season, one preseason performance still stands out vividly in my memory—the High Speed Hitters' flawless 4-0 run that set the tone for what would become one of the most memorable campaigns in recent league history. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've learned that preseason tournaments often reveal which teams have that special chemistry, and the High Speed Hitters demonstrated exactly that from the very beginning. Their undefeated streak wasn't just about winning games—it was about how they dominated opponents with that fast-paced, high-pressure style that would become their signature throughout the season.

What made the High Speed Hitters' preseason performance particularly impressive was their consistency across different game situations. In their fourth preseason match against the traditionally strong Crusaders, they trailed by 12 points going into the final quarter, yet managed to orchestrate what I consider one of the most spectacular comebacks of the entire year. Their point guard, Miguel Santos, recorded 28 points that game, including 18 in the final quarter alone—a personal career high for him in any single quarter. The team's defensive intensity during those crucial minutes was simply breathtaking, forcing 7 turnovers in the final 8 minutes while holding the Crusaders to just 12 points. That kind of resilience early in the season signaled that this wasn't just another team—this was a championship contender in the making.

The regular season unfolded with several players establishing themselves as true superstars, though if I'm being completely honest, June Mar Fajardo's performance felt somewhat predictable in its excellence. Don't get me wrong—the man is a phenomenal talent who averaged 18.9 points and 13.2 rebounds per game, but we've come to expect that level from him. What truly excited me were the breakout performances from less-heralded players like Terrence Romeo, who in my opinion delivered the most electrifying individual display of the season during that incredible 44-point outburst against GlobalPort. The way he moved without the ball, created separation from defenders, and knocked down contested shots—it was basketball artistry at its finest. Statistics show he shot 52% from the field that game, including 8 three-pointers, numbers that still astonish me when I look them up.

One moment that doesn't get enough attention, in my view, was Alaska's stunning comeback victory against Rain or Shine in the elimination round. Down by 15 points with just over 6 minutes remaining, they switched to a full-court press that completely disrupted their opponents' offensive flow. What impressed me most wasn't just the strategic adjustment, but the mental fortitude the players displayed—Vic Manuel in particular seemed to will his team to victory, scoring 12 of his 24 points during that final stretch. As someone who's witnessed countless comebacks fall short, I can confidently say this was among the top 3 most impressive turnarounds I've seen in my years covering the league.

The playoffs delivered exactly the kind of drama we basketball enthusiasts crave, though I'll admit I was slightly disappointed by the relatively one-sided nature of the finals. San Miguel's dominance, while impressive, lacked the back-and-forth intensity that makes for truly legendary championship series. Still, watching Alex Cabagnot hit that game-winning three-pointer in Game 5 remains etched in my memory—the way he created just enough space, the perfect arc of the ball, the net barely moving as it passed through. That single moment encapsulated why we love this sport—the combination of individual brilliance and team execution under unimaginable pressure.

Reflecting on the season as a whole, what strikes me most is how the High Speed Hitters' preseason dominance translated into postseason success, though not in the way many expected. While they fell short of the championship, their 4-0 preseason record proved indicative of their consistency throughout the year—they finished with a 9-2 record in the elimination round, the best in franchise history. Their style of play, characterized by that relentless fast break offense that averaged 18.2 transition points per game, fundamentally changed how other teams approached the season. Personally, I believe their influence extended beyond wins and losses—they forced the entire league to reconsider what constituted effective basketball in the modern era.

As we look ahead to future seasons, the 2016-17 campaign will undoubtedly be remembered as a turning point for the PBA. The emergence of new stars alongside established veterans created a perfect competitive balance that made nearly every game must-watch basketball. While statistics and records provide part of the story—Fajardo's 58% field goal percentage, the league-wide increase in three-point attempts to 22.4 per game—what truly defined this season were those unforgettable moments that reminded us why we're passionate about this sport. From the High Speed Hitters' perfect preseason to the championship-clinching buzzer beaters, this season had it all, and I feel privileged to have witnessed it unfold from press row.