Player Profile Series: “The Living Legend” Robert Jaworski
Next on our Profiles Series is the 1978 PBA Most Valuable Player, Robert Jaworski Sr.
Known as the “Living Legend” of Philippine basketball, Jaworski earned this iconic nickname thanks to his enduring popularity, unmatched legacy, and profound impact on Philippine sports. His influence spans generations, resonating not only with those who witnessed his prime but also with younger fans who grew up hearing his name.
In 1975, the University of the East standout entered the PBA in its inaugural season, suiting up for Toyota—a team he had already played for since 1973.
His most significant season with the franchise came in 1978, when he bagged his lone MVP award after averaging nearly a triple-double: 20 points, 12 assists, and close to 9 rebounds per game.
When Toyota disbanded in 1984, it paved the way for Jaworski to establish the legendary “Never-Say-Die” Ginebra squad. From that point until his retirement in 1998, he became the face of the franchise. With his charisma, toughness, and leadership, Ginebra evolved into the most beloved basketball team in the country.
Jaworski captured a total of 13 PBA championships in his illustrious career. But even more impressive was his longevity—a 23-year playing career that stood unmatched for decades until it was finally tied by Asi Taulava in 2022.
Not only did he play that long, but he also coached while playing—starting from the moment he wore the Ginebra jersey.
In that dual role, he mentored countless players, including Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand, Marlo Aquino, Bal David, Chito Loyzaga, and many more.
Jaworski remained at the helm of Ginebra until April 1998, when he formally announced his bid for the Philippine Senate. That decision marked the end of a legendary coaching run and the start of a new chapter in public service. In the May elections that year, he finished 8th overall—earning a Senate seat and joining a select group of former athletes-turned-lawmakers, alongside Ambrosio Padilla and Freddie Webb. Ramon Fernandez also ran for Senate in 1995 but finished 19th, falling short of election.
Following his Senate proclamation, Jaworski stepped back from basketball, entrusting coaching duties to longtime deputy Quirino "Rino" Salazar. But in 1999, tensions arose when Ginebra team owner Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr. promoted Allan Caidic to playing assistant coach—reportedly without Jaworski’s knowledge. Feeling disrespected and blindsided, the Big J resigned, officially ending his tenure with Ginebra. Salazar continued briefly before handing over the reins to Caidic upon migrating to Alaska.
Jaworski’s final PBA appearance as a player came during Game 6 of the 1997 All-Filipino Cup Finals on May 25, 1997. Though he didn’t score and Ginebra fell to the Purefoods Corned Beef Cowboys, it was a moment of history—he walked off the court as the oldest player to play in the PBA at age 50. He even held the world record as the oldest professional basketball player until 2015, when it was broken by Saudi Arabia’s Abdulmohsen Khalaf Al-Muwallad.
Beyond the stats and accolades, Jaworski’s presence in the PBA was—and still is—unmatched. He wasn’t just the league’s most popular player. He was its heart, its grit, its soul. A pillar of Philippine basketball’s golden era.
On May 30, 2003, 23 years after the Crispa-Toyota rivalry ended, Jaworski appeared in a reunion game at the Araneta Coliseum alongside fellow legends from both squads. Toyota edged Crispa, 65–62, in that nostalgic throwback match.
Outside the PBA and politics, the Big J also proudly represented the Philippines on the international stage. He was part of the national team that won gold at the 1967 FIBA Asia Championship in Seoul, took bronze in 1969 (Bangkok), silver in 1971 (Tokyo), and reclaimed gold on home soil in Manila in 1973.
In 1990, he returned to the international spotlight—this time as head coach—leading the Philippine team in the Asian Games held in Beijing.
With all the impact he made on and off the court, there's no question: Robert “Sonny” Jaworski is truly a living legend.
Name: Robert Jaworksi, Sr.
Nickname: Sonny
Birthdate: March 8, 1948
Moniker/s: The Living Legend, Big J, Jawo, Big Hands
Height: 6’1”
Position: Guard
Jersey No. 7
PBA Championships: 13
Career Highlights (PBA / UAAP)
- PBA Most Valuable Player (1978)
- 13× PBA champion (1975 First, 1975 Second, 1977 Invitational, 1978 All-Filipino, 1978 Invitational, 1979 Invitational, 1981 Open, 1982 Reinforced Filipino, 1982 Open, 1986 Open, 1988 All-Filipino, 1991 First, 1997 Commissioner's)
- 6× PBA Mythical First Team (1977–1981, 1986)
- 2× PBA Mythical Second Team (1985, 1988)
- 2× PBA All-Defensive Team (1985, 1988)
- 4× PBA All-Star (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992)
- 5× PBA All-Star Coach (1990–1992, 1996–1997)
- 50 Greatest Players in PBA History (2000 selection)
- PBA All-time leader in career assists
- PBA Hall of Fame Class of 2005
- 2x UAAP champion (1965, 1966)
- UAAP Most Valuable Player (1966)
- UAAP Rookie of the Year (1964)
- No. 7 retired by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
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As we continue our Player Profile Series, we shine the spotlight on one of the most quietly dominant figures in Philippine basketball history — Alberto “Abet” Guidaben.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and hailing from Mambajao, Camiguin, Guidaben carved out a legendary career that spanned two decades. Born on September 14, 1952, he would go on to become a 16-time PBA champion, two-time MVP (1983 and 1987), and one of the league’s most consistent frontcourt forces during its golden era.
A product of the Agoho Pirates and the University of San Jose–Recoletos, Guidaben’s rise began with the Crispa squad in the MICAA in 1973. A year later, he represented the Philippines at the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran, playing alongside legends like Robert Jaworski.
When the PBA launched in 1975, Guidaben was part of the storied Crispa Redmanizers, initially playing behind stars like Philip Cezar, Atoy Co, and Bogs Adornado. But over time, he emerged from the shadows — transforming from a reliable rebounder into one of the most skilled and versatile big men in the league.
Known for his smooth footwork, soft perimeter touch, and signature off-the-glass jumpers, Guidaben also brought an early form of athleticism to the PBA — even dunking during an era when it was rarely seen. He was a vital contributor to Crispa’s Grand Slam seasons in 1976 and 1983, with the latter also earning him his first MVP award.
As he matured into a franchise centerpiece, Guidaben’s rivalry with fellow big man Ramon Fernandez became one of the most iconic in league history. Their careers were so closely intertwined that they were traded for each other twice — first in 1985, between Tanduay and Manila Beer, and again in 1988, when Purefoods acquired Fernandez from San Miguel in exchange for Guidaben.
Over the course of his 20-year PBA career, Guidaben amassed accolades that include five Mythical Team selections, three All-Star appearances, recognition as one of the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players in 2000, and induction into the PBA Hall of Fame in 2007.
But even after basketball, Guidaben's story of perseverance continued off the court.
In 2010, he was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, a serious neuromuscular illness that forced him into the ICU for eight days. Through steroid treatment, he survived the life-threatening condition. Just two years later, in 2012, he suffered two strokes within one week and was diagnosed with meningitis, once again requiring intensive care.
Despite these terrifying health scares, Guidaben fought his way back — showing the same quiet resilience that defined his playing days.
Alberto Guidaben didn’t just overcome opponents on the hardwood — he overcame life’s biggest challenges with the same calm strength and steady determination.
He didn’t need the spotlight to be great. He simply was.
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