Player Profile Series: Philip Cezar – The PBA's Tapal King
As we continue our Player Profile Series featuring former PBA Most Valuable Players, let’s take a closer look at the storied career of Philip Cezar—widely regarded as the league’s “Tapal King.”
Cezar began his PBA journey in the league’s inaugural season in 1975, suiting up for the iconic Crispa Redmanizers. He stayed with the team until it disbanded in 1984. After his Crispa years, he went on to play for Shell (1985–1986), Great Taste/Presto (1987–1988), and eventually wrapped up his 17-season career with Añejo/Ginebra (1989–1991).
Over nearly two decades in Asia’s pioneering professional basketball league, Cezar compiled career averages of 13.16 points, 6.36 rebounds, 3.41 assists, 0.65 steals, and 1.49 blocks per game. Along with those solid numbers came 15 PBA championships, highlighted by two Grand Slams in 1976 and 1983.
Standing at 6’3”, Cezar wasn’t the tallest big man on the floor—but he more than made up for it with his elite shot-blocking instincts, high basketball IQ, and natural leadership. His trademark “umbrella defense,” where he used both arms to disrupt and alter shots, became one of the most iconic defensive moves in league history.
Cezar’s individual accolades include seven Mythical First Team selections, two Mythical Second Team nods, and four All-Defensive Team honors. In 2000, he was named one of the PBA’s 25 Greatest Players—a list later expanded into the PBA’s 50 Greatest. He was also inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.
After hanging up his sneakers, Cezar transitioned to coaching, winning a championship in 1997 as an assistant coach with Ginebra. He later added two more titles as head coach in the now-defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) in 2000 and 2001.
Cezar also represented the country internationally, playing for the RP Youth Team in 1972 and competing in the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran.
Outside of basketball, the “Tapal King” also served in public office, holding the position of vice mayor of San Juan from 1992 to 2001.
Name: Philip Cezar
Birthdate: December 1, 1952
Hometown: Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines
Moniker: The Tapal King
Jersey number: 18
PBA championships: 15
Amateur Career:
- College: Jose Rizal College (now Jose Rizal University)
Notable Achievements:
- NCAA Champion (1972)
- NCAA Most Valuable Player (1972)
- MICAA Champion with Crispa Floro Redmanizers (1974)
Professional Career
- PBA Debut: 1975 (Crispa Redmanizers)
- Retired: 1991 (Ginebra San Miguel)
Teams:
- 1974–75: Crispa Floro Redmanizers (MICAA)
- 1975–1984: Crispa Redmanizers (PBA)
- 1985–1986: Shell Helix Oilers
- 1987–1988: Great Taste/Presto
- 1989–1991: Añejo Rhum/Ginebra San Miguel
PBA Career Stats:
- 13.16 PPG • 6.36 RPG • 3.41 APG • 0.65 SPG • 1.49 BPG
Championships:
- 15x PBA Champion
- Including two Grand Slams (1976, 1983)
Individual Awards & Milestones:
1980 PBA Most Valuable Player
7× PBA Mythical First Team (1976, 1978–1981, 1983, 1987)
2× PBA Mythical Second Team (1984, 1985)
4× PBA All-Defensive Team (1985–1988)
Member: 5,000 & 10,000 points clubs
Member: 1,000 offensive rebounds club
Member: 2,000 defensive rebounds club
Member: 2,000 assists club
Member: 900 & 1,000 shot blocks clubs
Member: 500 steals club
PBA All-Star
PBA Hall of Fame Inductee
Named to the PBA’s 25 Greatest Players list (2000)
National Team:
- 1972 RP Youth Team
- 1974 Asian Games in Tehran
Coaching Career:
- 1992–1998: Assistant Coach, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
- 1999–2001: Head Coach, San Juan Knights (MBA) — 2× MBA Champion
- 2018–2019: Head Coach, Manila Stars (MPBL)
Beyond the Hardwood
- After his basketball career, Cezar also served in public office as Vice Mayor of San Juan from 1992 to 2001—proving that his leadership extended far beyond the basketball court.
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The championship serves as a timely boost for NLEX heading into the new PBA season. Last year, the Road Warriors finished second in the Philippine Cup eliminations before bowing out in the quarterfinals against Rain or Shine. Deputy mentor Adonis Tierra called the shots in their last two games, steering the team to become the second straight PBA squad to lift the Kadayawan crown, following Rain or Shine’s sweep in 2024. NLEX closed the tournament with a 3-1 card, their lone loss coming at the hands of Blackwater.
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Troy Mallillin contributed 17 points and six rebounds, while newcomer Jed Mendoza impressed in his debut with 16 points.
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