Player Profile: William "Bogs" Adornado - First PBA MVP
As we kick off our Player Profile series highlighting the pioneers and icons of Philippine basketball, we begin with a name synonymous with scoring brilliance and resilience—William “Bogs” Adornado.
- Name: William Adornado
- Nickname: Bogs
- Birthdate: May 26, 1951
- Hometown: Batad, Ilo-Ilo
- Height: 6’2”
- Jersey numbers:
- Position: Small Forward
- Achievements:
- 1x UAAP champion (UST and UE co-champions)
- 1970 Asian Youth Basketball Championship (champion)
- 1971 Asian Basketball Confederation (2nd place)
- 5x MICAA Champion (1971-72 All-Filipino, 1974 MICAA Triple-crown, )
- 1973 FIBA Asia Cup MVP (Formerly ABC Championship)
- 1973 Basketball Player of the Year
- 1973 ABC Championships (Gold)
- 1974 Dream Player of the Game (Now All-Star game MVP) PBA All-Star Game
- 7x PBA Mythical First Team (1975–76, 1980–85)
- 1x PBA Mythical First Team (1984)
- 1975 PBA All-Star 'Dream Player of the Game' (now All-Star game MVP)
- 5× PBA Scoring Champion: 1975 (26.96 ppg), 1976 (25.66 ppg), 1980 (24.00 ppg), 1981 (26.20 ppg), 1982 (27.40 ppg)
- 10x PBA Champion (7 Crispa, 1 U/tex, 2 GTC)
- 3x PBA Most Valuable Player (1975, 1976, 1981)
- 2x PBA Sportmanship Awardee (1973, 1976)
- Member: PBA 25/40/50 Greatest Players of All-time
- Member: 5,000 and 10,000 point club (PBA)
- Member: 1976 Crispa Grand Slam Team (PBA)
- PBA Hall of Fame class of 2005
A two-time MVP by 1976, Adornado had already cemented himself as one of the PBA’s brightest stars, playing a key role in Crispa's historic first Grand Slam. But just as his career was reaching its peak, an unfortunate knee injury—sustained in a collision with Romeo Frank of U/Tex—sidelined him for three years. At the time, many thought it would be the end of his basketball journey.
But Adornado's story was far from over.
In 1980, he made a triumphant return to the court with the U/Tex Wranglers, leading the team to a dramatic championship win in the PBA Open Conference. U/Tex pulled off a miraculous rally, overcoming a four-point deficit in the final 16 seconds of regulation to force overtime and stun the Toyota Tamaraws. The game is now remembered as one of the most dramatic finishes in league history—dubbed the “longest 16 seconds” in the PBA. That moment not only secured the title but also disrupted the long-standing Crispa-Toyota rivalry that had dominated the league.
Adornado’s incredible comeback was crowned in 1981 when he earned his third PBA MVP award—becoming the first player to achieve that feat, solidifying his place among the all-time greats.
Known for his effortless jump shot and offensive dominance, Adornado delivered one of the most unforgettable performances in league history when he scored 64 points in a single game against San Miguel. At the time, it was the highest total ever recorded by a homegrown player.
He continued to move around the league, joining the Great Taste Coffee Makers, and later suiting up for the Shell Azodrin Bugbusters in 1985. Alongside fellow former Crispa stars Philip Cezar and Bernie Fabiosa, he helped Shell reach the finals in its debut season under head coach Freddie Webb—though they ultimately fell short against Great Taste.
Adornado also set a high standard in free-throw shooting. Between October 14, 1986 and August 7, 1987—across stints with Shell and Hill Bros.—he made 69 consecutive free throws, setting a PBA record that stood for six years until it was broken by Allan Caidic.
In 1987, he once again led his team—now the Hills Bros. Coffee Kings—to the PBA finals, though they were defeated by San Miguel. The following year, his contributions to the game were formally honored when the Alaska franchise retired his jersey number 33 during the opening of the 1988 season.
At a time when shooting coaches were unheard of, Adornado’s form was textbook. His smooth, accurate jumper from mid-range became a benchmark for generations of forwards that followed. His legacy as a pure scorer remains unmatched in many respects.
After retiring, Adornado brought his basketball IQ to coaching. He served as head coach for the Alaska franchise and worked as an assistant with teams like Mobiline and Shell in the PBA, and the UST Growling Tigers in the UAAP. He also took the helm of the Adamson Falcons after Leo Austria’s departure, although his tenure ended when his contract expired in December 2008.
From his early dominance to a comeback that reshaped the narrative of his career, Bogs Adornado stands as a symbol of excellence, grit, and Filipino basketball greatness.
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Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards combined for a powerful one-two punch to lift the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 117-110 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, May 13 (PH time) at the Chase Center. Randle led the way with 31 points, while Edwards followed closely with 30 as the Timberwolves seized a 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven Western Conference Semifinal series.
Minnesota’s victory wasn’t just about their stars. Jaden McDaniels made his presence felt on both ends of the floor, posting a solid double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. He also added two assists, a steal, and a block in a well-rounded performance that provided crucial support for the Wolves’ playoff push.
The Warriors, still without their franchise centerpiece Stephen Curry due to injury, leaned on their young core to carry the load. Jonathan Kuminga led the charge with 23 markers, showcasing his athleticism and aggressiveness on offense. Veterans Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green chipped in 14 points each, but the absence of Curry’s leadership and shooting was clearly felt.
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.
The New York Knicks continued their impressive postseason run with another big win over the Boston Celtics, 121-113, at Madison Square Garden to take a commanding 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference Semifinal series on Tuesday, May 13 (Philippine time).
With the victory, the Knicks are now just one win away from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in over two decades.
Jalen Brunson once again played the role of floor general and go-to scorer, putting up an all-around masterclass with 39 points, 12 assists, and five rebounds. The Knicks star also knocked down four of his eight attempts from three-point range, fueling the team’s comeback effort after an early deficit.
Brunson didn’t have to do it alone. New York showed its depth, with three other players stepping up to provide key scoring support. Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges each scored 23 markers, while OG Anunoby added 20. Towns also pulled down 11 boards, handed out a dime, and registered a block to cap off a strong two-way performance.