Legends of the Hardcourt: Top 5 PBA players of the 2010s

The 2010s marked a golden era in Philippine basketball — a decade where dynasties rose, legends cemented their legacies, and new stars carried the PBA into a modern age of excellence. From towering centers redefining the paint to lightning-quick guards commanding the floor, these players didn’t just win games — they shaped an era. After sifting through accolades, championships, and unforgettable moments, here are Sports News PH’s Top 5 Greatest PBA Players of the 2010s, a lineup that embodies consistency, greatness, and the heart of Filipino basketball.

1. June Mar Fajardo – “The Kraken”

There’s simply no denying it: in the 2010s, Fajardo set a new standard for dominance in the PBA. Towering as a classic big man, he became the anchor of the San Miguel Beermen’s dynasty, collected multiple Most Valuable Player awards, Best Player of the Conference honors, and a series of championships that few could match. His impact reshaped what teams expected from a center — not just scoring and rebounding, but game-altering presence in every facet.

2. Jayson Castro – “The Blur”

Castro’s claim to greatness runs deeper than his PBA stats alone. Internationally, he earned the recognition of being “Asia’s Best Point Guard,” recently cited as such after receiving the Finals MVP at 38 and being called Asia’s two-time best point guard. 

His blazing speed, clutch scoring, and sharp playmaking made him a driving force for the TNT Tropang Giga, and his longevity and consistency place him firmly in the #2 spot for the decade.

3. Arwind Santos – “The Spiderman”

Versatility, toughness, and longevity are the hallmarks of Santos’s career. Starting as a highly-scoring rookie, he evolved into a defensive stalwart, winning three Defensive Player of the Year trophies and joining the elite 10k-points club in the PBA. 

His jersey No. 29 was retired by San Miguel — a fitting tribute to a 12-season run with the franchise. 

For his contributions on both ends of the floor — and his ability to sustain excellence deep into the decade — Santos earns the third spot. 

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9th

Congratulations to our Season 49 MVP, June Mar Fajardo! #PBA50#PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/u9D0pIbRwD

— PBA (@pbaconnect) October 5, 2025

4. LA Tenorio – “Iron Man” / “El Tinyente”

Tenorio’s greatness isn’t about flashy numbers; it’s about reliability, leadership, and grit. His moniker “Iron Man” stems from a PBA record-setting 744 consecutive games played. 

He endured a Stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis in 2023, fought back, and came back to win titles with the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. His 19-year career, eight championships, and four Finals MVPs solidify the #4 ranking — a man whose value extended far beyond the stat sheet.

5. Japeth Aguilar – “Air Japeth”

Rounding out the top five is Aguilar — a 6′9″ athletic forward whose dunk-and-block repertoire made highlight reels for years. His breakout came when he won the Finals MVP averaging 17.4 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks on 56 % shooting for the 2010s. 

While he may not have the MVP trophy count of the others above, his championship pedigree, defensive presence, and game-changing ability make him a compelling #5.

Why this order?

It reflects sustained excellence through the 2010s, not just peak seasons.

It balances individual accolades (MVPs, Finals MVPs, international recognition) with team impact (championships, leadership, longevity).

It accommodates variety across positions — big man (Fajardo), elite guard (Castro), two-way forward (Santos), leadership guard (Tenorio), athletic big (Aguilar).

Discussion points

Some may argue that players like Jimmy Alapag or Mark Caguioa deserve mention — the criteria used here favours consistent influence and decade-spanning relevance.

While Fajardo’s dominance makes his #1 ranking clear, placements #2-#5 remain open to healthy debate, especially when considering different roles and contexts.

Tenorio’s #4 spot is anchored in leadership and durability rather than sheer statistical dominance; Aguilar’s #5 is chosen for his impact rather than cumulative awards.

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