Legends of the Hardwood: Ranking the Top 5 PBA’s Greatest Players of the 1970s

The 1970s marked the golden dawn of Philippine professional basketball — an era defined by fierce rivalries, colorful personalities, and the birth of legends who laid the foundation for the PBA’s storied legacy. From Toyota’s dynamic duos to Crispa’s championship dynasties, the decade produced icons whose impact went far beyond the hardwood. Here’s a look at the top five players who defined Philippine basketball in the 1970s, each leaving an indelible mark on the game and in the hearts of Filipino fans.

1 — Ramon “El Presidente” Fernandez

At the top of this list is Ramon Fernandez — the prototype of the modern all-around big man and arguably the most skilled Filipino player of his era. Even in the 1970s, Fernandez was already redefining the role of a center-forward with his ball-handling, passing, and scoring versatility for Toyota. His combination of finesse and intelligence made him the most complete player of the decade, setting the stage for his record-breaking four MVP awards and status as the PBA’s all-time statistical leader.

2 — Robert “The Big J” Jaworski

The heart of Toyota and the soul of Philippine basketball, Robert Jaworski was the ultimate competitor of the 1970s. He won the 1978 PBA MVP and was the emotional engine behind Toyota’s success. Known for his fearless drives, vocal leadership, and never-say-die spirit, “The Big J” became more than a player — he was a symbol of grit and passion that inspired generations. His influence on and off the court makes him one of the decade’s defining figures.

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Happy Birthday to 4x PBA MVP, 13x PBA Mythical 1st Team Member, 19x PBA Champion , Hall of Famer and PBA Great, ‘El Presidente’ RAMON FERNANDEZ!#PBA50#PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/NHuUDHSoZ0

— PBA (@pbaconnect) October 3, 2025

3 — Bogs Adornado

If scoring was the art form of the 1970s, Bogs Adornado was its master painter. The PBA’s first-ever back-to-back MVP (1975, 1976) and inaugural scoring champion, Adornado was the Crispa Redmanizers’ offensive cornerstone. His smooth midrange jumper and scoring instincts were ahead of his time, and even injuries couldn’t obscure his brilliance. He remains one of the most efficient scorers in PBA history.

4 — Atoy “The Fortune Cookie” Co

A crowd favorite and offensive star for Crispa, Atoy Co combined flash and flair with deadly accuracy. He was among the PBA’s most recognizable personalities and helped Crispa capture multiple titles in the late 1970s. Co’s clutch shooting and entertainment value made him one of the faces of the league’s early years, a perfect embodiment of the PBA’s showtime beginnings.

Leftmost (5) — Philip “Tapal King” Cezar

Often the unsung hero of the Crispa dynasty, Philip Cezar was the defensive anchor and cerebral counterpart to the decade’s flashy scorers. His timing, shot-blocking, and ability to guard multiple positions earned him the nickname “Tapal King.” Cezar’s intelligence and defensive versatility were key to Crispa’s championships, proving that greatness isn’t only about scoring — it’s about making winning plays.

Why This Order?

• Fernandez gets the edge for his overall dominance and evolution of the center position. 
• Jaworski remains the emotional and cultural icon of the decade. 
• Adornado defines the scoring excellence of the PBA’s early years. 
• Co represents the charisma and offensive flair that drew fans in. 
• Cezar anchors the list as the defensive glue of Crispa’s golden run.

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