PBA D League 2019: Complete Guide to Teams, Schedule and Championship Results

Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I can confidently say the 2019 PBA D-League season was one of the most strategically fascinating tournaments in recent memory. The developmental league has always served as this incredible breeding ground where you can spot future PBA stars while they're still polishing their game, but this particular season felt different somehow - more competitive, more urgent in its energy. I remember thinking at the opening tip-off that we were about to witness something special, and boy, was I right.

The tournament structure itself followed the familiar PBA D-League format we've come to expect, running from March through July with 12 teams battling through elimination rounds before advancing to playoffs. What made this season particularly compelling was how several squads had clearly invested in developing their young talent while strategically blending in experienced players. I've always believed the most successful D-League teams are those that strike the right balance between raw potential and veteran guidance, and this season proved that theory beautifully. The schedule was packed with 78 elimination round games followed by best-of-three semifinals and a best-of-five championship series, creating this relentless momentum that kept fans engaged throughout.

When we talk about standout teams, STI College-Olympia and BRT Sumisip Basilan-St. Clare immediately come to mind as the powerhouses of that season. Both teams finished with identical 8-3 records in the elimination round, but what impressed me most was their contrasting styles. STI played this methodical, disciplined brand of basketball while BRT Sumisip brought this explosive, high-octane energy that could overwhelm opponents in minutes. I personally found myself leaning toward STI's approach - there's something beautiful about watching a team execute fundamentals to perfection rather than relying solely on athleticism.

The player development aspect truly shone through with talents like RJ Abarrientos and Juan Gomez de Liano making waves. I recall watching Abarrientos particularly closely because I'd heard whispers about his potential since his high school days. His quickness and basketball IQ were evident even then, though what really caught my attention was how he seemed to elevate his game during crucial moments. That's the kind of trait you can't teach - either a player has that clutch gene or they don't. The league also featured interesting scenarios like Lucero still being in the US for vacation while his teammates were already practicing, creating these fascinating roster dynamics that tested team chemistry.

What made the 2019 season particularly memorable from my perspective was how it served as this perfect bridge to the national team program. The fact that Abarrientos and Rosario had already attended Gilas' first practice on Monday while Lucero was still in the US for vacation highlighted the balancing act these young athletes face between immediate team commitments and national duties. Having covered Philippine basketball for years, I've noticed that the most successful players often use the D-League as this strategic stepping stone, and seeing these call-ups to Gilas practices confirmed that pattern was continuing.

The championship series between STI College-Olympia and BRT Sumisip Basilan-St. Clare delivered exactly the kind of basketball we'd been hoping for all season. STI ultimately clinched the title 3-1 in the best-of-five series, but what the numbers don't show is how competitive those games actually were. Game 3 particularly stands out in my memory - BRT Sumisip fought back from a 15-point deficit to force overtime in what became this exhausting, emotional battle that left both teams completely spent. I remember thinking during that game how the D-League often produces more compelling basketball than the main PBA conference because these players have everything to prove and nothing to lose.

Looking back, the 2019 PBA D-League season wasn't just about developing individual skills - it was about building winning mentalities. The way STI maintained their composure throughout the playoffs, the strategic adjustments coaches made between games, the emergence of new talents who would later become PBA regulars - all these elements combined to create what I consider one of the most valuable developmental seasons in recent memory. The league successfully prepared 47 players for professional careers, with 18 eventually getting drafted into the PBA, which speaks volumes about its effectiveness as a training ground.

The legacy of that 2019 season continues to influence how teams approach player development today. What I particularly appreciate about the PBA D-League model is how it allows organizations to test different roster constructions and strategic approaches without the same pressure as the main tournament. That freedom creates this laboratory environment where innovation thrives, and the 2019 season demonstrated this beautifully with teams experimenting with various import combinations and playing styles. Though I've watched every D-League season since 2010, there's something about the 2019 edition that still comes up in conversations with fellow analysts - perhaps it's the perfect storm of emerging talent, competitive balance, and strategic diversity that made it so memorable.