TOP TEN | BEST IMPORTS OF THE 2024-25 PBA SEASON
- Syd Salazar
- 10 minutes ago
- 8 min read
Imports in the PBA are brought in to make a difference.
This season, many of them did just that.
Whether it was scoring at will, crashing the boards, anchoring the defense, or leading their teams in crunch time, these players elevated the level of competition across the board. Some led their teams to the playoffs, while a few went all the way to the championship stage. Beyond the stats, it was their consistency, leadership, and ability to win that set them apart.
Here are the top 10 imports of the season, ranked by their overall impact and success.
Game starts now.
10 | ALLEN DURHAM | MERALCO BOLTS
2024-25 PBA GOVERNORS' CUP
13 GAMES | 23.8PPG - 12.5RPG - 3.8APG - 0.9SPG
WIN/LOSS RECORD | 7 - 6 | QUARTERFINALS
The 2024–25 PBA Governors' Cup marked the unfortunate conclusion of Allen Durham's storied PBA journey. Meralco’s longtime resident import returned nearly five years after a heartbreaking Finals loss to Ginebra in the 2019 edition of the same conference, hoping for one last shot at redemption. But fate had other plans. Standing in his way again was a familiar foe—Justin Brownlee—who once more denied Durham a fairy-tale ending. Despite the disappointment, Durham remains one of the most respected and impactful imports in PBA history. He’s now suiting up for the Saga Ballooners in Japan’s B.League, where wins are hard to come by—but hopefully, the basketball gods will grant him one last chance at a championship before he finally hangs it up.
9 | MIKE WATKINS | NLEX ROAD WARRIORS
2024-25 PBA COMMISSIONER'S CUP
13 GAMES | 26.7PPG - 20.8RPG - 1.4APG - 2.7BPG
WIN/LOSS RECORD | 6 - 7 | BATTLE FOR THE EIGHTH SPOT
Michael Griffin-Watkins was a rebounding monster, leading all imports in rebounding with over 20 per game. His 30-rebound performance in a single game was one of the most dominant individual efforts of the season, proving that he was a relentless force in the paint. While NLEX didn’t make a deep playoff run, he was a major reason why they were competitive throughout the conference. Unfortunately, the Road Warriors couldn’t get past Magnolia in the battle for the last playoff spot, cutting short his campaign. Still, Griffin-Watkins made a name for himself with his rebounding and defensive capabilities, making him a potential future option for teams looking for an elite inside presence.
8 | CHEICK DIALLO | CONVERGE FIBERXERS
2024-25 PBA COMMISSIONER'S CUP
15 GAMES | 23.7PPG - 14.9RPG - 1.5APG - 1.3BPG
WIN/LOSS RECORD | 9 - 6 | QUARTERFINALS
2016 NBA DRAFT | ROUND 2 | PICK 33 | LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
PICKED BEFORE | MALCOLM BROGDON
5 SEASONS | 183 GAMES | 5.2PPG - 4.1RPG - 0.4BPG
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS, PHOENIX SUNS, DETROIT PISTONS
Cheick Diallo brought NBA experience to Converge and helped the FiberXers become a dark horse team in the Commissioner’s Cup. He gave the team one of the best inside presences in the league, averaging nearly 15 rebounds per game while still contributing offensively. His strong play almost led Converge to a semifinal appearance, but they were ultimately stopped by Rain or Shine in the playoffs. Despite that, his defensive presence and ability to control the paint gave Converge a much-needed inside force, something they had been lacking in previous seasons. His combination of athleticism, rebounding, and efficient scoring made him one of the most impactful imports of the season.
7 | RICARDO RATLIFFE | MAGNOLIA HOTSHOTS
2024-25 PBA COMMISSIONER'S CUP
14 GAMES | 25.9PPG - 16.3RPG - 3.1APG - 1.1BPG
WIN/LOSS RECORD | 7 - 7 | QUARTERFINALS
Ricardo Ratliffe made his long-awaited return to Magnolia, and while he couldn’t take them deep into the playoffs, he still proved he’s one of the best big men to ever play in the PBA. South Korea's naturalized player had the challenge of leading Magnolia’s campaign in the Commissioner’s Cup, where he showcased his dominant rebounding and inside scoring. He played a crucial role in helping Magnolia clinch the final playoff spot, winning a do-or-die battle against NLEX. However, their run was cut short in the quarterfinals by an upstart Northport squad. Despite the early exit, Ratliffe reminded everyone why he was once Magnolia’s go-to import, and his double-double machine performances kept the Hotshots in playoff contention.
6 | GEORGE KING | BLACKWATER BOSSING
2024-25 PBA GOVERNORS' CUP AND 2024-25 PBA COMMISSIONER'S CUP
17 GAMES | 36.9PPG - 11.5RPG - 3.4APG - 0.8SPG
WIN/LOSS RECORD | 7 - 10 | ELIMINATION ROUND
2018 NBA DRAFT | ROUND 2 | PICK 59 | PHOENIX SUNS
PICKED BEFORE | MALCOLM BROGDON
2 SEASONS | 5 GAMES | 0.2PPG - 1.2RPG
PHOENIX SUNS, DALLAS MAVERICKS
George King may not have led Blackwater to the playoffs in both of his stints, but his offensive explosion made him one of the most exciting imports of the season. He was the league’s top scorer, dropping nearly 37 points per game, making Blackwater competitive in games they would otherwise lose badly. His arrival turned the Bossing’s season around in the Governors’ Cup, helping them go from an 0-3 start to a 5-2 record with him in the lineup. Unfortunately, Blackwater lacked the local support to capitalize on his performances, as they struggled to close out games against stronger teams. Still, King’s historic season as a scorer proved that he could be a long-term option for Blackwater, potentially becoming their resident import in future conferences. His ability to score from anywhere and carry the offense single-handedly makes him one of the most underrated yet electrifying imports of the season. He is also the season leader with four-pointers made with 36.
5 | AARON FULLER | RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO PAINTERS
2024-25 PBA GOVERNORS' CUP
20 GAMES | 20.5PPG - 14.6RPG - 2.4APG - 0.8SPG - 0.7BPG
WIN/LOSS RECORD | 11 - 9 | SEMIFINALS
Aaron Fuller’s return to the PBA marked a reunion of sorts with Coach Yeng Guiao, who had previously tapped him as an import during his tenure with the NLEX Road Warriors. This time around, Fuller suited up for Rain or Shine in the Commissioner’s Cup. Known for his relentless energy and rebounding prowess, Fuller made an immediate impact, providing stability on both ends of the floor and becoming a dependable interior anchor. His hustle and nose for the ball fit perfectly into Coach Guiao’s hard-nosed system, giving the Elasto Painters a fighting chance each night. While his stint was cut short when ROS faced TNT in the semifinals, Fuller showed he delivered solid numbers.
4 | DEON THOMPSON | RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO PAINTERS
2024-25 PBA COMMISSIONER'S CUP
19 GAMES | 24.8PPG - 13.4RPG - 3.5APG - 1.2SPG - 1.5BPG
WIN/LOSS RECORD | 10 - 9 | SEMIFINALS
Rain or Shine entered the Commissioner’s Cup riding high from a semifinal finish in the previous conference—and they doubled down by bringing in seasoned international veteran Deon Thompson. With an impressive résumé that included stints in top-tier leagues around the world, Thompson brought a level of polish and composure that the Elasto Painters badly needed. His reliable scoring, physical rebounding, and calming presence in the post gave ROS a legitimate shot to contend with the league’s elite. He wasn’t just a stats guy—his leadership helped elevate the team's play, especially in tightly contested games. Thanks to his efforts, Rain or Shine returned to the semifinals, proving their breakthrough in the Governors’ Cup wasn’t a fluke. Though they eventually bowed out to the surging TNT Tropang Giga, Thompson’s all-around contributions anchored the team throughout the conference. He finished as one of the most complete and consistent imports of the season—proof that a steady veteran hand can still take a young team far.
3 | KADEEM JACK | NORTHPORT BATANG PIER
2024-25 PBA COMMISSIONER'S CUP
218 GAMES | 31.8PPG - 10.7RPG - 2.0APG - 1.8SPG - 1.2BPG
WIN/LOSS RECORD | 11 - 7
Northport was never pegged as a serious playoff threat coming into the Commissioner’s Cup—in fact, when they brought in Kadeem Jack, many initially thought he was just a slightly upgraded version of Venky Jois. But Jack quickly proved he was so much more than that. His arrival sparked a stunning 7-1 start for the Batang Pier, flipping the script on a franchise often labeled as a "farm team." With a versatile inside-outside game, high motor, and strong leadership, Jack became the engine of Northport’s offense and a consistent matchup problem for opposing bigs. His chemistry with the team—particularly Arvin Tolentino, who would go on to win Best Player of the Conference—was undeniable. He made his teammates better, and his presence helped transform Northport into legitimate contenders. Reaching the semifinals tied the franchise’s best finish ever and marked only the third Final Four appearance in their history since joining the PBA in 2012. While their Cinderella run ended at the hands of Barangay Ginebra, Jack’s role in Northport’s breakout campaign firmly secured his place among the season’s best imports.
2 | JUSTIN BROWNLEE | BARANGAY GINEBRA KINGS
2024-25 PBA GOVERNORS' CUP AND 2024-25 PBA COMMISSIONER'S CUP
51 GAMES | 24.8PPG - 9.2RPG - 5.0APG - 1.1SPG - 1.2BPG
WIN/LOSS RECORD | 32 - 19 | FINALS IN BOTH CONFERENCES
Normally, being the second-best import of the season is a badge of honor. But when you're Justin F'N Brownlee, it somehow feels like a snub. The six-time PBA champion and three-time Best Import once again carried Barangay Ginebra to the finals of both the Governors’ Cup and the Commissioner’s Cup, proving that even at the tail end of his 30s, he's still the franchise’s heartbeat. He logged a staggering 51 games this season—the most by any import since Norman Black's 66-game run in 1982. Though he fell short of the Best Import award twice to Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Brownlee’s value went far beyond stats. His dramatic buzzer-beater in Game 7 of the Commissioner’s Cup Finals forced overtime against TNT. Unfortunately, Ginebra fell short in the extra period, handing TNT the title. Still, Brownlee's elite two-way game, clutch heroics, and ongoing commitment to Gilas Pilipinas only reinforced what fans already know—he's not just a Ginebra icon, he's a PBA legend.
1 | RONDAE HOLLIS-JEFFERSON | TNT TROPANG GIGA (NOW TNT TROPANG 5G)
2024-25 PBA GOVERNORS' CUP AND 2024-25 PBA COMMISSIONER'S CUP
48 GAMES | 27.2PPG - 12.6RPG - 5.6APG - 2.2SPG - 1.6BPG
WIN/LOSS RECORD | 34 - 14 | WON CHAMPIONSHIPS IN BOTH CONFERENCES
AWARDS | BEST IMPORT IN BOTH CONFERENCES
2018 NBA DRAFT | ROUND 1 | PICK 23 | PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
PICKED BEFORE | LARRY NANCE JR.
6 SEASONS | 305 GAMES | 9.0PPG - 5.5RPG - 1.9APG - 0.9SPG
BROOKLYN NETS, TORONTO RAPTORS, PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson didn’t just dominate this season—he took TNT to new heights, leading them to two championships in one year and earning Best Import honors in both the Governors’ and Commissioner’s Cups. His remarkable two-way versatility and "Mamba Mentality" made him the most feared import in the league, often drawing comparisons to Kobe Bryant for their similar playing styles. RHJ wasn’t just a scorer; he was a complete player, contributing in every aspect—rebounding, defending, and running the offense. Even when he was visibly limping during Game 7’s overtime, Ginebra had no choice but to intensify their defense, knowing full well the damage he could inflict. His leadership and poise under pressure were key in turning TNT into a juggernaut, and now, with his contributions, they’re just one Philippine Cup title away from an incredible Grand Slam. The numbers back up his claim to the throne, but it’s his undeniable impact on the court—especially in clutch moments—that secures his place as the top import of the season.
CONSIDERED, BUT NOT REALLY.
I considered a few imports for the tenth spot, including Meralco's Akil Mitchell, Phoenix's Donovan Smith, and Hong Kong Eastern's Chris McLaughlin. Ultimately, though, I gave the nod to Allen Durham. Mitchell’s impressive performances were slightly dampened by missing a couple of games, which made it difficult to overlook the inconsistency in his availability. As for Smith, while he showed flashes of brilliance, Phoenix’s disappointing 3-9 record weighed heavily on his case, especially when compared to others who were leading teams deeper into the playoffs. Yes, George King had a similar situation with Blackwater but his stronger Governors' Cup showing played a role in his ranking. McLaughlin, though productive for Hong Kong Eastern, had to share his import duties with Cameron Clark, which slightly diluted his overall impact.
While some struggled under the pressure, these ten imports thrived, putting up elite numbers while making their teams significantly better. Hollis-Jefferson and Brownlee once again proved they are among the PBA’s all-time greats, while newcomers like Kadeem Jack and George King made strong cases for long-term spots in the league.
The PBA has always been a league where imports make or break a team’s success, and this season was no different.
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