Robert Jaworski Sr.
PBA 50 Greatest Players
Player Profile Series: “The Living Legend” Robert Jaworski
Next on our Profiles Series is the 1978 PBA Most Valuable Player, Robert Jaworski Sr.
Known as the “Living Legend” of Philippine basketball, Jaworski earned this iconic nickname thanks to his enduring popularity, unmatched legacy, and profound impact on Philippine sports. His influence spans generations, resonating not only with those who witnessed his prime but also with younger fans who grew up hearing his name.
In 1975, the University of the East standout entered the PBA in its inaugural season, suiting up for Toyota—a team he had already played for since 1973.
His most significant season with the franchise came in 1978, when he bagged his lone MVP award after averaging nearly a triple-double: 20 points, 12 assists, and close to 9 rebounds per game.
Name: Robert Jaworksi, Sr.
Nickname: Sonny
Birthdate: March 8, 1948
Moniker/s: The Living Legend, Big J, Jawo, Big Hands
Height: 6’1”
Position: Guard
Jersey No. 7
PBA Championships: 13
Career Highlights (PBA / UAAP)
- PBA Most Valuable Player (1978)
- 13× PBA champion (1975 First, 1975 Second, 1977 Invitational, 1978 All-Filipino, 1978 Invitational, 1979 Invitational, 1981 Open, 1982 Reinforced Filipino, 1982 Open, 1986 Open, 1988 All-Filipino, 1991 First, 1997 Commissioner's)
- 6× PBA Mythical First Team (1977–1981, 1986)
- 2× PBA Mythical Second Team (1985, 1988)
- 2× PBA All-Defensive Team (1985, 1988)
- 4× PBA All-Star (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992)
- 5× PBA All-Star Coach (1990–1992, 1996–1997)
- 50 Greatest Players in PBA History (2000 selection)
- PBA All-time leader in career assists
- PBA Hall of Fame Class of 2005
- 2x UAAP champion (1965, 1966)
- UAAP Most Valuable Player (1966)
- UAAP Rookie of the Year (1964)
- No. 7 retired by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
When Toyota disbanded in 1984, it paved the way for Jaworski to establish the legendary “Never-Say-Die” Ginebra squad. From that point until his retirement in 1998, he became the face of the franchise. With his charisma, toughness, and leadership, Ginebra evolved into the most beloved basketball team in the country.
Jaworski captured a total of 13 PBA championships in his illustrious career. But even more impressive was his longevity—a 23-year playing career that stood unmatched for decades until it was finally tied by Asi Taulava in 2022.
Not only did he play that long, but he also coached while playing—starting from the moment he wore the Ginebra jersey.
In that dual role, he mentored countless players, including Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand, Marlo Aquino, Bal David, Chito Loyzaga, and many more.
Jaworski remained at the helm of Ginebra until April 1998, when he formally announced his bid for the Philippine Senate. That decision marked the end of a legendary coaching run and the start of a new chapter in public service. In the May elections that year, he finished 8th overall—earning a Senate seat and joining a select group of former athletes-turned-lawmakers, alongside Ambrosio Padilla and Freddie Webb. Ramon Fernandez also ran for Senate in 1995 but finished 19th, falling short of election.
Following his Senate proclamation, Jaworski stepped back from basketball, entrusting coaching duties to longtime deputy Quirino "Rino" Salazar. But in 1999, tensions arose when Ginebra team owner Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr. promoted Allan Caidic to playing assistant coach—reportedly without Jaworski’s knowledge. Feeling disrespected and blindsided, the Big J resigned, officially ending his tenure with Ginebra. Salazar continued briefly before handing over the reins to Caidic upon migrating to Alaska.
Jaworski’s final PBA appearance as a player came during Game 6 of the 1997 All-Filipino Cup Finals on May 25, 1997. Though he didn’t score and Ginebra fell to the Purefoods Corned Beef Cowboys, it was a moment of history—he walked off the court as the oldest player to play in the PBA at age 50. He even held the world record as the oldest professional basketball player until 2015, when it was broken by Saudi Arabia’s Abdulmohsen Khalaf Al-Muwallad.
Beyond the stats and accolades, Jaworski’s presence in the PBA was—and still is—unmatched. He wasn’t just the league’s most popular player. He was its heart, its grit, its soul. A pillar of Philippine basketball’s golden era.
On May 30, 2003, 23 years after the Crispa-Toyota rivalry ended, Jaworski appeared in a reunion game at the Araneta Coliseum alongside fellow legends from both squads. Toyota edged Crispa, 65–62, in that nostalgic throwback match.
Outside the PBA and politics, the Big J also proudly represented the Philippines on the international stage. He was part of the national team that won gold at the 1967 FIBA Asia Championship in Seoul, took bronze in 1969 (Bangkok), silver in 1971 (Tokyo), and reclaimed gold on home soil in Manila in 1973.
In 1990, he returned to the international spotlight—this time as head coach—leading the Philippine team in the Asian Games held in Beijing.
With all the impact he made on and off the court, there's no question: Robert “Sonny” Jaworski is truly a living legend.
News
In a show of unity and commitment, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and the Office of the Chef de Mission (CDM) came together for a Coordination Meeting of the Task Force for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, set to take place in Thailand next year.
The meeting, attended by POC Secretary General Atty. Wharton R. Chan, PSC Executive Director Atty. Guillermo B. Iroy Jr., and Chef de Mission Dr. Jose Raul Canlas, underscored the country’s collective effort to ensure smooth preparation and strong representation in the regional meet.
According to the POC, the session aimed to strengthen coordination among key sports bodies and address logistical, administrative, and performance-related plans for the Filipino athletes bound for the 2025 SEA Games.
“This coordination is essential to ensure that our athletes get the support and structure they need to perform at their best,” said Dr. Canlas.
With a spirit of “Strength in Unity,” the collaboration signals a unified front for Team Philippines — as the nation’s top sports leaders rally behind the athletes set to bring pride and glory to the country in Thailand.
The Philippine volleyball community is mourning the loss of Ike Andrew Barilea, a rising star from Alas Pilipinas Men, who passed away as announced by the national team on Tuesday. He had just celebrated his 21st birthday two days ago.
The team did not disclose the cause of his death but shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, paying tribute to the young and passionate spiker whose energy and dedication left a lasting mark on the program.
“The court feels emptier, and our hearts heavier. Rest easy, ALAS IKE BARILEA. Thank you for the laughter, the memories, and the heart you gave to the team. Heaven gained an angel, but we lost a piece of ours. Fly high, our dear ALAS,” the statement read.
Barilea, a proud son of the Visayas, was part of the Alas Men’s training pool for the upcoming 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship under coach Angiolino Frigoni.
He also suited up for Alas Pilipinas-Cignal in the 2025 AVC Men’s Volleyball Champions League, and played for 1 Silay Volleyball Club in the PNVF U21 National Volleyball Championships.
Known for his enthusiasm, humility, and love for the sport, Barilea was seen as one of the promising young athletes in Philippine volleyball — a talent gone too soon, but whose spirit will continue to inspire teammates and fans alike.
Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone is hoping to have naturalized player Justin Brownlee back in action in time for the start of the team’s training camp next week as preparations ramp up for the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
The national team will begin camp on November 17 at the Inspire Sports Academy, aiming to build chemistry and conditioning ahead of the first window of the qualifiers, which begins on November 28.
Cone expressed optimism that the team will be complete by then, including Brownlee, who has been “missing in action” recently amid reports of pneumonia, causing him to miss Meralco’s recent East Asia Super League games.
Neither Brownlee nor the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has issued an official statement regarding his condition.
Despite this, Cone remains focused on ensuring Gilas is fully prepared before facing Guam on November 28 at the Calvo Field House in Guam, followed by a rematch on December 1 at the Blue Eagle Gym in Ateneo.
Meanwhile, Kai Sotto will remain sidelined as he continues rehabilitation from an ACL injury earlier this year. His spot in the lineup will be filled by Quentin Milora-Brown, who has been cleared by FIBA to play as a local.
“We just want to get going and make sure everyone’s ready,” Cone said, emphasizing the importance of starting camp strong to maintain Gilas’ momentum heading into the qualifiers.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is moving closer to enforcing a complete ban on transgender women competing in female events, signaling a major shift in Olympic policy.
Under the leadership of newly elected IOC president Kirsty Coventry, the organization aims to establish a unified global framework to “protect the integrity of the female category” across all sports. A move that could take effect within the next six to twelve months, in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Previously, individual federations were allowed to set their own inclusion rules, but Coventry is pushing for consistency, citing scientific reviews highlighting the long-term physical advantages of being born male.
The potential policy is also expected to align with the stance of U.S. President Donald Trump, who earlier signed an executive order barring transgender women from competing in female sports.
However, the IOC continues to face internal debate over how to handle athletes with differences in sexual development (DSD), those reported female at birth but with male chromosomes and elevated testosterone levels.
The Meralco Bolts aim to sustain their early momentum and secure a second consecutive win as they take on the visiting Macau Black Bears in the continuation of the 2025 East Asia Super League (EASL) this Sunday at the Cebu Coliseum.
Fresh off their 85-76 triumph over the Taoyuan Pilots in Ilagan, Isabela, the Bolts are brimming with confidence as they return to action—this time in front of Cebuano fans eager to witness top-tier regional basketball.
The matchup will also serve as the season debut for the Macau Black Bears, who are looking to make a strong first impression against a Meralco squad that has shown early signs of cohesion under coach Nenad Vucinic and deputy Luigi Trillo.
Adding depth to Meralco’s roster are their reliable imports Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Ismael Romero, alongside naturalized player Ange Kouame and Asian import Sina Vahedi of Iran. Their chemistry will be key as they look to impose their pace and defensive discipline against the dynamic, fast-paced style of the Black Bears.
Beyond the competition, the Cebu showdown will also carry a deeper purpose, as the EASL announced that all ticket proceeds will be donated to victims of Typhoon Tino, which recently struck parts of Cebu and nearby provinces.
With pride, purpose, and playoff positioning at stake, Meralco will try to electrify once more—this time, in the Queen City of the South.
