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.

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.