Players Profile: William "Bogs" Adornado - First PBA MVP

As we kick off our Player Profile series highlighting the pioneers and icons of Philippine basketball, we begin with a name synonymous with scoring brilliance and resilience—William “Bogs” Adornado.

A two-time MVP by 1976, Adornado had already cemented himself as one of the PBA’s brightest stars, playing a key role in Crispa's historic first Grand Slam. But just as his career was reaching its peak, an unfortunate knee injury—sustained in a collision with Romeo Frank of U/Tex—sidelined him for three years. At the time, many thought it would be the end of his basketball journey.

But Adornado's story was far from over.

In 1980, he made a triumphant return to the court with the U/Tex Wranglers, leading the team to a dramatic championship win in the PBA Open Conference. U/Tex pulled off a miraculous rally, overcoming a four-point deficit in the final 16 seconds of regulation to force overtime and stun the Toyota Tamaraws. The game is now remembered as one of the most dramatic finishes in league history—dubbed the “longest 16 seconds” in the PBA. That moment not only secured the title but also disrupted the long-standing Crispa-Toyota rivalry that had dominated the league.

Adornado’s incredible comeback was crowned in 1981 when he earned his third PBA MVP award—becoming the first player to achieve that feat, solidifying his place among the all-time greats.

Known for his effortless jump shot and offensive dominance, Adornado delivered one of the most unforgettable performances in league history when he scored 64 points in a single game against San Miguel. At the time, it was the highest total ever recorded by a homegrown player.

He continued to move around the league, joining the Great Taste Coffee Makers, and later suiting up for the Shell Azodrin Bugbusters in 1985. Alongside fellow former Crispa stars Philip Cezar and Bernie Fabiosa, he helped Shell reach the finals in its debut season under head coach Freddie Webb—though they ultimately fell short against Great Taste.

Adornado also set a high standard in free-throw shooting. Between October 14, 1986 and August 7, 1987—across stints with Shell and Hill Bros.—he made 69 consecutive free throws, setting a PBA record that stood for six years until it was broken by Allan Caidic.

In 1987, he once again led his team—now the Hills Bros. Coffee Kings—to the PBA finals, though they were defeated by San Miguel. The following year, his contributions to the game were formally honored when the Alaska franchise retired his jersey number 33 during the opening of the 1988 season.

At a time when shooting coaches were unheard of, Adornado’s form was textbook. His smooth, accurate jumper from mid-range became a benchmark for generations of forwards that followed. His legacy as a pure scorer remains unmatched in many respects.

After retiring, Adornado brought his basketball IQ to coaching. He served as head coach for the Alaska franchise and worked as an assistant with teams like Mobiline and Shell in the PBA, and the UST Growling Tigers in the UAAP. He also took the helm of the Adamson Falcons after Leo Austria’s departure, although his tenure ended when his contract expired in December 2008.

From his early dominance to a comeback that reshaped the narrative of his career, Bogs Adornado stands as a symbol of excellence, grit, and Filipino basketball greatness.