Reliving the Epic Journey of the 2017 PBA Governors Cup Champion Team

I still remember the final buzzer of that 2017 Governors Cup like it was yesterday - the confetti raining down, the roar of the crowd, and the sheer disbelief on the players' faces as they realized they'd actually done it. What made that championship run so special wasn't just the trophy at the end, but the incredible journey of a team that refused to quit even when everyone counted them out. That championship DNA has become part of the franchise's identity, something they've been trying to recapture ever since.

Fast forward to today, and you can still see echoes of that championship mentality in how the team builds its roster. I was particularly intrigued when they drafted Mendoza as their third round pick in the 2023 Draft at 32nd overall. It reminded me of how that 2017 team wasn't built on superstars alone - it was the role players, the late draft picks, the underdogs who stepped up when it mattered most. Mendoza represents that same philosophy of finding value where others might overlook it.

What I loved about that 2017 team was how they embodied the never-say-die spirit. They weren't the most talented team on paper - let's be honest, most analysts had them finishing somewhere in the middle of the pack. But they had this incredible chemistry that just clicked at the right moment. I remember watching their semifinal series where they came back from being down 15 points in the fourth quarter, and thinking "this team has something special." It wasn't about individual brilliance but about five players moving as one unit, trusting each other completely.

The championship game itself was a masterpiece of team basketball. They faced a team that had beaten them twice during the elimination round, yet they never seemed intimidated. What struck me was their composure - when their opponents went on a 10-0 run in the third quarter, they didn't panic. They stuck to their game plan, made the extra pass, and fought for every loose ball. That's the kind of culture that championship built, and it's exactly what I hope players like Mendoza can help restore.

Looking back, what made that team so memorable was how they represented the city. You could feel the connection between the players and the fans - it was genuine, emotional, and powerful. I've followed this league for over fifteen years now, and I can count on one hand the teams that had that kind of special bond with their community. That 2017 squad wasn't just playing for themselves; they were playing for every fan who had stuck with them through the tough years.

As we watch the current team develop, with new additions like Mendoza joining the roster, I can't help but see parallels to that championship team's building process. It's not about collecting the biggest names, but about finding the right pieces that fit together. The 2017 champions proved that heart and chemistry can overcome pure talent, and that's a lesson this franchise should never forget. Here's hoping the new generation can capture some of that old magic and take us on another unforgettable journey.