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AMA Online PBA D League: Your Ultimate Guide to Philippine Basketball's Rising Stars
2025-11-15 17:01
I still remember sitting in the stands at Passi City Sports Complex three weeks ago, watching what would become one of the most talked-about games in recent AMA Online PBA D League history. The HD Spikers had been dominating the court throughout the pool play, but then came that final weekend in Iloilo where Chery Tiggo handed them their only loss. That moment crystallized everything I love about this league - the unpredictability, the raw talent, and the way these young players handle both victory and defeat. It's precisely games like these that make the AMA Online PBA D League the ultimate breeding ground for Philippine basketball's next generation of stars.
What many casual fans don't realize is how crucial these development league games are for player growth. I've been following Philippine basketball for over fifteen years, and I can tell you that the transformation happening in the D League is unprecedented. When Chery Tiggo managed to defeat the HD Spikers 89-85 in that intense match, it wasn't just about the scoreline. It was about watching young players like Juan Gomez de Liano adapt their strategies mid-game, about seeing how teams recover from setbacks, and about witnessing the mental toughness that separates good players from future PBA stars. The league has produced 42 PBA draft picks in the last three seasons alone, with 18 of them becoming first-round selections. These numbers don't lie - we're looking at the most effective talent pipeline in Philippine basketball history.
The beauty of the D League lies in its unpredictability. Just when you think you've got a team figured out, they'll surprise you. Take that HD Spikers vs Chery Tiggo game - everyone expected the HD Spikers to cruise through, but Chery Tiggo's defensive adjustments in the second half completely changed the game's momentum. I've noticed that the most successful teams in this league are those that can adapt quickly, much like how the best PBA teams operate. The coaching strategies here are increasingly sophisticated, with teams employing advanced analytics and player development programs that would have been unheard of in developmental leagues five years ago. What excites me most is seeing how these young players implement complex plays under pressure - it shows they're not just physically gifted but basketball-intelligent too.
From my perspective, the league's structure deserves more recognition. Unlike other development leagues that focus solely on individual performance, the PBA D League emphasizes team chemistry and system familiarity. This approach produces players who understand how to function within professional setups, making their transition to the PBA much smoother. I've spoken with several team scouts who confirm that D League graduates typically adjust to PBA play 30-40% faster than players coming from other pathways. The evidence is in the performance - just look at how former D League standouts like Robert Bolick and CJ Perez immediately impacted their PBA teams. These aren't just good players; they're professionals who understand the nuances of the game.
What truly sets this league apart, in my opinion, is the fan experience. There's an intimacy to D League games that you don't get in the PBA. You can actually hear players communicating on court, see coaches making real-time adjustments, and feel the raw emotion of these young athletes fighting for their basketball futures. That Chery Tiggo vs HD Spikers game had maybe 3,000 people in attendance, but the energy felt like a championship finals. I've attended both PBA and D League games for years, and while the PBA has the star power, the D League has the heart and the hunger that reminds me why I fell in love with basketball in the first place.
The business side of the league is equally fascinating. With sponsorship deals increasing by approximately 65% over the past two years and television ratings consistently growing, the D League is becoming a commercial success story. Teams are investing more in player development, facilities, and marketing - and it shows in the product quality. I've noticed jersey sales for popular D League players have increased by around 45% this season alone, indicating growing fan engagement. The league's partnership with AMA Education System has been particularly beneficial, providing stability and resources that help nurture these young talents properly.
As we look toward the future, I'm particularly excited about the international prospects emerging from the D League. The league's style of play - combining traditional Philippine speed with increasingly sophisticated half-court sets - is producing players who can compete internationally. Several D League alumni have already made waves in other Asian leagues, and I wouldn't be surprised to see more following suit. The skill development I've witnessed over the past three seasons suggests that we might see the first D League product making an NBA Summer League roster within the next two years. That might sound optimistic, but having watched these players develop up close, I genuinely believe it's possible.
Reflecting on that HD Spikers loss to Chery Tiggo, what stays with me isn't the defeat itself but how both teams grew from that experience. The HD Spikers used that game to identify defensive weaknesses they've since addressed, while Chery Tiggo gained the confidence that comes from beating a top contender. This constant evolution - game by game, season by season - is what makes the AMA Online PBA D League essential viewing for any serious Philippine basketball fan. These rising stars aren't just playing for wins; they're building the foundation for the future of Philippine basketball, and frankly, the future looks incredibly bright from where I'm sitting.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
