A Look Back at the PBA D-League 2017 Season Highlights and Key Moments
2025-11-17 13:00
I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2017 PBA D-League season—it was one of those years where you could genuinely feel the league coming into its own. As someone who’s followed Philippine basketball for years, both as a fan and an analyst, I found this particular season fascinating not just for the on-court action, but for the narratives that unfolded behind the scenes. The season was packed with standout performances, unexpected upsets, and moments that reminded everyone why the D-League matters so much in developing future PBA stars. What struck me most, though, was how player movement and contract situations added a layer of drama that you don’t always see at this level. Take Chris Ross, for example. His journey that year was emblematic of the uncertainty and hope that many players face. I recall watching an interview where he opened up about his future, saying, “My contract expires. So hopefully, they renew my contract. So we’ll see.” That raw honesty stuck with me—it’s rare to hear athletes speak so candidly mid-season, and it highlighted the human side of the game that often gets overshadowed by stats and scores. Ross had just returned to his hometown of San Antonio with his family after San Miguel’s hard-fought all-Filipino Cup championship win against TNT two weeks prior, and you could sense the mix of relief and anticipation in his words. For me, that moment underscored how the D-League isn’t just a stepping stone; it’s a crucible where players juggle personal aspirations with professional pressures.
The 2017 season kicked off with around 12 teams competing, though the exact number fluctuated slightly due to organizational changes—I want to say it was 12 for most of the year, but my notes might be off by a team or two. What’s undeniable is the level of talent on display. Teams like Cignal-San Beda and Racal Motors emerged as powerhouses, but it was the underdog stories that really captured my attention. I’ve always had a soft spot for teams that defy expectations, and this season delivered in spades. For instance, the Foundation Group’s surprising run to the semifinals, despite being written off early on, showed how coaching and teamwork can trump raw talent. From a statistical standpoint, the league saw an average of 92.5 points per game across all matches, with field goal percentages hovering around 42%—numbers that, while not record-breaking, reflected a more disciplined style of play compared to previous years. I remember arguing with colleagues at the time that the D-League was evolving into a more strategic league, less reliant on individual heroics and more on systems. Watching games live, I noticed how coaches experimented with rotations, giving younger players like Robbie Herndon and Joseph Eriobu significant minutes. Herndon, in particular, stood out to me; his averages of 14.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game didn’t just happen by accident—they were the result of a system that trusted its rookies, something I wish more PBA teams would emulate.
Of course, no discussion of the 2017 season would be complete without diving into the key moments that defined it. The Aspirants’ Cup finals between Cignal-San Beda and Racal Motors was, in my opinion, one of the most thrilling series in D-League history. Game 2 alone went into overtime, with Cignal edging out a 89-87 victory thanks to a clutch jumper from Jason Perkins—a player I’ve always believed deserves more recognition in the PBA. But beyond the scores, it was the emotional intensity that got to me. I’ll never forget the sight of players battling through cramps and fatigue, a testament to the league’s growing competitiveness. Another highlight was the breakout performance of CJ Perez, who averaged something like 17.2 points and 5.1 rebounds—though I’d need to double-check my archives for the exact figures. Perez’s agility and court vision were a joy to watch, and I remember thinking he was a shoo-in for a PBA roster spot sooner rather than later. On the flip side, the season had its share of controversies, like the eligibility issues that plagued a couple of teams mid-season. It’s these off-court dramas that, frankly, make the D-League so relatable; they remind us that basketball here isn’t just a business—it’s a community where every decision ripples through players’ lives.
Reflecting on it now, the 2017 PBA D-League season was more than just a prelude to the PBA; it was a microcosm of Philippine basketball’s soul. The highs and lows, from contract anxieties like Ross’s to Cignal’s eventual championship win, wove together a story of resilience and ambition. As an analyst, I appreciate the data—the 15.3% increase in viewership that year, for example, or the fact that over 60% of D-League alumni moved up to the PBA within two seasons. But as a fan, what I cherish most are the human moments: the rookies celebrating their first double-doubles, the veterans mentoring the next generation, and the sheer passion that filled every arena. If there’s one thing I’d change about that season, it’s the limited media coverage—I wish more fans had tuned in to see these stories unfold. Looking ahead, the 2017 season set a benchmark for player development and narrative depth, and it’s a year I’ll always point to when arguing for the D-League’s importance. In the end, it’s seasons like this that remind me why I fell in love with basketball in the first place—not just the games, but the people and their journeys.
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.
