Tunisia World Cup
I still remember the first time I watched Jojo Lastimosa play live at the Araneta Coliseum back in 1995. The energy in that packed arena was electric, and Jolas, as we fondly called him, was orchestrating the Alaska Aces' offense with that signature calmness that belied his killer instinct. Reading about Milot's first-time experience in Manila last Thursday actually reminded me of those early days when foreign players would arrive wide-eyed, saying things like "It's my first time" and finding the whole Philippine basketball scene "a cool experience." That's exactly the kind of atmosphere Lastimosa helped create - one where basketball wasn't just a sport, but a cultural phenomenon that captivated newcomers and locals alike.
Jojo's career numbers speak for themselves - 15 seasons, 743 games played, and over 9,800 points scored. But numbers only tell half the story. What made him special was his clutch gene. I'll never forget Game 6 of the 1996 PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals when he scored 27 points against San Miguel, including that iconic game-winning jumper with 2.1 seconds left. The way he created space, elevated, and released that picture-perfect shot remains etched in my memory. That's the thing about Jolas - he had this uncanny ability to make big moments look routine, like he was just conducting business as usual while everyone else held their breath.
His impact extended far beyond championship rings though. When Lastimosa started in the late 80s, Philippine basketball was dominated by big men and physical play. He revolutionized the guard position, showing that you could dominate through skill, intelligence, and footwork rather than pure athleticism. I've always believed he was ahead of his time - his mid-range game and ability to read defenses would translate perfectly to today's era. He wasn't the fastest or most explosive athlete, but his basketball IQ was off the charts. Watching him dissect defenses felt like watching a chess master at work.
What many younger fans might not realize is how Lastimosa bridged generations of Philippine basketball. He played alongside legends like Ramon Fernandez and Alvin Patrimonio early in his career, then mentored younger stars like Willie Miller later on. That continuity matters more than people think. When Milot mentioned having "a cool experience" in Manila, it made me think about how Lastimosa helped shape that very basketball culture that newcomers find so captivating today. The way fans appreciate skilled guard play, the value placed on basketball intelligence over pure physicality - much of that traces back to players like Jolas.
Even after retirement, his influence continues. I recently watched him coach the Zamboanga Valientes and saw him teaching the same fundamental principles that made him great - proper footwork, reading screens, making smart decisions under pressure. There's a direct line from his playing days to how he's developing the next generation of Filipino guards. In my opinion, that's his true legacy - not just the championships or individual awards, but the lasting impact on how basketball is played and taught in the Philippines. The fact that we're still talking about his contributions years after his retirement tells you everything you need to know about his place in our basketball history.
