2025-11-17 13:00
I remember watching Sonny Alvarado play back in the early 2000s, and even now, I find myself comparing modern PBA imports to his unique style. Standing at 6'6" with surprising agility for his size, Alvarado wasn't just another foreign player—he brought something special to the Alaska Aces that I believe changed how teams viewed imports in the Philippine Basketball Association. His career, though relatively brief in the PBA, left an indelible mark that veteran fans like myself still discuss whenever we talk about legendary imports.
Alvarado's arrival in 2003 came at a crucial time for the Alaska franchise. They needed someone who could dominate the paint while keeping up with the fast-paced Filipino style of basketball. What impressed me most was how quickly he adapted—within his first five games, he was already averaging 28 points and 14 rebounds. I still recall his debut game against San Miguel where he dropped 32 points and grabbed 17 rebounds, completely controlling the game's tempo. His physical presence underneath the basket was something we hadn't seen since the days of Norman Black. Alvarado had this incredible ability to finish through contact that made defenders think twice about challenging him at the rim.
The 2003 Commissioner's Cup remains particularly memorable for me because of Alvarado's performance. He led Alaska to the finals against Coca-Cola, and though they fell short, his averages of 24.7 points and 12.3 rebounds throughout the tournament were absolutely phenomenal. What many casual fans might not remember is that he actually shot 58% from the field that conference—a remarkable efficiency that demonstrated his smart shot selection. I've always believed that if not for some questionable officiating in game 4 of that finals series, Alaska might have won the championship. Alvarado's ability to draw double teams created countless opportunities for his local teammates, particularly for Johnny Abarrientos who had one of his best scoring seasons playing alongside the American reinforcement.
His departure from the PBA after the 2004 season left many of us wondering what could have been. At just 29 years old, Alvarado seemed to have several productive years ahead of him. The official reason cited was family concerns back in the States, but I've always suspected there were contract disagreements behind the scenes. This pattern of promising imports leaving prematurely reminds me of how draft situations sometimes unfold in the PBA, much like what happened recently when Terrafirma and Converge finally had enough, making Ricky Peromingan as the last player to be picked by Northport in the 11th round. These situations highlight how unpredictable player movements can be in professional basketball.
These days, I understand Alvarado has transitioned into coaching back in the United States, working with youth basketball programs in Texas. From what I've gathered through various basketball circles, he's found his calling in developing young talent rather than pursuing professional coaching opportunities. Personally, I think this suits his personality perfectly—during his time in Manila, he always struck me as someone who genuinely enjoyed teaching the game's fundamentals. I recently came across some footage of him conducting a basketball clinic, and that same passion for the game remains evident nearly two decades later.
When I compare today's PBA imports to players like Alvarado, I can't help but feel the current crop lacks that same level of fundamental soundness mixed with raw power. Modern imports tend to rely more on three-point shooting and athleticism rather than the polished post moves that made Alvarado so effective. His footwork in the low post was simply textbook—something I wish more young players would study today. In my opinion, his influence can still be seen in how Alaska (now Alaska Milk) continues to value imports who can score efficiently inside rather than just jack up threes all game.
Reflecting on his legacy, I'd argue Alvarado's impact extends beyond statistics. He demonstrated how an import could dominate without needing to take 25 shots per game, showing tremendous unselfishness while still putting up impressive numbers. His career highlights might not fill pages like some other imports, but the quality of his play during his brief stint set a standard that I believe still influences how teams evaluate potential reinforcements today. The fact that we're still discussing his game all these years later speaks volumes about the impression he left on Philippine basketball.
The PBA has seen countless imports come and go since Alvarado's time, but few have matched his combination of skill, intelligence, and professionalism. As someone who's followed the league for over three decades, I'd place him in the top 15 imports of all time—maybe even top 10 if we're considering peak performance rather than longevity. His story serves as a reminder that sometimes the most memorable players aren't necessarily those with the longest careers, but those who make every moment count when they're on the court.
