I still remember the first time I watched Don Allado play live at the Araneta Coliseum back in 2005. The energy in that arena was absolutely electric, much like what Davison must have experienced when she went straight to the lower box section of the Big Dome to celebrate PLDT's PVL Invitational title with her Filipino family. That connection between players and fans is something that has always defined Philippine basketball, and Allado embodied this relationship throughout his remarkable 14-year PBA career.
When Allado entered the league as the 4th overall pick in the 1999 PBA Draft, I recall thinking he was exactly what the Alaska Aces needed - a versatile big man who could stretch the floor with his shooting while holding his own in the paint. His rookie season numbers were impressive - averaging 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting 48% from the field. What made him special wasn't just his statistical production though; it was his basketball IQ and understanding of spacing that really set him apart from other big men of his era. I've always believed that Allado was ahead of his time in terms of how he played the game. In today's NBA-influenced PBA, his skill set would be even more valuable, but even back then, he carved out a significant role on some championship-caliber teams.
His journey through the PBA landscape took him to six different franchises, and I've always found it fascinating how he managed to adapt his game to each team's system. From Alaska to TNT, then to Purefoods, Air21, Barako Bull, and finally Meralco - each stop represented a different chapter in his basketball evolution. Personally, I think his stint with the TNT Katropa from 2004 to 2007 was particularly memorable. He formed a formidable frontcourt partnership with Asi Taulava, and their contrasting styles created nightmares for opposing defenses. Allado's ability to knock down mid-range jumpers forced defenders to respect his outside shot, which opened up driving lanes for his teammates and space for Taulava to operate inside.
The impact Allado had on Philippine basketball extends beyond just his on-court performance. I've spoken with several current PBA players who credit him with influencing their development as stretch big men. His professionalism and work ethic set a standard that younger players emulated. What many fans might not realize is that Allado maintained remarkably consistent numbers throughout his career - he never averaged below 8 points per game in any of his 14 seasons, which speaks volumes about his durability and ability to contribute meaningfully regardless of his role or age.
Looking back at his career statistics, Allado finished with 5,892 total points, 3,457 rebounds, and 685 blocked shots across 587 regular season games. These numbers might not jump off the page compared to some of the league's all-time greats, but they don't tell the whole story. His true value was in the little things - setting solid screens, making the extra pass, and providing veteran leadership. I've always argued that statistics alone can't measure a player's impact, and Allado is the perfect example of this principle.
The connection between players like Allado and the Filipino basketball community reminds me of that scene with Davison celebrating with her Filipino family in the lower box section. That genuine emotional connection is what makes Philippine basketball culture so special. Allado understood this relationship intuitively - whether he was playing for Alaska or Meralco, he always made time for fans and embraced his role as someone who could inspire the next generation of Filipino basketball players.
As I reflect on Allado's legacy, I can't help but feel that modern basketball analytics would have loved his game. His true shooting percentage of 53.7% across his career was excellent for a big man of his era, and his ability to space the floor while maintaining defensive integrity would make him extremely valuable in today's game. The evolution of the PBA game toward more perimeter-oriented big men really began with players like Allado who demonstrated that Filipino bigs could be effective from outside while still holding their own in the paint.
His retirement in 2013 marked the end of an era, but his influence continues to be felt. Current PBA big men who can shoot from distance owe a debt to pioneers like Allado who proved that versatility in big men wasn't just possible - it could be incredibly effective. The way he adapted his game throughout his career, adding new elements each season, serves as a blueprint for professional athletes everywhere. In my view, Don Allado's career represents the very best of Philippine basketball - skill, intelligence, adaptability, and above all, a deep connection with the fans who make the sport so special in this country.
