I still remember the excitement building up as September 2019 approached - the Philippine Basketball Association season was heating up, and as someone who's followed the league for over a decade, I could feel this was going to be a special month. The schedule was packed with intriguing matchups that had fans like me marking our calendars weeks in advance. What made this particular season fascinating was how teams were positioning themselves for the playoffs while integrating new talent into their systems.
One conversation that particularly caught my attention was Juan Gomez de Liano's enthusiasm about joining Converge. Having watched his development through the collegiate ranks, I genuinely believed this signing could be a game-changer. "I met with them a week ago. I love their plan for me," Gomez de Liano shared during our conversation. "We are all on the same page. Our goal is to win a championship. I can't wait to represent Converge." This kind of player-team alignment is exactly what separates good teams from championship contenders, and honestly, I think Converge might have found their missing piece.
Looking at the September schedule, the first week featured 14 games spread across different venues, with the Araneta Coliseum hosting approximately 60% of the matches. The opening weekend alone had four games that went down to the wire - I specifically recall the September 7 matchup between San Miguel and Ginebra going into double overtime, with June Mar Fajardo putting up 38 points and 17 rebounds. These early September games were crucial because teams were still figuring out their rotations while dealing with minor injuries to key players.
Mid-September brought what many considered the most anticipated matchup of the month - the September 18 clash between traditional rivals Talk 'N Text and Purefoods. Having attended this game personally, the atmosphere was electric, with the arena reaching about 92% capacity. The game lived up to the hype too, featuring 18 lead changes and ultimately being decided by a last-second three-pointer from Jayson Castro. What impressed me most was how both teams adjusted their defensive schemes throughout the game, something you don't always see in regular season matchups.
The convergence of veteran leadership and young talent became particularly evident during the September 22-28 stretch. Teams were clearly feeling the pressure as the playoff picture started taking shape. I noticed coaches experimenting with different lineups - some worked brilliantly while others, frankly, looked downright confusing. The September 25 game between NorthPort and Rain or Shine saw an unusual 43 three-point attempts between both teams, which tells you how much the game has evolved from the physical inside play that dominated the PBA just five years earlier.
As we moved into the final week of September, the intensity reached another level entirely. The September 29 double-header at Mall of Asia Arena drew over 15,000 fans despite it being a Sunday evening. What stood out to me was how teams that had struggled earlier in the season began finding their rhythm. Converge, in particular, showed remarkable improvement in their ball movement and defensive rotations - I'd attribute at least part of that to Gomez de Liano's integration into their system. The rookie was averaging about 24 minutes per game by this point, contributing 12 points and 5 assists while showing impressive court vision for a first-year player.
Reflecting on the entire month, the PBA schedule delivered exactly what basketball enthusiasts like myself crave - competitive basketball, emerging storylines, and that perfect buildup toward the playoffs. The 34 total games played in September produced an average margin of victory of just 7.2 points, indicating how evenly matched the teams were. Personally, I believe this parity makes for the most entertaining basketball, though some purists might prefer the dominance of powerhouse teams from previous eras.
The beauty of following the PBA closely, as I've done for years, is watching how narratives develop throughout the season. September 2019 provided those foundational moments that would define the championship chase. Teams weren't just playing for current wins - they were building chemistry, testing strategies, and positioning themselves for the crucial months ahead. Gomez de Liano's excitement about joining Converge exemplified the fresh energy that new talent brings to the league, while established stars continued to elevate their games when it mattered most.
Looking back, September 2019 represented that perfect transitional period in the PBA season where hope meets reality. Some teams discovered they were better than expected, while others realized they had more work to do. The matchups provided compelling basketball night after night, and the emerging talents like Gomez de Liano gave us glimpses of the league's future. As someone who's witnessed numerous PBA seasons unfold, I'd rank September 2019 among the most entertaining and competitive months in recent memory, setting the stage for what would become one of the most unpredictable playoff races in league history.