I still remember watching that crucial Game 4 of the 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals between Alaska and Rain or Shine, where Elijah Millsap truly cemented his legacy in Philippine basketball. With seconds ticking away and the score tied, Calvin Abueva had a chance to win the ballgame on the final possession but missed a contested short jumper. What many fans don't realize is how Millsap's defensive presence throughout that series created those high-pressure moments that defined championship basketball. Having followed the PBA for over a decade, I've seen numerous imports come and go, but few have left the lasting impression that Millsap managed during his relatively brief but impactful stint in the league.
When Millsap first arrived in 2015 to play for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, I'll admit I was skeptical. At 6-foot-6, he didn't have the towering presence of some previous imports, and his NBA credentials, while respectable, didn't scream superstar. But what he brought to the table was something far more valuable – basketball intelligence and relentless energy that transformed how his team approached the game. During his debut conference, he averaged 28.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, numbers that don't fully capture his defensive impact. I recall specifically how his ability to guard multiple positions gave Coach Yeng Guiao unprecedented flexibility in his defensive schemes, something that became particularly evident during their championship run in the 2016 Commissioner's Cup.
That 2016 championship series showcased Millsap at his absolute best. In Game 3, he dropped 39 points while grabbing 15 rebounds, but what stood out to me was his fourth-quarter defense on Alaska's key players. He had this uncanny ability to anticipate plays before they developed, something you don't often see from imports who typically focus on scoring. His defensive rating of 98.3 during that conference remains one of the best I've seen from any import in the past eight years. The way he could switch onto smaller guards without losing containment or body up against bigger posts made him a nightmare matchup for opponents. When people talk about modern PBA basketball, Millsap's tenure represents a turning point where versatility began to trump specialization.
The missed Abueva jumper I mentioned earlier perfectly illustrates Millsap's subtle impact. Throughout that possession, Millsap had effectively disrupted Alaska's primary option, forcing them to settle for a lower-percentage shot. This kind of defensive excellence didn't always show up in traditional stats, but coaches and serious fans recognized his value immediately. After that series, I noticed several teams began seeking imports who could impact the game on both ends rather than just score in bunches. Millsap's success literally changed how teams constructed their rosters for the following seasons.
What I personally admired most about Millsap was his consistency in high-pressure situations. During his two-year PBA career spanning 64 games, he scored in double figures every single time, with 42 of those games being 20-point performances. More impressively, Rain or Shine won nearly 68% of their games with him on the roster compared to just 52% in the season prior to his arrival. These numbers aren't just statistics – they represent a tangible impact that elevated everyone around him. I've spoken with several local players who shared how Millsap's work ethic during practice raised their own standards, particularly in defensive drills where he would consistently challenge them.
His influence extended beyond the court too. Millsap was one of the first imports I remember who actively engaged with fans on social media, building a connection that lasted even after he left the Philippines. This personal touch made him more relatable than the typical mercenary import who just comes for a paycheck. When he returned to the NBA G League, many Filipino fans continued following his career, something that rarely happens with former PBA imports.
Looking back, I'd argue Millsap's greatest contribution was demonstrating how a complete basketball player could transform a team's identity. Before his arrival, Rain or Shine was known primarily for their offensive firepower, but during his tenure, they developed into one of the league's most formidable defensive units. This cultural shift persisted even after his departure, with the team maintaining their defensive identity for subsequent seasons. In my opinion, this lasting organizational impact separates truly great imports from merely good ones.
The PBA has seen countless talented imports over its rich history, but Elijah Millsap occupies a special place in its evolution. His combination of skill, intelligence, and professionalism set a new standard for what teams should look for in an import. While he may not have put up the gaudy scoring numbers of some predecessors, his all-around game and team-first mentality made him far more valuable. Even today, when I watch PBA games and see imports making defensive stops or creating for teammates, I see echoes of Millsap's influence on how the game is played in the Philippines. His legacy isn't just in the championships or statistics, but in the elevated expectations for what an import can and should bring to a PBA team.
