Abe King was the starting center of 1976 MICAA champion Crown Motors before its PBA parent team, the Toyota Tamaraws, called upon his services at the start of the 1977 PBA season.
14 Facts About Abe King
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Abe King was an instant starter for the Tamaraws as resident power forward when Alberto "Big Boy" Reynoso retired at the end of the 1976 season.
3.
Abe King joined forces with Ramon Fernandez, Robert Jaworski, Francis Arnaiz and 1976 Rookie Of The Year Virgilio "Gil" Cortez in the starting unit of the Tamaraws.
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Abe King became a major force to reckon with, and almost won ROY honors, barely losing to eventual winner and co-power forward Jimmy Taguines of Yco-Tanduay in a tight race.
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Abe King was the nemesis not only of the best local players around, but he took it upon himself to defend against the best imports.
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Finally, a PBA player was recognized for his ability to defend players and Abe King became the yardstick of what defenders should be in the coming years.
7.
Jaworski and Arnaiz eventually went to Ginebra San Miguel while Abe King became the first "franchise player" in the history of the league when he signed up with Beer Hausen's corporate rival Gold Eagle Beer.
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Robert Jaworski Ramon Fernandez Francis Arnaiz Bernie Fabiosa Philip Cezar Allan Caidic 8.
Abe King latched upon the deal with Gold Eagle Beer prior to the disbandment of Toyota, which excluded him in that "lock, stock and barrel" purchase by Basic Holdings of Toyota's franchise.
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Abe King paradoxically found himself in unfamiliar company with past Crispa rivals Co, Bernie Fabiosa and Philip Cezar plus super rookie Allan Caidic but found the responsibilities at Great Taste lighter than when he was with Gold Eagle.
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Ditto the other way, as Abe King was equally successful in guarding against Fernandez, although the latter had more success in their matchups.
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However, an ageing Abe King suddenly found no takers during the early 1990s.
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Abe King won his last two PBA championships with the Hotdogs.
13.
Abe King faded from the limelight in the mid-1990s and decided to move to the United States.
14.
Abe King was the president of the PBA Legends Foundation USA.