The Toyota Super Corollas was a professional basketball team that competed in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) from 1975 until 1984. Owned by the Toyota Motor Corporation, the team was based in Manila and was one of the league's original franchises.
History and Formation
- The team entered the PBA when the league was founded in 1975, joining other corporate-sponsored squads such as Crispa, San Miguel, and Great Taste.
- Initially known simply as "Toyota," the franchise adopted the moniker "Super Corollas" in the early 1980s to align with the branding of Toyota’s Corolla automobile line.
Competitive Record
- The Super Corollas captured a total of nine PBA championship titles across the league’s conferences:
- 1975 Open Conference
- 1976 First and Second Conferences
- 1977 All‑Filipino Conference
- 1978 Open Conference
- 1979 All‑Filipino Conference
- 1980 Open Conference
- 1981 First Conference
- The team was known for its aggressive, fast‑break style of play and frequently finished the regular season near the top of the standings.
Notable Players and Personnel
- Robert "Bobby" Jaworski – Guard and team captain, later inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame.
- Francis Arnaiz – Forward, recognized for scoring and playmaking abilities.
- Ramon Fernandez – Center/forward, multiple-time MVP and member of the PBA 25 Greatest Players.
- Robert "Sonny" Jaworski also served in a player‑coach capacity during later seasons.
- Head coaches included Dante Silverio (1975–1978) and Ed Ocampo (1979–1984).
Rivalries
- The most prominent rivalry was with the Crispa Redmanizers, another corporate‑backed team. Their matchups, popularly called the "Crispa‑Toyota rivalry," were highly attended and widely covered in Philippine media.
Disbandment
- In 1984, Toyota withdrew from the PBA due to corporate restructuring and shifting marketing priorities within the Toyota Motor Corporation. The franchise’s players were dispersed to other teams through a dispersal draft.
Legacy
- The Super Corollas are remembered as one of the PBA’s most successful early franchises, contributing to the league’s popularity during its formative years. Several former Toyota players became prominent coaches, executives, and public figures in Philippine basketball. Their rivalry with Crispa remains a defining chapter in Philippine sports history.
