Former Pros: Roberto "Jun" Jabar Jr.

When Roberto Jabar first played in the PABL two decades ago, he got the crowd all agog because his surname. People called him "Jabbar" with obvious reference to former Laker great Abdul Jabbar. His surname was actually pronounced as "Habar" but when he started to display his skills on the court, Jabar made sure that people would pronounce his surname correctly.

The 6-2 Jabar was born on July 4, 1968 in Cagayan de Oro City and is the third of four kids of Roberto Jabar, Sr. and the former Zenaida Borja. Jun-Jun started out with the Cagayan de Oro All Stars and was recruited by the CCC junior squad by Joaquin "Jake" Roxas. From CCC, he moved over to SWU and took up management.

He played for Mama's Love, Lhuillier Jewellers and Balls and Bar Restaurant in Cebu. During the National Intercollegiate tournament held at Pasig, he was approached by both Arturo Valenzona and Boy Afable and was persuaded to join Crispa.

At Crispa, he started to realize his potential and immediately earned an impression among pro scouts. He made his name as a slasher and a hardworker. He never backed down on anyone. Jabar applied for the PBA Draft in 1992 and was drafted by Pepsi 10^th overall, or the second pick in the second round. He lasted 5 seasons in the pros, averaging 5.6 ppg in 99 games for Pepsi and Sta. Lucia.