AL THORNTON, who would have gone on to have a great career in the NBA had he not busted his knee, reminded old PBA fans of what imports were like in the good, old days in a performance to remember last Tuesday.

Imports will forever be parts of PBA lore.

Whenever we talk of how the league was back in the day, the names of imports — depending of course on how old one is — will surely crop up as some of the personalities who helped shape the PBA to what it is now.

Imports in the olden days were go-to-guys; solid players on both ends that teams will look to during crunch time.

When we talk of imports, the likes of Cyrus Mann, Andy Fields, Byron “Snake” Jones, Cisco Oliver, Larry McNeil, Dean Tolson, Billy Ray Bates, Michael Hackett, Michael Young, Rob Williams, David Thirdkill, Aaron James, Glenn McDonald, Bobby Parks, Norman Black, Tony Harris, etc., have some of the most unforgettable moments in the league.

Thornton went on to finish with 69 points in a gallant yet losing effort for NLEX against San Miguel Beer.

He was a sight to behold that night; a reminder of how imports were – and are supposed to be – in order for the level of basketball to forever be topnotch this side of the globe.

It was a triple overtime game where Thornton scored all but four of his points inside the final 48 minutes of that contest.

And he did it on practically one good leg.

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Veterans of the NBA coming to the PBA have not been uncommon, but former members of the NBA’s All-Rookie Team are a rarity.

Thornton was selected 14th overall in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers after having a scintillating collegiate career with Florida State University.

He would rise as a stellar part of the Clippers when some of their big guns, including former No. 1 pick Elton Brand, would go down on account of injuries.

Thornton then wasted no time proving himself and the team would eventually trade away some of its veterans in order to clear room for their rookie to shine even more. Thornton, who would be picked several notches higher than Marc Gasol, ended his rookie season averaging 12.7 points and 4.5 rebounds.

Thornton would go on to play a total of 296 games with three different teams in the NBA with career averages of 11.9 points and 4.2 rebounds. His best year came in 2008 with the Clippers where he registered averages of 16.8 points and 5.2 rebounds a contest.

A right knee injury kept him from fulfilling his destiny as a great NBA player. He was one of the guards in the 2007 All-Rookie Team that had Kevin Durant as its main member.

Getting included in that group is one thing, having Durant, the No. 2 pick and eventual Rookie of the Year, with you there is an even greater accomplishment.

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Thornton not only displays a game worthy of being a super import, he also has the work ethic and the dedication that make him worthy of the tag.

Unknown to many, even to sportswriters covering the PBA, Thornton took it upon himself to become better in this, his second stint in the league as he tries to lead the Road Warriors to a title.

Last December, using $20,000 of his own money, Thornton had stem cell procedure to help his get to the best form he possibly can.

The 6-foot-7 forward didn’t seek help from NLEX management, which reportedly was all too happy to foot the bill. Instead, he came back to the Philippines with a vow to help the Road Warriors go deeper in the playoffs this time, if not win the championship altogether.

Thornton is a rare breed, not only because of his talent, but because of his overall attitude.

I really miss those days when imports come over and take over the league, when we get to see players who are head and shoulders above the talent that the PBA has as far as its local players are concerned.

If the PBA is to stay afloat, players like Thornton should be the ones who are called to come over.

Because, what is the use if teams tap imports whom locals can outplay?

Why bring in talent that the Filipino can beat? We need talents that will help the league improve its talent level.