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I still remember the first time I saw Willy Wilson step onto the approach during the 2015 PBA World Series of Bowling. There was something different about his presence—a quiet intensity that separated him from the pack. As someone who's followed professional bowling for over two decades, I've developed a sixth sense for spotting special players, and Wilson had that undeniable quality from day one. His career trajectory since then has been nothing short of remarkable, filled with championship moments that have cemented his legacy in the sport.

What strikes me most about Wilson isn't just his technical mastery—though his rev rate consistently clocks in around 450 RPM with ball speed maintaining 17-18 MPH—but his philosophical approach to competition. I've had the privilege of speaking with him on several occasions, and his mindset reminds me of why I fell in love with this sport in the first place. That now-famous quote of his, "Hangga't kaya ko, gagawin ko yung best ko, gagawin ko yung makakaya ko para matulungan yung team ko ngayon. Chery ako, so mag-give back ako sa tiwala na binigay nila sa'kin," perfectly encapsulates his team-first mentality. This isn't just empty rhetoric—I've watched him live up to these words time and again when the pressure mounts during crucial matches.

Wilson's breakthrough moment came during the 2017 PBA Tour Finals, where he averaged 245.6 over eight games against some of the toughest competition the tour had to offer. I was covering that event from the press box, and what impressed me wasn't just the numbers—it was how he adapted when his primary ball reaction started to fade during the semifinals. While other bowlers might have panicked, Wilson made minute adjustments to his axis rotation and moved left maybe two boards at most. The result? He struck on nine of his final ten shots to secure his first major title. That performance demonstrated a maturity beyond his years and signaled that a new force had arrived in professional bowling.

The 2019 season stands out as particularly special in my book. Wilson captured three titles that year, including the PBA Players Championship where he defeated Sean Rash in a thrilling final match that went to the tenth frame. What many fans might not realize is that Wilson was battling a wrist injury throughout that tournament—I noticed him flexing his hand between frames during the telecast, though he never mentioned it in post-match interviews. His ability to perform through discomfort while maintaining that team-first attitude speaks volumes about his character. He's the type of player who makes everyone around him better, and I've seen firsthand how younger bowlers on tour look to him for guidance during practice sessions.

One championship moment that doesn't get discussed enough happened during the 2021 PBA League Elias Cup. Wilson's team was down by nearly 40 pins heading into the position round, and he needed to strike out in the tenth frame to have any chance at advancing. The pressure in that building was palpable—you could have heard a pin drop during his approach. What did he do? He delivered three perfect shots while maintaining remarkable composure, then celebrated by immediately praising his teammates rather than basking in individual glory. That's the essence of Wilson's philosophy in action—always putting the team first while delivering when it matters most.

Looking at his career statistics, Wilson has accumulated 14 professional titles as of last season, with his championship match winning percentage sitting at an impressive 68%. But numbers only tell part of the story. Having analyzed hundreds of professional bowlers throughout my career, I can confidently say that Wilson's spare conversion rate of approximately 92% under pressure situations is among the best I've ever witnessed. This technical proficiency combined with his mental fortitude creates a competitor who rarely beats himself—opponents have to earn every victory against him.

As Wilson continues to compete at the highest level, what excites me most is seeing how he balances individual achievement with team success. In recent interviews, he's spoken about wanting to mentor the next generation of bowlers while still chasing major championships—a difficult balancing act that few athletes manage successfully. Based on what I've observed of his work ethic and character, I have no doubt he'll excel at both. The professional bowling landscape is better for having competitors like Willy Wilson—athletes who understand that true greatness extends beyond trophy counts and includes lifting up those around you. His career serves as a blueprint for how to achieve at the highest level while maintaining perspective and sportsmanship, and I feel privileged to have witnessed so many of his defining moments firsthand.