Top 10: Coca-Cola Tigers of All-Time
Taking over the ruins of the RFM Franchise in 2002, the franchise were powerhouses especially when they used the name Coca-Cola Tigers. When the team debuted, their coach was Chot Reyes who previously worked alongside Tim Cone in Alaska and claimed a couple of championships at the helm of Purefoods. Chot Reyes is one of the many Alaska members in the roster that also included 1996 Alaska grand slam members Johnny Abarrientos, Poch Juinio, Chris Bolado, and Jeffrey Cariaso. They also had a couple of MBA veterans in Rafi Reavis, Ato Morano, Estong Ballesteros, and Rudy Hatfield and a few college upstarts in Leo Avenido, Allan Gamboa, Gilbert Lao, and Jojo Manalo. They also had Pop Cola holdover William Antonio and San Miguel’s defensive specialist Freddie Abuda and this was the core of the 2002 PBA All-Filipino Champions. Their title win was the first time a PBA team won a title during their maiden season. The entry of former Alaska superstar Bong Hawkins, former MBA veterans Reynel Hugnatan and Rob Wainwright, Atenean Jeck Chia, and import extraordinaire Artemus “Tee” McClary gave the team their second and last championship.
The closest attempt for the title the franchise got after the 2003 PBA Reinforced Conference was the 2011-12 PBA Philippine Cup where Gary David, JV Casio, Marcio Lassiter, Sean Anthony, Doug Kramer, Coach Bo Perasol, and others tried their best to fight off the Talk N Text surge. This is to think that this was Powerade’s finest lineup ever since their slump in 2004.
When SMC relinquished its grip on Coke, they raided the team with its players. We all know that SMC is a rich corporation but maintaining four franchises was a burden for them. In 2005, Cariaso returned to Alaska alongside Hugnatan for Ali Peek and John Arigo and Rudy Hatfield was still in the United States ticked off at the Philippine government for branding him as a Fil-Sham (he proved his citizenship is legal). In 2006, Ginebra made a superbly imbalanced trade when they acquired the comebacking Hatfield, Billy Mamaril, and Reavis for a couple of not-so-big time players. Abarrientos signed with the Kings as well as a free agent while Poch Juinio will now see action in Talk N Text.
The Tigers tried luck with young stars like Alex Cabagnot, Ronjay Buenafe, Joseph Yeo, and Denok Miranda, as well as hiring a couple of established veterans like Kenneth Duremdes, Dennis Espino, Norman Gonzales, and Asi Taulava to no avail.
I will break down to you my Top Ten Coca-Cola/Powerade Tigers of all-time after this important message.
Feel free writing your thoughts and suggestions but I hope you know that your comments reflect on how your parents raised you.
The closest attempt for the title the franchise got after the 2003 PBA Reinforced Conference was the 2011-12 PBA Philippine Cup where Gary David, JV Casio, Marcio Lassiter, Sean Anthony, Doug Kramer, Coach Bo Perasol, and others tried their best to fight off the Talk N Text surge. This is to think that this was Powerade’s finest lineup ever since their slump in 2004.
When SMC relinquished its grip on Coke, they raided the team with its players. We all know that SMC is a rich corporation but maintaining four franchises was a burden for them. In 2005, Cariaso returned to Alaska alongside Hugnatan for Ali Peek and John Arigo and Rudy Hatfield was still in the United States ticked off at the Philippine government for branding him as a Fil-Sham (he proved his citizenship is legal). In 2006, Ginebra made a superbly imbalanced trade when they acquired the comebacking Hatfield, Billy Mamaril, and Reavis for a couple of not-so-big time players. Abarrientos signed with the Kings as well as a free agent while Poch Juinio will now see action in Talk N Text.
The Tigers tried luck with young stars like Alex Cabagnot, Ronjay Buenafe, Joseph Yeo, and Denok Miranda, as well as hiring a couple of established veterans like Kenneth Duremdes, Dennis Espino, Norman Gonzales, and Asi Taulava to no avail.
I will break down to you my Top Ten Coca-Cola/Powerade Tigers of all-time after this important message.
Feel free writing your thoughts and suggestions but I hope you know that your comments reflect on how your parents raised you.
10 ALEX “CRUNCHMAN” CABAGNOT
2006 – 10
Cabagnot’s Powerade stint was an important shot in the arm for his playing career. While he was the guy that conquered all of Mark Caguioa’s high school records, his PBA career is nothing but turbulent then. He went AWOL twice as aSta. Lucia Realtor and it ticked off Buddy Encarnado. For Encarnado, having another Rob Parker is overkill as it is… even if he is the second pick overall of the 2005 PBA Draft. Cabagnot was packaged to the Tigers to make the super expensive contract of Kenneth Duremdes enticing (the only big name that the Realtors got was Miranda). Playing in Coke, he blossomed and he was happy handing out the assists and playing extremely heavy minutes. Sure the Tigers barely saw playoff action but it was a nice way for teams to check out Cabagnot’s improvement. Cabagnot would then be dealt to the Air21 Express where he played briefly before moving to the San Miguel Beermen.
2006 – 10
Cabagnot’s Powerade stint was an important shot in the arm for his playing career. While he was the guy that conquered all of Mark Caguioa’s high school records, his PBA career is nothing but turbulent then. He went AWOL twice as aSta. Lucia Realtor and it ticked off Buddy Encarnado. For Encarnado, having another Rob Parker is overkill as it is… even if he is the second pick overall of the 2005 PBA Draft. Cabagnot was packaged to the Tigers to make the super expensive contract of Kenneth Duremdes enticing (the only big name that the Realtors got was Miranda). Playing in Coke, he blossomed and he was happy handing out the assists and playing extremely heavy minutes. Sure the Tigers barely saw playoff action but it was a nice way for teams to check out Cabagnot’s improvement. Cabagnot would then be dealt to the Air21 Express where he played briefly before moving to the San Miguel Beermen.
9 EDWARD “POCH” JUINIO
2002 – 06
2x PBA Champions
4x Finals appearances
In 2001, Alaska traded aging starters Johnny Abarrientos and Poch Juinio (both from Alaska’s grand slam squad of 1996) in a blockbuster trade that also involvedAli Peek and Jon Ordonio. As part of the Pop Cola Panthers, Juinio saw his evolution as the fifth option to a key post up figure. Finally people are seeing Juinio as if he’s the reincarnate of Abet Guidaben, who is also a late bloomer in terms of superstar status. Sadly, Juinio’s attempt to become a basketball A-lister was tarnished when the Panthers became the Tigers and the team took in Cariaso, Abuda, and Reavis. He is an extremely reliable inside threat though (he is an underrated post up scorer) and his feats helped the Alaska “refugees” crush their opponents during the height of their powers. Juinio didn’t get into any Mythical selection in the span of his career but to everyone’s eyes his name is synonymous to winner.
2002 – 06
2x PBA Champions
4x Finals appearances
In 2001, Alaska traded aging starters Johnny Abarrientos and Poch Juinio (both from Alaska’s grand slam squad of 1996) in a blockbuster trade that also involvedAli Peek and Jon Ordonio. As part of the Pop Cola Panthers, Juinio saw his evolution as the fifth option to a key post up figure. Finally people are seeing Juinio as if he’s the reincarnate of Abet Guidaben, who is also a late bloomer in terms of superstar status. Sadly, Juinio’s attempt to become a basketball A-lister was tarnished when the Panthers became the Tigers and the team took in Cariaso, Abuda, and Reavis. He is an extremely reliable inside threat though (he is an underrated post up scorer) and his feats helped the Alaska “refugees” crush their opponents during the height of their powers. Juinio didn’t get into any Mythical selection in the span of his career but to everyone’s eyes his name is synonymous to winner.
8 WILL ANTONIO
2002 – 12
2x PBA Champions
5x Finals appearances
Players came and went but Will Antonio is one of the constants of the franchise. He came to the team when Pop Cola traded Nic Belasco and Dwight Lago to San Miguel for him and “The Bull” Nelson Asaytono (I’m not sure if Boybits Victoria was also part of this trade). When the team went from Panthers to Tigers, Antonio became an integral part of the team’s slasher and shooter rotation. Injuries sidelined him in the mid-2000s and he made an important decision to retire in 2007. He was still part of the squad as assistant coach though (this is probably the same deal Gerard Francisco got) and his conditioning became handy when in the 2010-11 season, he was asked back by Bo Perasol to suit up again for the squad. While his comeback is a success, he is wise enough to know that he can always return to coaching when he has served his purpose. He is the only Tiger to play in all of the five finals series they have participated in.
2002 – 12
2x PBA Champions
5x Finals appearances
Players came and went but Will Antonio is one of the constants of the franchise. He came to the team when Pop Cola traded Nic Belasco and Dwight Lago to San Miguel for him and “The Bull” Nelson Asaytono (I’m not sure if Boybits Victoria was also part of this trade). When the team went from Panthers to Tigers, Antonio became an integral part of the team’s slasher and shooter rotation. Injuries sidelined him in the mid-2000s and he made an important decision to retire in 2007. He was still part of the squad as assistant coach though (this is probably the same deal Gerard Francisco got) and his conditioning became handy when in the 2010-11 season, he was asked back by Bo Perasol to suit up again for the squad. While his comeback is a success, he is wise enough to know that he can always return to coaching when he has served his purpose. He is the only Tiger to play in all of the five finals series they have participated in.
7 ALI “MAN MOUNTAIN” PEEK
2005 – 08
It is no secret that Ali Peek started his career with Pop Cola when he was drafted third overall in the 1998 PBA Draft. Picked behindDanny Ildefonso and Noy Castillo, you can see that the man built like a weapon of mass destruction has the tools to make it big. Tim Cone saw his potential and he’d rather see two of his grand slam boys away than miss out the chance on the Man Mountain. Cone did let go of Peek alongsideJohn Arigo for Cariaso and Hugnatan following his all-Fil-Am squad failed to give him titles. Peek was also the person Coke needed since Rudy Hatfield has yet to return from his citizenship woes and Arigo then was a white hot scoring sensation. Peek would leave again after three and a half seasons in a one-on-one deal for Asi Taulava (a trade that shocked people). Peek might have bounced from team to team in his career but at least he always gets traded with the best players.
2005 – 08
It is no secret that Ali Peek started his career with Pop Cola when he was drafted third overall in the 1998 PBA Draft. Picked behindDanny Ildefonso and Noy Castillo, you can see that the man built like a weapon of mass destruction has the tools to make it big. Tim Cone saw his potential and he’d rather see two of his grand slam boys away than miss out the chance on the Man Mountain. Cone did let go of Peek alongsideJohn Arigo for Cariaso and Hugnatan following his all-Fil-Am squad failed to give him titles. Peek was also the person Coke needed since Rudy Hatfield has yet to return from his citizenship woes and Arigo then was a white hot scoring sensation. Peek would leave again after three and a half seasons in a one-on-one deal for Asi Taulava (a trade that shocked people). Peek might have bounced from team to team in his career but at least he always gets traded with the best players.
6 “RAPPING” RAFI REAVIS
2002 – 06
2x PBA Champions
4x Finals appearances
1x Most Improved Player
Rafi Reavis got his first taste of fame as the “other” big guy in theSan Juan Knights roster alongside Bonel Balingit and Omanzie Rodriguez. When the Knights folded, he applied for the2002 PBA Draft and was picked second overall by the Coca-Cola Tigers in their first PBA season (which is why he was the first player to get drafted by the Tigers). His rookie year was so-so and despite being a threat defensively, Poch Juinio was on top of the Tigers’ center position. In San Juan he was almost unstoppable on the inside but in the PBA, he needed to mark his niche because the talent here was far better than the MBA. In 2003, his role got further with the injury to Juinio and up to this day it was the only season that he averaged in double figures in scoring (10.4ppg). He also bagged the Most Improved Player crown in that season. He ended his campaign in Coca-Cola when he got involved in the controversial trade that sent Reavis to Ginebra.
2002 – 06
2x PBA Champions
4x Finals appearances
1x Most Improved Player
Rafi Reavis got his first taste of fame as the “other” big guy in theSan Juan Knights roster alongside Bonel Balingit and Omanzie Rodriguez. When the Knights folded, he applied for the2002 PBA Draft and was picked second overall by the Coca-Cola Tigers in their first PBA season (which is why he was the first player to get drafted by the Tigers). His rookie year was so-so and despite being a threat defensively, Poch Juinio was on top of the Tigers’ center position. In San Juan he was almost unstoppable on the inside but in the PBA, he needed to mark his niche because the talent here was far better than the MBA. In 2003, his role got further with the injury to Juinio and up to this day it was the only season that he averaged in double figures in scoring (10.4ppg). He also bagged the Most Improved Player crown in that season. He ended his campaign in Coca-Cola when he got involved in the controversial trade that sent Reavis to Ginebra.
5 GARY “EL GRANADA” DAVID
2004; 2009 – 12
1x Finals appearance
1x Mythical Five
In 2004, the former Montana Pawnshop ace was drafted tenth by the Tigers. While he was picked lower than expected, being picked tenth was not so bad then especially it was the same position Jimmy Alapag had when he won the Top Rookie honors the season before. David did not finish the season with Coke as he was traded to FedEx where he became the explosive scorer he is now. David then returned to the Tigers with Chico Lanete for Alex Cabagnot and Wesley Gonzales. David considered this trade a perfect fit since it reunited him with the man who gave him the green light to shoot in FedEx/Air21 – Bo Perasol. I think his exploits is still fresh in our minds as he averaged 25 points and more in a season of the first time since Alvin Patrimonio’s feat in 1993. He was one 20-point game short of tying the record for most consecutive 20 points with 19. In the Tigers’ last PBA season, he was voted to the Mythical Five and more importantly helped Powerade back to the PBA Finals.
2004; 2009 – 12
1x Finals appearance
1x Mythical Five
In 2004, the former Montana Pawnshop ace was drafted tenth by the Tigers. While he was picked lower than expected, being picked tenth was not so bad then especially it was the same position Jimmy Alapag had when he won the Top Rookie honors the season before. David did not finish the season with Coke as he was traded to FedEx where he became the explosive scorer he is now. David then returned to the Tigers with Chico Lanete for Alex Cabagnot and Wesley Gonzales. David considered this trade a perfect fit since it reunited him with the man who gave him the green light to shoot in FedEx/Air21 – Bo Perasol. I think his exploits is still fresh in our minds as he averaged 25 points and more in a season of the first time since Alvin Patrimonio’s feat in 1993. He was one 20-point game short of tying the record for most consecutive 20 points with 19. In the Tigers’ last PBA season, he was voted to the Mythical Five and more importantly helped Powerade back to the PBA Finals.
4 JOHNNY “FLYING A” ABARRIENTOS
2002 – 06
2x PBA Champions
4x Finals appearances
1x Mythical Ten
1x All-Defensive Team
In the 1990s, Johnny Abarrientos was synonymous to basketball supremacy. He was the leader of Alaska’s grand slam drive and in the process he became the first Alaska player to win a MVP award. However constant injuries and “other” problems made his stock decline (he never averaged in double figures in the 2000s). When he was traded to Pop Cola which eventually became Coca-Cola, he had a vendetta with Alaska. While his scoring has diminished, there are still other facets to the Flying A’s game that is a cut above the rest like playmaking and defense. From 2002 to 2003, the Tigers engaged in four finals where they won two and leading the way for them was the orchestrations of Abarrientos. One of his most memorable finals appearances was during the 2002 All-Filipino Finalswhere he played like the Johnny A of old before he got injured and sidelined in Game 3. The Tigers already with Cariaso, dedicated their game to their injured teammate which clinched the championship for them.
2002 – 06
2x PBA Champions
4x Finals appearances
1x Mythical Ten
1x All-Defensive Team
In the 1990s, Johnny Abarrientos was synonymous to basketball supremacy. He was the leader of Alaska’s grand slam drive and in the process he became the first Alaska player to win a MVP award. However constant injuries and “other” problems made his stock decline (he never averaged in double figures in the 2000s). When he was traded to Pop Cola which eventually became Coca-Cola, he had a vendetta with Alaska. While his scoring has diminished, there are still other facets to the Flying A’s game that is a cut above the rest like playmaking and defense. From 2002 to 2003, the Tigers engaged in four finals where they won two and leading the way for them was the orchestrations of Abarrientos. One of his most memorable finals appearances was during the 2002 All-Filipino Finalswhere he played like the Johnny A of old before he got injured and sidelined in Game 3. The Tigers already with Cariaso, dedicated their game to their injured teammate which clinched the championship for them.
3 ASI “THE ROCK” TAULAVA
2007 – 10
2x Mythical Five
1x Mythical Ten
1x All-Defensive Team
Let’s face it – despite the deportation issues – we knew Asi Taulava will always be synonymous to Talk N Text. Taulava is a former MVP and aside from being an unstoppable force, he is a marketable endorser (Asi had an acting stint in the Viva Films Bewitched-inspired movie Jeannie, Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang which also stars Robin Padilla andJudy Ann Santos). This is why PBA fans’ jaws collectively dropped when The Rock was sent to the Tigers for fellow inside monster Ali Peek. Taulava at 34 was getting fewer minutes under then TNT coach Derrick Pumaren which is why people thought Taulava’s career is going downhill with the move. But the trade angered the giant, especially since he didn’t want to leave. Teaming up with Alex Cabagnot, Ronjay Buenafe, Mark Telan, and the rest of the Tigers, Taulava and company made sure other teams will not underestimate them (eventually Gary David and Nic Belasco will join them). In almost three and a half seasons, Taulava received two Mythical Five and one Mythical Ten citations before returning to Piltel via the expansion team Meralco Bolts.
2007 – 10
2x Mythical Five
1x Mythical Ten
1x All-Defensive Team
Let’s face it – despite the deportation issues – we knew Asi Taulava will always be synonymous to Talk N Text. Taulava is a former MVP and aside from being an unstoppable force, he is a marketable endorser (Asi had an acting stint in the Viva Films Bewitched-inspired movie Jeannie, Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang which also stars Robin Padilla andJudy Ann Santos). This is why PBA fans’ jaws collectively dropped when The Rock was sent to the Tigers for fellow inside monster Ali Peek. Taulava at 34 was getting fewer minutes under then TNT coach Derrick Pumaren which is why people thought Taulava’s career is going downhill with the move. But the trade angered the giant, especially since he didn’t want to leave. Teaming up with Alex Cabagnot, Ronjay Buenafe, Mark Telan, and the rest of the Tigers, Taulava and company made sure other teams will not underestimate them (eventually Gary David and Nic Belasco will join them). In almost three and a half seasons, Taulava received two Mythical Five and one Mythical Ten citations before returning to Piltel via the expansion team Meralco Bolts.
2 RUDY “H-BOMB” HATFIELD
2002 – 06
2x PBA Champions
4x Finals appearances
1x Mythical Five
1x BPC
1x Finals MVP
2x Defensive Player of the Year
2x All-Defensive Team
It all started in 2001 when Coca-Cola’s predecessor Pop Cola acquired Rudy Hatfield and Pido Jarencio from Tanduay for Noli Locsin. Locsin was acquired by the Panthers in a one-on-one trade that sent long-time star player Vergel Meneses to Ginebra. Hatfield is an undersized power forward with a nice knack to haul points and rebounds and this stint will be his ticket to fame. In Pop Cola’s final PBA season, Hatfield scored a Mythical Second Team selection he will repeat the feat when the team became Coca-Cola. With the ingredients perfectly placed, Hatfield and the Alaska connection sealed their first title with him as the Finals MVP. During his stint with the Tigers, he reaped a lot of accolades and at this point, people were seeing how awesome his game is. Unfortunately, he over-impressed a lot of people that he was casted out as a Fil-Sham. Hatfield played just 16 games in two seasons as he was suspended indefinitely. When his name was cleared he resented those who thought he was a fake Filipino. He will return to the PBA but this time, he will be part of the controversial trade to Ginebra.
2002 – 06
2x PBA Champions
4x Finals appearances
1x Mythical Five
1x BPC
1x Finals MVP
2x Defensive Player of the Year
2x All-Defensive Team
It all started in 2001 when Coca-Cola’s predecessor Pop Cola acquired Rudy Hatfield and Pido Jarencio from Tanduay for Noli Locsin. Locsin was acquired by the Panthers in a one-on-one trade that sent long-time star player Vergel Meneses to Ginebra. Hatfield is an undersized power forward with a nice knack to haul points and rebounds and this stint will be his ticket to fame. In Pop Cola’s final PBA season, Hatfield scored a Mythical Second Team selection he will repeat the feat when the team became Coca-Cola. With the ingredients perfectly placed, Hatfield and the Alaska connection sealed their first title with him as the Finals MVP. During his stint with the Tigers, he reaped a lot of accolades and at this point, people were seeing how awesome his game is. Unfortunately, he over-impressed a lot of people that he was casted out as a Fil-Sham. Hatfield played just 16 games in two seasons as he was suspended indefinitely. When his name was cleared he resented those who thought he was a fake Filipino. He will return to the PBA but this time, he will be part of the controversial trade to Ginebra.
1 JEFFREY “THE JET” CARIASO
2002 – 05
2x PBA Champions
4x Finals appearances
2x Mythical Five
1x BPC
1x Finals MVP
1x All-Defensive Team
#22 retired by team
To understand the impact of The Jet’s entry to Coke, let’s see how he got here. It all started when Cariaso and “The Scavenger” Freddie Abuda were traded to Coca-Cola by the FedEx Express (its predecessor was the trade-crazy Tanduay Rhum Masters) for the number 8 pick of the 2002 PBA Draft and a future second round choice (the number 8 pick turned out to be Renren Ritualo). Before his entry to Tanduay, he was involved in a three-team trade that also included Mark Telan (from Tanduay to Shell) and Victor Pablo (from Shell to Mobiline). Before that he was Alaska’s key wingman in their grand slam run in 1996. Aligning himself with Chot Reyes, Johnny Abarrientos, Poch Juinio, and Rudy Hatfield, they vowed to change the landscape of the league. During Coke’s finals showdown against Alaska, Cariaso was sidelined due to injury. But against the San Miguel Beermen in the 2003 PBA Reinforced Cup, he tormented SMB in seven games and in the process was named Finals MVP. Jeffrey Cariaso despite playing briefly for the Tigers wowed the hearts of the Coke fans and management because he brought an era of good feeling. In some ways, he could have been the MVP if he and Hatfield didn’t battle for the plum (Asi Taulava won the MVP in 2003) Because of his accomplishments he was the only other player besides Kenneth Duremdes to have his number retired.
2002 – 05
2x PBA Champions
4x Finals appearances
2x Mythical Five
1x BPC
1x Finals MVP
1x All-Defensive Team
#22 retired by team
To understand the impact of The Jet’s entry to Coke, let’s see how he got here. It all started when Cariaso and “The Scavenger” Freddie Abuda were traded to Coca-Cola by the FedEx Express (its predecessor was the trade-crazy Tanduay Rhum Masters) for the number 8 pick of the 2002 PBA Draft and a future second round choice (the number 8 pick turned out to be Renren Ritualo). Before his entry to Tanduay, he was involved in a three-team trade that also included Mark Telan (from Tanduay to Shell) and Victor Pablo (from Shell to Mobiline). Before that he was Alaska’s key wingman in their grand slam run in 1996. Aligning himself with Chot Reyes, Johnny Abarrientos, Poch Juinio, and Rudy Hatfield, they vowed to change the landscape of the league. During Coke’s finals showdown against Alaska, Cariaso was sidelined due to injury. But against the San Miguel Beermen in the 2003 PBA Reinforced Cup, he tormented SMB in seven games and in the process was named Finals MVP. Jeffrey Cariaso despite playing briefly for the Tigers wowed the hearts of the Coke fans and management because he brought an era of good feeling. In some ways, he could have been the MVP if he and Hatfield didn’t battle for the plum (Asi Taulava won the MVP in 2003) Because of his accomplishments he was the only other player besides Kenneth Duremdes to have his number retired.
If I would make a Top 20 list, I’ll probably include the major contributors of the team’s Golden Era like Ato Morano, Reynel Hugnatan, and Robert Wainwright, former Alaska players John Arigo, Nic Belasco, Bong Hawkins, and Kenneth Duremdes, Coca-Cola/Powerade draftees Marcio Lassiter, Ronjay Buenafe, Sean Anthony, Joseph Yeo, Denok Miranda, and JV Casio, and even veterans like Dennis Espino, Mark Macapagal, Doug Kramer, Dale Singson, Ricky Calimag, Jason Misolas, Leo Avenido, and Norman Gonzales.
Before Ginebra dubbed their selves as the masters of the Christmas Day wars, Coca-Cola prevailed against Alaska and won the 2002 PBA All-Filipino Title on December 25. As I said, 2002 and 2003 were the Tigers’ most important years. After the citizenship row messed up the career of Rudy Hatfield and with Cariaso returning to Alaska, things weren’t the same for the Tigers. There was even a point where the team a lot too much small forwards and shooting guards but only had Mike Gavino as their center.
At least the team went out with a bang. Gary David and the Smart-Gilas tandem (Casio and Lassiter or Casio, Rabeh, and Guevarra) provided new hope for the franchise. As the team transitions to Global Port, we wish the Batang Pier to have the same success the Tigers had.
Until next time.
This is The Sydrified showing off... and thanks for showing up.
Game over.
Before Ginebra dubbed their selves as the masters of the Christmas Day wars, Coca-Cola prevailed against Alaska and won the 2002 PBA All-Filipino Title on December 25. As I said, 2002 and 2003 were the Tigers’ most important years. After the citizenship row messed up the career of Rudy Hatfield and with Cariaso returning to Alaska, things weren’t the same for the Tigers. There was even a point where the team a lot too much small forwards and shooting guards but only had Mike Gavino as their center.
At least the team went out with a bang. Gary David and the Smart-Gilas tandem (Casio and Lassiter or Casio, Rabeh, and Guevarra) provided new hope for the franchise. As the team transitions to Global Port, we wish the Batang Pier to have the same success the Tigers had.
Until next time.
This is The Sydrified showing off... and thanks for showing up.
Game over.