Sydman’s Side Defect: Purefoods 30

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SYDMAN’ S SIDE DEFECT: PUREFOODS 30

After the old Tanduay franchise sold its PBA team, the league had its lowest turnout ever. Alaska (Hills Bros), Great Taste (Now Sta. Lucia), San Miguel, Ginebra, and Shell comprised what was the PBA post-Crispa/Toyota days. From these circumstances, a PABL team decided to climb up with a cast consisting of rookies and hardened veterans.

In a span of two years, the franchise had young stars like Jerry Codinera, Glenn Capacio, Jack Tanuan, Jojo Lastimosa, Al Solis, Sonny Cabatu, Pido Jarencio, Totoy Marquez, Nelson Asaytono, Dindo Pumaren and Alvin Patrimonio join revered vets Abet Guidaben, Arnie Tuadles, Freddie Hubalde, Padim Israel, JV Yango, Willie Generalao and Ramon Fernandez to produce a team that defied authority.

Thus the Purefoods Hotdogs emerged.

With that being said, here is my Top 30 Purefoods Players of ALL TIME.

GAME STARTS NOW!

30. JACK TANUAN – He was Purefoods’ lone first pick overall and one of the team’s pioneer players. Black Jack was hardly a force on the paint but he played with heart on the defensive end, garnering well in blocks, rebounds, and things not seen in the statboard.

29. FRANKIE LIM – Taken by Purefoods alongside Bong Ravena for Freddie Abuda and Olsen Racela, Lim played well as Dindo Pumaren’s backup despite age taking its toll. It was during his Purefoods days when he compiled 2,000 assists.

28. PAUL ARTADI – The former second round pick of Purefoods in 2003 is currently following the same route as Olsen Racela. When he was used, this speedster is excellent in terms of directing plays. His biggest flaw though remains to be his lack of outside shooting which prompted his move to the Brgy. Ginebra Kings.

27. MARC PINGRIS – Picked third in the 2004 Draft by FedEx, Pingris quickly emerged as an exciting dunker with his trademark cranium bash after hitting a jam. A deal to Purefoods though cemented his status as a championship caliber player, with his young career highlighted by the Most Improved Player and Mythical Team citation, and winning the MVP of the 2006 Philippine Cup Finals.

26. AL SOLIS – Taken by Purefoods alongside Totoy Marquez, the former Shell ace finally unveiled his scoring prowess. From an undecorated benchwarmer, Solis’ stock blossomed by becoming one of the league’s hottest 3-point shooters. After two seasons, he left the Hotdogs to join the RFM Franchise where he will become a two-time Mythical Team member.

25. E.J. FEIHL – The 7’1 behemoth played for four years in the Purefoods lineup. There were seasons that Feihl’s play drew flashes of brilliance. But despite his dormant-ness, the former Adamson Falcon was an effective defender, with his size alone unleashing shock to the penetrating guards looking to squeak in the middle.

24. PETER JUNE SIMON – Picked 43rd by Coca-Cola in the 2001 PBA Draft, the former University of Mindanao standout showed talent as a Davao Eagle in the MBA. He then played for Hapee in the PBL where he emerged as MVP in 2004 – beating Welcoat’s ex-pro Jojo Tangkay. This prompted him being signed to Purefoods, where he languished at the bench as James Yap’s relief. Through hard work he became a success story, almost winning the Most Improved plum this season.

23. OLSEN RACELA – Selected tenth in 1993, the former Ateneo Blue Eagle played a significant role as a second string point for the Hotdogs. During his four years people are noticing his pending emergence as a threat in the backcourt. He was then traded to San Miguel where he became one of the best guards in the league’s history.

22. RICHARD YEE – The former UST Tiger got the nod from the Purefoods management after an impressive stint playing for the Asi Taulava-backed Blu Detergent Kings of the PBL. Known for his gutsy plays and his top-of-the-key jumpers, Yee was also a great defender in a PBA stint solely played for the Hotdogs.

21. EDMUND REYES – “Taong Bato” as he was called, the former UST Tiger was virtually absent as a offensive force as a Hotdog. But in his long stay with the team, he was not afraid to torment, rough-house, and bang with larger and stronger bodies. Despite playing the bruiser role he has a sweet touch, hitting medium-ranged shots with ease.

20. ABE KING – Nearing the end of his 18 years in the PBA, King decided that his final team will be Purefoods (then called Coney Island). King was still an offensive force but he was more vital as a rebounder. He was also a tough customer to threaten as he is not afraid to swing shots when aggravated. His veteran smarts proved vital in some of the team’s title runs.

19. JUN LIMPOT – Taken in for Santos and Seigle, the one-time PBA Main Man was still a scoring machine. Unfortunately, injuries sidelined and diminished his playing career. Recently the team decided to not renew his contract and is now looming retirement. Despite the unfortunate end of his career, his stay in the team proved productive as after a long wait he finally got the championship that he has yearned.

18. RONNIE MAGSANOC – The trade that sent him from Shell to Sta. Lucia served as a visual of his deteriorating status. Signing as a free agent for Purefoods, it was said to be his swan song in the majors. However, he experienced career rebirth as he temporarily became the Point Laureate of old, scoring threes, orchestrating effectively and making sure his backcourt prowess will transform into wins. After his playing days, he moved to the coaching staff alongside UP alum Ryan Gregorio.

17. BOYET FERNANDEZ – Entering the league as the seventh pick in the star-studded 1993 Draft, Fernandez’ stint in the league has been injury-plagued to say the least. After several stints in various stints, he finally landed in Purefoods, where he would perform his best. His three-point shooting was near perfect and this feat was enough for a stint in the 2002 Busan Games. His career then returned to its normal, lackluster ways until he went to Sta. Lucia to momentarily play and eventually coach the team.

16. ROGER YAP – In his rookie year, the former PBL MVP struggled at the off-guard spot. He eventually became a starter and “The Rabbit” gained recognition. However, he was sent to Shell and later to the FedEx Express (when Shell disbanded) where he became a part-time starter until a trade pushed him back to Purefoods. His second stint with the Hotdogs established his role as a valuable asset as a top-notch quarterback, and a Mythical Team citation.

15. ELMER CABAHUG – His acquisition brought a “match made in heaven” theme for Alaska as they got hold of a vital cog in their grand slam run. Whether or not Cabahug was a great trade for Jojo Lastimosa is debatable. Cabahug performed better in Purefoods as Lastimosa suffered upon the depths of Alaska’s guard-forward rotation. Cabahug was lawless outside the arc until a trade sent him to the Pepsi Mega. In nine seasons he normed 13.7 points.

14. ABET GUIDABEN – He was about to capture his third MVP plum as a member of the San Miguel Beermen when he was traded to Purefoods in a highly publicized deal involving then-playing coach Ramon Fernandez. Despite briefly playing for the team, his presence brought confidence for the team’s young turks.

13. NOY CASTILLO – From Shell he was sent to the Hotdogs. A well-known 3 point shooter, the Fil-Am became a key contributor for the then-talent searching Hotdogs. As Castillo was dimmed as replacement for their aging captain, he actually was not. Despite his ability to hit clutch baskets, he was a liability in defense. His best year in the league was in 2001 (he also won Most Improved honors) where he averaged 17.4 points including a 31-point-burst for the team.

12. BONG RAVENA – Despite winning Rookie of the Year honors in 1992, Ravena can’t seem to get minutes as a Beerman. This was due to playing with established superstars all playing the same position he is playing. Luckily, Ravena was traded to Purefoods and became a fixture in the team, cited as the 1997 Most Improved Player. The Cosmic Avenger had his best season as a Hotdog but he left Purefoods to spearhead MBA’s Pasig Blue Pirates.

11. ANDY SEIGLE – Back then the triumvirate of Seigle, Jeff Cariaso, and Asi Taulava lorded the Mobiline Phone Pals. But a blockbuster deal tore up this alliance with The Eagle moving to the Hotdogs in exchange for Jerry Codinera. Seigle brought a change that would give them finals and semis appearances. Unfortunately, this was also the team where his body experienced wear and tear, leading to an injury-plagued career and a deal that would send him to Ginebra.

10. RAMON FERNANDEZ – El Presidente was the first head coach of the Hotdogs. After serving as head coach, he relinquished the coaching duties to Cris Calilan. In a controversial move, he was benched in a Finals Game against Anejo (Ginebra) and instantaneously he was traded to SMB for chief rival Abet Guidaben. With both racing against each other it was he who won the coveted MVP title in 1988.

9. NELSON ASAYTONO – Purefoods selected the Bull second overall in 1989 and averaged 13.7 points in three seasons with the team. This feat was overshadowed with the stellar play of 1989 top pick Benjie Paras. The former UM Hawk started as Patrimonio’s backup, he desperately tried to unlock the Captain, and the Defense Minister’s starting residency. Unable to move out of Alvin’s shadow he bolted to the RFM Franchise. However, Patrimonio’s greatness still pursued Asaytono as the Bull lost to the Captain twice in the MVP race.

8. GLENN CAPACIO – In 14 seasons, the former player and current coach of the FEU Tamaraws was one of the remaining three from the original Purefoods team. A gifted defender and a decent spot shooter, Capacio was a significant player in the early 90’s team. He was an 8-time Defensive Team member, including seven straight as a Purefoods player (89-95).

7. JOJO LASTIMOSA – Playing for the PABL’s Mama’s Love, Lastimosa was one of the five rookies taken from the amateurs. Amongst those rookies though, he shone the brightest, claiming Top Rookie honors in 1988. The trio of Jerry, Jolas, and Alvin, were fan favorites and they were leading the Hotdogs to championships. Unfortunately, he was traded to Alaska where he would help the team win a Grand Slam in 1996.

6. KERBY RAYMUNDO – Once thought as the future of Red Bull, Raymundo was traded to Purefoods after an age scandal banned him for a year. As Patrimonio neared retirement and Seigle down with injuries, The Kid was forced to step up and he did, in great fashion. In 2006, the former Letran Knight almost won the MVP plum but lost it to teammate James Yap. He was a Mythical First Team member in the 2006-07 season and was also a Second Team in 2002. This year, he was included in the FIBA-Asia Championship Team.

5. REY EVANGELISTA – He hardly resembles the superstar frame. He is slow for a slasher and small for a power forward but what he lacks in several aspects, he makes up with heart. Taken second overall in 1994, the 14-year vet scored double figures in a season just once, but he is a former Mythical Team member, a Best Player of the Conference winner (2002 Governor’s Cup), a 3-time Defensive Team member and a 3-time Sportsmanship Award winner. It looks like the former UST Tiger is set to retire as a Hotdog.

4. DINDO PUMAREN – Coming from the year where Paras, Asaytono, Cabahug, and Ric-Ric Marata debuted Pumaren has been the cornerstone of the top point guard spot in their history. The Bullet’s precise passes and ability to intercept balls in lightning-like speed is one of the few qualities that makes him a great orchestrator. He was the 46th player to reach 5,000 points, 14th player to have 2,000 assists and the tenth player to gain 500 steals. He retired after 14 seasons in the league and is currently making history in the UAAP as the first coach to steer his team to 16-0 in a season for UE.

3. JAMES YAP – Even in high school the Escalante, Negros Occidental native has been a crowd drawer. Seen as a combo of former UE alums – Allan Caidic’s shooting skills and Bong Ravena’s slashing, Yap was picked second overall by Purefoods in 2003. He is the perfect successor to Patrimonio, and he showed this with numerous strings of finals appearances and becoming the league’s MVP in 2006. He is also a popular showbiz figure and an endorser for several establishments. Sidenote: Alvin Patrimonio was once linked to Yap’s wife Kris Aquino. Romel Adducul, entering his first full season as a Hotdog, was also linked to Aquino as well.

2. JERRY CODINERA – Since the inception of Purefoods, two men stand out above all. Jersey 44 will forever be associated to Jerry Codinera. Another former UE Warrior, Codinera was a well-known force inside the paint. For more than 10 years, the Alvin-Jerry tandem ruled on Purefoods. As an individual Codinera had his share of accomplishments which includes reaching 5,000 and 10,000 points, 1,000 blocks, 1,000 and 2,000 defensive and offensive rebounds. He is also an 8-time Mythical Team member (3 are Mythical 5), 2-time Best Player of the Conference winner, a 2-time Sportsmanship awardee, and a 11-time All Star. He is arguably the best player in the league’s history to never win a PBA MVP award.

1. ALVIN PATRIMONIO – The best Hotdog ever. He holds the record of playing for one time in a span of more or less, 17 years. When his PABL team Swift, refused to release him to the PBA (since Swift and Purefoods both cater to meat products), the Hotdogs never once thought that they wasted an opportunity of taking another player when they took the former NCAA MVP. When he got to the league, he quickly made pro ball as his playground, scoring at will, banging bodies day in and day out, and taking over during clutch situations. He is known in many names with Captain Lionheart standing out. He is a national team player dating as far as his college days in Mapua. He is a 4-time PBA MVP and is an 11-time Mythical Team member with 10 of which are first team honors. He is a 1-time Finals MVP, a 3-time Best Player of the Conference Winner, and a 12-time All-Star. He established several records in the PBA including 5,000, 10,000, and 15,000 points, 2,000 defensive rebounds and 1,000 offensive rebounds. When the Fil-Am invasion dictated the pace of how pros should contend in the league, he pushed back, moving from power forward to small forward/shooting guard. He is an established 3-point shooter with a wondrous accuracy beyond the arc. He is an endorser, an actor, and a newsworthy specimen. He was the face of the PBA second only to Robert Jaworski. The Captain retired his jersey recently and continues to influence the pro league as Team Manager for the Purefoods camp.

So this rounds up MY version of Purefoods’ Top 30 – a debatable selection of the team’s best players. If you like to add comment or display angst regarding this subject, hurl it all here.

Also, down the page you’ll see the list of some of the rankings I pulled for the Kings and the Beermen. Enjoy.

After reading, NOW you can surf porn.

The Ginebra 30 VERSION:

Ginebra Top 30

The SMB 30 VERSION:

San Miguel Beer Top 30