Coca-Cola Tigers
Encyclopedia
The Powerade Tigers is a professional basketball team of the Philippine Basketball Association
founded in 2002 when the then-San Miguel Corporation
-owned Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines bought the RFM
-owned Cosmos Bottling Corporation. In 2006, the Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Company under the Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. bought the franchise from SMC and has since owned the team. From its first season until 2010, the team was dubbed as the Coca Cola Tigers before changing to Powerade Tigers.
Their current head coach is Bo Perasol
although its most successful coach was Chot Reyes
, when he led the team to two PBA championships, first in 2002, then in 2003.
as head coach. As Sunkist, they won the 1995 All-Filipino and Commissioners Cup title with Derrick Pumaren
as head coach.
In 2001, Republic Flour Mills (RFM) sold its subsidiary COSMOS Bottlers Corporation to food company giant San Miguel Corporation
. The move also absorbed the PBA team, which gave SMC four PBA ballclubs. After the PBA board gave the go-signal to allow the team to remain in the league, it was renamed as the Coca-Cola Tigers before the start of the 2002 season.
The old Pop Cola team's lineage was removed, with Viva-Vintage television commentators
mentioning the Tigers as an expansion club after winning the 2002 All-Filipino Cup. However, it can be argued that Pop Cola is a Cosmos product, and the lineage of the old Swift, and Sunkist franchise still exists on the current team. But since RFM still owns Swift and Sunkist, the lineage of the old franchise to the Tigers could also be legitimately removed.
and Jeffrey Cariaso
after serving time with the national team, Coca-Cola defeated their then-sister team San Miguel
in the semi-finals to enter their first finals appearance against the Alaska Aces
.
After losing Johnny Abarrientos
in Game One of the best-of-five series, the Tigers won the next three games to secure their first-ever PBA title. Ironically, the Tigers clinched the series on the first PBA game held on Christmas Day.
But the Tigers succeeded in the Reinforced Conference. Bannered by former Mobiline import Artemus McClary, Coke won against San Miguel in seven grueling games to win their second PBA crown.
McClary was named Best Import of the tournament while Hatfield won the Best Player of the Conference award for the first time in his career.
as import.
In the 2004-2005 PBA Philippine Cup, the Tigers struggled after the indefinite suspension of Rudy Hatfield
due to citizenship issues, the acquisition of Ali Peek
and John Arigo
from Alaska in exchange for Jeffrey Cariaso
and Reynel Hugnatan
midway through the tournament and the naming of Chot Reyes
as the head coach of the Philippine National team, the Tigers were eliminated by another sister-team Purefoods in the wild-card phase, 2-1.
Eric Altamirano
made his return in the PBA as Coca-Cola's coach in the 2005 Fiesta Conference but the Tigers finished dead last in the tournament, eliminated by Alaska
in the wild-card phase.
playmaker Denok Miranda
in the first round, Magnolia Ice Cream forward Neil Rañeses
and Montaña Pawnshop's Al Magpayo in the second round in the PBA Rookie Draft while hiring Barangay Ginebra
assistant Binky Favis
as the team's third head coach in nine months. The Tigers entered the 2005-2006 PBA Fiesta Conference as one of the least contenders. Coca-Cola Tigers finished ninth place in the classification phase and was eliminated by San Miguel in the Survivor Round.
In the 2006 PBA Philippine Cup, the Tigers went 7-9 in the classification phase. However, after starting the season 4-0 and 6-2 in the first round, the Tigers lost seven of the last eight games, falling in a tie for fifth place with the Air21 Express. Both teams played a one-game match for the final outright quarterfinals berth in the playoffs on May 28 with the Tigers defeating the Express 97-83. The win gave the Tigers its first quarterfinals berth since the 2004 Fiesta Conference. The Tigers lost to the Alaska Aces
, 3-1 in the quarterfinals.
in Atlanta are close to being a done deal surfaced. In December 2006, the sale was officially announced.
and Air21 Express in one of the most celebrated and controversial transactions in league history.
In the deal, the Tigers dealt Rafi Reavis
, Billy Mamaril
and the rights to Rudy Hatfield
to Ginebra. The Kings sent Aries Dimaunahan
and Ervin Sotto
, along with future draft picks to Air21 while Coca-Cola received Kalani Ferreria from Brgy. Ginebra, Ryan Bernardo from Air21 and Manny Ramos (initially from Ginebra but was received from Air21 under the revised version of the deal).
During the draft held in Market-Market, Taguig, the Coca Cola Tigers selected ex-La Salle shooting guard Joseph Yeo
as the third overall pick in the first round. The Tigers then chose FEU hotshot R.J. Rizada
(12th pick), PSBA standout Manuel Caceres
(14th pick), St. Francis of Assisi shooting guard Chris Pacana
(15th pick), Air21 Express traded their 2006 second round pick for the Tigers 2007 second round pick that was sealed on the draft day, slotman/center Mike Gavino (16th pick), and ex-Letran guard Ronjay Enrile
(17th pick) in the second round.
At the start of the season, Coca-Cola struggled throughout the conference due to its depleted lineup but had its share of surprising wins over Red Bull and Sta. Lucia
among others. The Tigers barely made it to the wildcard phase with a 5-13 record.
In the wildcard phase, Coke pulled off a 99-98 come-from-behind win over Alaska on a Denok Miranda buzzer-beating triple. But the Tigers lost their next two games to bow out of contention for the quarterfinals phase.
But prior to the start of the 2007 PBA Fiesta Conference
, it was announced that the Atlanta-based company will have full control of the franchise, with coaches, players and management staying upon further notice, saying the Coca-Cola Company would honor their existing contracts.
On March 23, 2007, team manager Allan Caidic
announced his resignation from his post to allow the Coca-Cola Company to have a free hand in running the team affairs. It was speculated that the move was because of Caidic's loyalty to the former team owner Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco.
The Tigers won their first two games with Anthony Johnson
, but soon suffered a series of defeats. Because of these, the Tigers made a change on its lineup. Coca-Cola replaced Johnson with Jeff Varem
and acquired 1998 PBA MVP Kenneth Duremdes
, Alex Cabagnot
and Ricky Calimag
from Sta. Lucia in exchange of Denok Miranda, Manny Ramos and future picks. The Tigers finish 7th in the classification phase and was relegated to wildcard phase.
With scoring import Rashad Bell at the helm, Coke beat Purefoods in the first knockout wildcard match, but suffered a monumental 102-101 loss to San Miguel in the last match for the quarterfinals, despite leading 101-97 with 13 seconds to play.
made some interesting moves that made the Tigers a competitive team during the 33rd season. Looking for a man in the middle and guards to boost its lineup, the Tigers pawned center/forward Mark Telan
from Air21 in exchange for its two 1st round picks in the 2007 draft and signed Egay Echavez in the free agent pool. On draft night, the Tigers picked former Emilio Aguinaldo standout Ronjay Buenafe
as the 11th overall in the 2nd round.
Upon getting Buenafe, the Tigers sent Joseph Yeo
and a 2008 second round pick to the Sta. Lucia Realtors
in exchange for forward Mark Isip
and shooter Cesar Catli
.
On the start of the 33rd season, the Tigers won their first game against expansion team the Welcoat Dragons but then suffered a franchise-worst eight straight losses.
Because of injuries and a string set of setbacks, Coca-Cola took Aries Dimaunahan
from Air21. On November 26, the Talk 'N Text Phone Pals traded franchise player Asi Taulava
to the Coca-Cola Tigers in exchange for Ali Peek
and a 2008 first round pick. Asi "The Rock" then became Coke's main skipper. He then led his team to a five-game winning streak that was enough to get the Tigers through the wildcard phase with a 7-11 card during the season.
In the wildcard phase, the Tigers eliminated the Talk 'N Text Phone Pals and Air21 Express to get into the quarterfinals, the lowest-seed to do so. In the quarterfinals, the Tigers ran out of gas as the Alaska Aces
swept them in the best-of-3 series, partly due to overfatigue on the part of the Tigers.
Having the second-worst elimination round record, the Tigers, along with the Welcoat Dragons were allowed to acquire an import 6 in 1 in (1.85 m) in height, aside from the import of unrestricted height that the other teams had.
, Coca-Cola unloaded several players from their line-up and underwent team-rebuilding process. They traded Ronjay Buenafe
to the Burger King for Marvin Cruz
and Chris Ross
. They traded also traded Aries Dimaunahan
and M.C. Caceres
to Barako Bull for Ken Bono
. Another move they made was they settled a trade with the Sta. Lucia Realtors
acquiring Dennis Espino
in exchange of Jason Misolas
and a future draft pick. They then signed free agents Norman Gonzales
and Larry Rodriguez.
At the start of the season, Coca-Cola assigned then-assistant coach Kenneth Duremdes
to his first Head Coaching duties with the Tigers. After a few games, Duremdes was then assigned as the Team Manager and Assistant Coach Bo Perasol
took over as Head Coach. After a dismal start in the Philippine Cup campaign, the Tigers made a move by getting Burger King
stalwart Gary David
alongside Chico Lanete
, while giving up all-around Guard Alex Cabagnot
and shooter Wesley Gonzales
in a deal. After the trade, they then went on to win 4 straight games, but still ended up in the 7th seed of the team standings. The Tigers defeated Burger King
in their first Wildcard match before bowing out to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the next game.
At the start of the Fiesta Cup
, the team was running well as they won three straight games and four of their first five including a win over powerhouse team the San Miguel Beermen
.. But after a great start, the Tigers then lost their last seven games. They ended their losing streak by wining against the Barako Bull Energy Boosters. They finished the eliminations with an 8-10 record and advanced to the Wildcard round. They won their knockout match against Sta. Lucia but got eliminated by again by Rain or Shine at the conclusion of the wildcards.
stated that he would remain and would like to retire with the franchise, and hoped to win a title with the team, even though reports circulated that expansion team Meralco Bolts
was interested with the former MVP.Having no first round pick in the draft
, the Tigers used their 18th pick to acquire a point guard
that would strengthen their backcourt. On Draft Day, Powerade selected Jai Reyes
of the Ateneo de Manila University
as their 18th pick in the 2010 Draft
. On the same day, Powerade acquired Air21's 6th pick, Sean Michael Anthony
, and Ren-Ren Ritualo
in exchange for future draft picks. During the off-season, Powerade did not renew the contracts of four players from the previous year namely Cesar Catli
, Ricky Calimag
, R.J. Rizada
, and Marvin Cruz
. On September 22, 2010, Asi Taulava
was included in the three-team trade involving the Meralco Bolts
and the Barako Bull Energy Boosters. Powerade received Barako's Robert Reyes
and Meralco's 2011 and 2012 second-round picks. Barako received Powerade's Ken Bono
and Meralco's Beau Belga
, Jason Misolas
, and Khasim Mirza
. Meralco then got Powerade's Asi Taulava
.
and Chico Lanete
, then resigning Ricky Calimag and signing free agents Alex Crisano
, James Martinez and Rudy Lingganay. In the 2011 PBA Draft
, Powerade selected Gilas standouts JV Casio
and Marcio Lassiter
, and acquired Josh Vanlandingham
and Doug Kramer
through trades. JV Casio however was injured as the season began and debuted a few weeks later.
Philippine Basketball Association
The Philippine Basketball Association , is a men's professional basketball league in the Philippines composed of 10 company-branded franchised teams. It is the first and oldest professional basketball league in Asia and the second oldest in the world after the NBA...
founded in 2002 when the then-San Miguel Corporation
San Miguel Corporation
Established in 1890 as a brewery, San Miguel Corporation is Southeast Asia's largest publicly listed food, beverage and packaging company with over 17,000 employees in over 100 major facilities throughout the Asia-Pacific....
-owned Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines bought the RFM
RFM
On Wikipedia, RFM may refer to Wikipedia:Requests for mediation. For other uses, see RFM .RFM is a method used for analyzing customer behavior and defining market segments...
-owned Cosmos Bottling Corporation. In 2006, the Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Company under the Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. bought the franchise from SMC and has since owned the team. From its first season until 2010, the team was dubbed as the Coca Cola Tigers before changing to Powerade Tigers.
Their current head coach is Bo Perasol
Bo Perasol
Dolreich "Bo" Perasol is a Filipino professional basketball head coach of the Powerade Tigers in the Philippine Basketball Association.-About:Perasol is a former player and team captain for the UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP from the year 1990-1995...
although its most successful coach was Chot Reyes
Chot Reyes
Vincent P. Reyes , better known as Chot Reyes, is a Filipino basketball head coach of the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters in the Philippine Basketball Association...
, when he led the team to two PBA championships, first in 2002, then in 2003.
Pop Cola Panthers
Pop Cola Panthers arrived in the PBA in 1990 as one of two expansion teams in the league. In 1992, as Swift, they won the Third Conference by sweeping 7-Up with Yeng GuiaoYeng Guiao
Joseller "Yeng" Guiao is a Filipino professional basketball head coach for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the Philippine Basketball Association, and was also the head coach of the Philippine National Basketball Team. Guiao won four PBA titles since starting his head coaching job for Swift in...
as head coach. As Sunkist, they won the 1995 All-Filipino and Commissioners Cup title with Derrick Pumaren
Derrick Pumaren
Frederick S. Pumaren, better known as Derrick Pumaren, is a Filipino basketball coach.-Career:Derrick Pumaren was a member of the UE Red Warrior 1978 and 1979 Championship Teams, PBA Consultant, and a National Team Coach...
as head coach.
In 2001, Republic Flour Mills (RFM) sold its subsidiary COSMOS Bottlers Corporation to food company giant San Miguel Corporation
San Miguel Corporation
Established in 1890 as a brewery, San Miguel Corporation is Southeast Asia's largest publicly listed food, beverage and packaging company with over 17,000 employees in over 100 major facilities throughout the Asia-Pacific....
. The move also absorbed the PBA team, which gave SMC four PBA ballclubs. After the PBA board gave the go-signal to allow the team to remain in the league, it was renamed as the Coca-Cola Tigers before the start of the 2002 season.
The old Pop Cola team's lineage was removed, with Viva-Vintage television commentators
Sportscaster
In sports broadcasting, a commentator gives a running commentary of a game or event in real time, usually during a live broadcast. The comments are normally a voiceover, with the sounds of the action and spectators also heard in the background. In the case of television commentary, the commentator...
mentioning the Tigers as an expansion club after winning the 2002 All-Filipino Cup. However, it can be argued that Pop Cola is a Cosmos product, and the lineage of the old Swift, and Sunkist franchise still exists on the current team. But since RFM still owns Swift and Sunkist, the lineage of the old franchise to the Tigers could also be legitimately removed.
Under the San Miguel Corporation
| Coca Cola Tigers | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Colors | |
| Uniforms | |
2002 season
In Coca-Cola's maiden campaign, the Tigers failed to capture the first two conferences of the tournament (a third place finish in the Governor's Cup and a disappointing quarterfinals finish in the Commissioner's Cup), the Tigers surged ahead in the All-Filipino Conference. Bannered by Rudy HatfieldRudy Hatfield
Rudolf Conse Hatfield II , better known as Rudy Hatfield, is a retired American-Filipino professional basketball player who last played for the Barangay Ginebra Kings in the Philippine Basketball Association....
and Jeffrey Cariaso
Jeffrey Cariaso
Jeffrey J. Cariaso is a retired Filipino professional basketball player of the Philippine Basketball Association. He is the former starting off-guard for the Alaska Aces.-Alaska:...
after serving time with the national team, Coca-Cola defeated their then-sister team San Miguel
San Miguel Beermen
The Petron Blaze Boosters is a professional basketball team in the Philippine Basketball Association. The team has been a member of the league since its inception in 1975 and hold the most PBA titles with 19.The team is owned by the Petron Corporation, a subsidiary of the Philippines' largest food...
in the semi-finals to enter their first finals appearance against the Alaska Aces
Alaska Aces (PBA)
The Alaska Aces is a professional basketball team in the Philippine Basketball Association since 1986 under the ownership of the Alaska Milk Corporation and the owner of 13 PBA championships with the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference as their latest...
.
After losing Johnny Abarrientos
Johnny Abarrientos
Johnny Abarrientos is a retired Filipino professional basketball player in the Philippine Basketball Association. He was also a many-time member of the Philippine National team, and was the 1996 PBA MVP, becoming the shortest player to win the league's highest individual award.He is known by many...
in Game One of the best-of-five series, the Tigers won the next three games to secure their first-ever PBA title. Ironically, the Tigers clinched the series on the first PBA game held on Christmas Day.
2003 season
During their second season in the league, Coca-Cola failed to win the championship in the first two conferences. In the All-Filipino Conference, the Tigers blew a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series as their counterparts Talk 'N Text won the next four games to win the series. In the Invitational tournament, Alaska took revenge on the Tigers, winning the said tournament in three games.But the Tigers succeeded in the Reinforced Conference. Bannered by former Mobiline import Artemus McClary, Coke won against San Miguel in seven grueling games to win their second PBA crown.
McClary was named Best Import of the tournament while Hatfield won the Best Player of the Conference award for the first time in his career.
2004-05 season
Coca-Cola failed to return in the Finals in the 2004 Fiesta Conference as they were eliminated by Red Bull in the semi-finals with Mark SanfordMark Sanford
Marshall Clement "Mark" Sanford Jr. is an American politician from South Carolina, who was the 115th Governor of South Carolina from 2003 to 2011....
as import.
In the 2004-2005 PBA Philippine Cup, the Tigers struggled after the indefinite suspension of Rudy Hatfield
Rudy Hatfield
Rudolf Conse Hatfield II , better known as Rudy Hatfield, is a retired American-Filipino professional basketball player who last played for the Barangay Ginebra Kings in the Philippine Basketball Association....
due to citizenship issues, the acquisition of Ali Peek
Ali Peek
Albert Henry Peek better known as Ali Peek is a Filipino-American professional basketball player who plays for the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters in the Philippine Basketball Association. He plays mostly at the Center position, although he is also used as a Power Forward occasionally...
and John Arigo
John Arigo
John Hartley Ward Arigo , in Charleston, South Carolina, is a Filipino-American former professional basketball player for three teams in the Philippine Basketball Association. He was drafted 5th overall by the Alaska Aces in January of 2001 while in his senior year of playing NCAA Division II...
from Alaska in exchange for Jeffrey Cariaso
Jeffrey Cariaso
Jeffrey J. Cariaso is a retired Filipino professional basketball player of the Philippine Basketball Association. He is the former starting off-guard for the Alaska Aces.-Alaska:...
and Reynel Hugnatan
Reynel Hugnatan
Reynel Frances T. Hugnatan is a Filipino Professional basketball player of the Philippine Basketball Association...
midway through the tournament and the naming of Chot Reyes
Chot Reyes
Vincent P. Reyes , better known as Chot Reyes, is a Filipino basketball head coach of the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters in the Philippine Basketball Association...
as the head coach of the Philippine National team, the Tigers were eliminated by another sister-team Purefoods in the wild-card phase, 2-1.
Eric Altamirano
Eric Altamirano
Eric Altamirano is a former Filipino basketball player. He is currently the head coach of the National University Bulldogs.-Early career:...
made his return in the PBA as Coca-Cola's coach in the 2005 Fiesta Conference but the Tigers finished dead last in the tournament, eliminated by Alaska
Alaska Aces (PBA)
The Alaska Aces is a professional basketball team in the Philippine Basketball Association since 1986 under the ownership of the Alaska Milk Corporation and the owner of 13 PBA championships with the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference as their latest...
in the wild-card phase.
2005-06 season
During the offseason, the Tigers selected FEUFar Eastern University
Far Eastern University in the University Belt area, West Sampaloc, City of Manila, is a nonsectarian, private university in the Philippines. Created by the merger of Far Eastern College and the Institute of Accounts, Business and Finance, FEU became a university in 1934 under the guidance of...
playmaker Denok Miranda
Dennis Miranda
Dennis Miranda also known as Denok Miranda is a Filipino professional basketball player. He currently plays in the Philippine Basketball Association for the Petron Blaze Boosters...
in the first round, Magnolia Ice Cream forward Neil Rañeses
Neil Rañeses
Neil Rañeses is a Filipino professional basketball player in the Asean Basketball League who currently plays for the Philippine Patriots....
and Montaña Pawnshop's Al Magpayo in the second round in the PBA Rookie Draft while hiring Barangay Ginebra
Barangay Ginebra Kings
The Barangay Ginebra Kings is a professional basketball team of the Philippine Basketball Association founded in 1979 and owned by the Ginebra San Miguel, Inc., a subsidiary of the San Miguel Corporation...
assistant Binky Favis
Binky Favis
Vincent Kenneth E. Favis, better known as Binky Favis, is a Filipino professional basketball head coach.Favis is a former coach of the Letran Knights in the NCAA leading them to a title in 1999...
as the team's third head coach in nine months. The Tigers entered the 2005-2006 PBA Fiesta Conference as one of the least contenders. Coca-Cola Tigers finished ninth place in the classification phase and was eliminated by San Miguel in the Survivor Round.
In the 2006 PBA Philippine Cup, the Tigers went 7-9 in the classification phase. However, after starting the season 4-0 and 6-2 in the first round, the Tigers lost seven of the last eight games, falling in a tie for fifth place with the Air21 Express. Both teams played a one-game match for the final outright quarterfinals berth in the playoffs on May 28 with the Tigers defeating the Express 97-83. The win gave the Tigers its first quarterfinals berth since the 2004 Fiesta Conference. The Tigers lost to the Alaska Aces
Alaska Aces (PBA)
The Alaska Aces is a professional basketball team in the Philippine Basketball Association since 1986 under the ownership of the Alaska Milk Corporation and the owner of 13 PBA championships with the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference as their latest...
, 3-1 in the quarterfinals.
Under the Coca-Cola Company
In 2006, rumors of an impending sale of SMC's majority share of the Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines back to the Coca-Cola CompanyThe Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational beverage corporation and manufacturer, retailer and marketer of non-alcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups. The company is best known for its flagship product Coca-Cola, invented in 1886 by pharmacist John Stith Pemberton in Columbus, Georgia...
in Atlanta are close to being a done deal surfaced. In December 2006, the sale was officially announced.
2006-07 season
Months before the start of the season, the Tigers were involved in a three-team trade involving former sister team Barangay Ginebra KingsBarangay Ginebra Kings
The Barangay Ginebra Kings is a professional basketball team of the Philippine Basketball Association founded in 1979 and owned by the Ginebra San Miguel, Inc., a subsidiary of the San Miguel Corporation...
and Air21 Express in one of the most celebrated and controversial transactions in league history.
In the deal, the Tigers dealt Rafi Reavis
Rafi Reavis
Rafael Pangilinan "Rafi" Reavis is a Filipino-American professional basketball player currently playing for the B-Meg Llamados in the Philippine Basketball Association. He is well-known for his good shotblocking abilities...
, Billy Mamaril
Billy Mamaril
John Billy Mamaril is a Filipino professional basketball player currently playing for the Barangay Ginebra Kings. He plays the forward and center positions...
and the rights to Rudy Hatfield
Rudy Hatfield
Rudolf Conse Hatfield II , better known as Rudy Hatfield, is a retired American-Filipino professional basketball player who last played for the Barangay Ginebra Kings in the Philippine Basketball Association....
to Ginebra. The Kings sent Aries Dimaunahan
Aries Dimaunahan
Aristeo Dimaunahan better known as Aris Dimaunahan is a Filipino professional basketball player who last played for the Alaska Aces in the Philippine Basketball Association.- Biography :...
and Ervin Sotto
Ervin Sotto
Ervin Sotto is a Filipino professional basketball player for the Alaska Aces in the Philippine Basketball Association. He was the seventh overall pick in the 2004 PBA Draft by the Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs...
, along with future draft picks to Air21 while Coca-Cola received Kalani Ferreria from Brgy. Ginebra, Ryan Bernardo from Air21 and Manny Ramos (initially from Ginebra but was received from Air21 under the revised version of the deal).
During the draft held in Market-Market, Taguig, the Coca Cola Tigers selected ex-La Salle shooting guard Joseph Yeo
Joseph Yeo
Joseph Henry L. Yeo , better known as Joseph Yeo, is a Filipino-Chinese professional basketball player in the Philippine Basketball Association who currently plays for the Petron Blaze Boosters...
as the third overall pick in the first round. The Tigers then chose FEU hotshot R.J. Rizada
R.J. Rizada
Ryan Joseph R. Rizada, better known as R.J. Rizada, is a Filipino professional basketball player who currently is on the inactive list of the Powerade Tigers in the Philippine Basketball Association. He was the twelfth overall pick in the 2006 PBA Draft...
(12th pick), PSBA standout Manuel Caceres
M.C. Caceres
M.C. Caceres is a Filipino professional basketball player who played for the Coca-Cola Tigers in the Philippine Basketball Association. He was the fourteenth pick overall by the Coca-Cola Tigers in the 2006 PBA Draft.-References:...
(14th pick), St. Francis of Assisi shooting guard Chris Pacana
Chris Pacana
Ernani Christopher M. Pacana III , better known as Chris Pacana, is a Filipino professional basketball player in the Philippine Basketball Association who is in the inactive list of the Meralco Bolts. He was one of the factors of the championship run by the Barangay Ginebra Kings in the 2008 PBA...
(15th pick), Air21 Express traded their 2006 second round pick for the Tigers 2007 second round pick that was sealed on the draft day, slotman/center Mike Gavino (16th pick), and ex-Letran guard Ronjay Enrile
Ronjay Enrile
Ronjay Enrile is a Filipino professional basketball player currently working as a team ambassador for the Powerade Tigers in the Philippine Basketball Association.-References:...
(17th pick) in the second round.
At the start of the season, Coca-Cola struggled throughout the conference due to its depleted lineup but had its share of surprising wins over Red Bull and Sta. Lucia
Sta. Lucia Realtors
The Sta. Lucia Realtors was a professional basketball team in the Philippine Basketball Association.The Universal Robina Corporation team is one of the founding members of the PBA. Formerly known as Great Taste and Presto-Tivoli Ice Cream, they have won a total of 6 championships. Sta...
among others. The Tigers barely made it to the wildcard phase with a 5-13 record.
In the wildcard phase, Coke pulled off a 99-98 come-from-behind win over Alaska on a Denok Miranda buzzer-beating triple. But the Tigers lost their next two games to bow out of contention for the quarterfinals phase.
But prior to the start of the 2007 PBA Fiesta Conference
2007 PBA Fiesta Conference
-Barangay Ginebra-San Miguel series:-Talk 'N Text-Air21 series:-Red Bull-Talk 'N Text series:-Alaska-San Miguel series:-Third-place playoff:-Finals:Prior to Game 1, Sandwich performed "Laban kung Laban," the TV theme song of the PBA....
, it was announced that the Atlanta-based company will have full control of the franchise, with coaches, players and management staying upon further notice, saying the Coca-Cola Company would honor their existing contracts.
On March 23, 2007, team manager Allan Caidic
Allan Caidic
Alan Vito Flores Caidic is a retired professional basketball player from the Philippines and is currently an assistant coach of the Barangay Ginebra Kings in the PBA...
announced his resignation from his post to allow the Coca-Cola Company to have a free hand in running the team affairs. It was speculated that the move was because of Caidic's loyalty to the former team owner Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco.
The Tigers won their first two games with Anthony Johnson
Anthony Johnson
Anthony Johnson is the name of:* Anthony Johnson , American film actor* Anthony Johnson , a freedman of African descent in early Virginia* Anthony Johnson , NFL running back...
, but soon suffered a series of defeats. Because of these, the Tigers made a change on its lineup. Coca-Cola replaced Johnson with Jeff Varem
Jeff Varem
Jeff Varem is a Nigerian professional basketball player. He formerly played for the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBA Development League. He also played as an import for the Coca-Cola Tigers and the Barako Bull Energy Boosters in the Philippine Basketball Association.-External links:* nba.com* ...
and acquired 1998 PBA MVP Kenneth Duremdes
Kenneth Duremdes
Kenneth Duremdes is a Filipino professional basketball player in the Philippine Basketball Association who currently plays for the Powerade Tigers...
, Alex Cabagnot
Alex Cabagnot
Alex Cabagnot is a Filipino professional basketball player currently playing for the Petron Blaze Boosters. He plays the point guard position. Alex once had a rivalry with Mark Caguioa for of the Eagle Rock High School scoring record.-About the player:He was drafted by the Sta...
and Ricky Calimag
Ricky Calimag
Recaredo Calimag , better known as Ricky Calimag, is a Filipino professional basketball player who currently plays for the Powerade Tigers in the Philippine Basketball Association.-References:...
from Sta. Lucia in exchange of Denok Miranda, Manny Ramos and future picks. The Tigers finish 7th in the classification phase and was relegated to wildcard phase.
With scoring import Rashad Bell at the helm, Coke beat Purefoods in the first knockout wildcard match, but suffered a monumental 102-101 loss to San Miguel in the last match for the quarterfinals, despite leading 101-97 with 13 seconds to play.
2007-08 season
After a dismal season, Coca-Cola head coach Binky FavisBinky Favis
Vincent Kenneth E. Favis, better known as Binky Favis, is a Filipino professional basketball head coach.Favis is a former coach of the Letran Knights in the NCAA leading them to a title in 1999...
made some interesting moves that made the Tigers a competitive team during the 33rd season. Looking for a man in the middle and guards to boost its lineup, the Tigers pawned center/forward Mark Telan
Mark Telan
Mark Clemence Telan is a Filipino professional basketball player who last suited up for the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters in the Philippine Basketball Association. A former De La Salle Green Archer, he was 2-time UAAP basketball Most Valuable Player. Telan entered the professional league in 1999...
from Air21 in exchange for its two 1st round picks in the 2007 draft and signed Egay Echavez in the free agent pool. On draft night, the Tigers picked former Emilio Aguinaldo standout Ronjay Buenafe
Ronjay Buenafe
Ron Jayson Buenafe , better known as Ronjay Buenafe, is a Filipino professional basketball player who currently plays for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the Philippine Basketball Association. He had a successful rookie season earning All-Rookie first-five for the 2007-08 campaign...
as the 11th overall in the 2nd round.
Upon getting Buenafe, the Tigers sent Joseph Yeo
Joseph Yeo
Joseph Henry L. Yeo , better known as Joseph Yeo, is a Filipino-Chinese professional basketball player in the Philippine Basketball Association who currently plays for the Petron Blaze Boosters...
and a 2008 second round pick to the Sta. Lucia Realtors
Sta. Lucia Realtors
The Sta. Lucia Realtors was a professional basketball team in the Philippine Basketball Association.The Universal Robina Corporation team is one of the founding members of the PBA. Formerly known as Great Taste and Presto-Tivoli Ice Cream, they have won a total of 6 championships. Sta...
in exchange for forward Mark Isip
Mark Isip
Mark Gracer Isip is a Filipino professional basketball player in the Philippine Basketball Association who currently plays for the Meralco Bolts. He was drafted sixth overall by Sta. Lucia in 2006...
and shooter Cesar Catli
Cesar Catli
Cesar Catli is a Filipino professional basketball player of the Philippine Basketball Association who played for the Coca-Cola Tigers. He was picked by the Sta. Lucia Realtors tenth overall in the 2005 PBA Draft.-References:...
.
On the start of the 33rd season, the Tigers won their first game against expansion team the Welcoat Dragons but then suffered a franchise-worst eight straight losses.
Because of injuries and a string set of setbacks, Coca-Cola took Aries Dimaunahan
Aries Dimaunahan
Aristeo Dimaunahan better known as Aris Dimaunahan is a Filipino professional basketball player who last played for the Alaska Aces in the Philippine Basketball Association.- Biography :...
from Air21. On November 26, the Talk 'N Text Phone Pals traded franchise player Asi Taulava
Asi Taulava
Pauliasi M. Taulava also known as Asi Taulava is a American-born Filipino-Tongan professional basketball player playing in the Philippines for the Meralco Bolts in the Philippine Basketball Association....
to the Coca-Cola Tigers in exchange for Ali Peek
Ali Peek
Albert Henry Peek better known as Ali Peek is a Filipino-American professional basketball player who plays for the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters in the Philippine Basketball Association. He plays mostly at the Center position, although he is also used as a Power Forward occasionally...
and a 2008 first round pick. Asi "The Rock" then became Coke's main skipper. He then led his team to a five-game winning streak that was enough to get the Tigers through the wildcard phase with a 7-11 card during the season.
In the wildcard phase, the Tigers eliminated the Talk 'N Text Phone Pals and Air21 Express to get into the quarterfinals, the lowest-seed to do so. In the quarterfinals, the Tigers ran out of gas as the Alaska Aces
Alaska Aces (PBA)
The Alaska Aces is a professional basketball team in the Philippine Basketball Association since 1986 under the ownership of the Alaska Milk Corporation and the owner of 13 PBA championships with the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference as their latest...
swept them in the best-of-3 series, partly due to overfatigue on the part of the Tigers.
Having the second-worst elimination round record, the Tigers, along with the Welcoat Dragons were allowed to acquire an import 6 in 1 in (1.85 m) in height, aside from the import of unrestricted height that the other teams had.
2009-10 season
In preparation for the 35th season of the PBAPhilippine Basketball Association
The Philippine Basketball Association , is a men's professional basketball league in the Philippines composed of 10 company-branded franchised teams. It is the first and oldest professional basketball league in Asia and the second oldest in the world after the NBA...
, Coca-Cola unloaded several players from their line-up and underwent team-rebuilding process. They traded Ronjay Buenafe
Ronjay Buenafe
Ron Jayson Buenafe , better known as Ronjay Buenafe, is a Filipino professional basketball player who currently plays for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the Philippine Basketball Association. He had a successful rookie season earning All-Rookie first-five for the 2007-08 campaign...
to the Burger King for Marvin Cruz
Marvin Cruz
Marvin L. Cruz is a Filipino Professional basketball player of the Philippine Basketball Association. He last played for the Barako Bull Energy Boosters.-Player Profile:...
and Chris Ross
Chris Ross (basketball)
Christopher Ross is a Filipino–American professional basketball player currently playing for the Meralco Bolts in the Philippine Basketball Association. He plays the Point Guard position....
. They traded also traded Aries Dimaunahan
Aries Dimaunahan
Aristeo Dimaunahan better known as Aris Dimaunahan is a Filipino professional basketball player who last played for the Alaska Aces in the Philippine Basketball Association.- Biography :...
and M.C. Caceres
M.C. Caceres
M.C. Caceres is a Filipino professional basketball player who played for the Coca-Cola Tigers in the Philippine Basketball Association. He was the fourteenth pick overall by the Coca-Cola Tigers in the 2006 PBA Draft.-References:...
to Barako Bull for Ken Bono
Ken Bono
Karl Kenneth O. Bono , better known as Ken Bono, is a Filipino basketball player, selected sixth overall by the Alaska Aces in the 2007 PBA Draft...
. Another move they made was they settled a trade with the Sta. Lucia Realtors
Sta. Lucia Realtors
The Sta. Lucia Realtors was a professional basketball team in the Philippine Basketball Association.The Universal Robina Corporation team is one of the founding members of the PBA. Formerly known as Great Taste and Presto-Tivoli Ice Cream, they have won a total of 6 championships. Sta...
acquiring Dennis Espino
Dennis Espino
Dennis Espino is a professional basketball player in the Philippine Basketball Association who last played for the Powerade Tigers and is now serving them as team ambassador. He was drafted first overall by Sta...
in exchange of Jason Misolas
Jason Misolas
Jason Misolas is a Filipino professional basketball player who last played for the Barako Bull Energy Boosters in the Philippine Basketball Association.- References :...
and a future draft pick. They then signed free agents Norman Gonzales
Norman Gonzales
Norman Gonzales is a Filipino professional basketball player. He is currently a free agent. He was drafted seventh overall by Mobiline in 2001.-Player profile:...
and Larry Rodriguez.
At the start of the season, Coca-Cola assigned then-assistant coach Kenneth Duremdes
Kenneth Duremdes
Kenneth Duremdes is a Filipino professional basketball player in the Philippine Basketball Association who currently plays for the Powerade Tigers...
to his first Head Coaching duties with the Tigers. After a few games, Duremdes was then assigned as the Team Manager and Assistant Coach Bo Perasol
Bo Perasol
Dolreich "Bo" Perasol is a Filipino professional basketball head coach of the Powerade Tigers in the Philippine Basketball Association.-About:Perasol is a former player and team captain for the UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP from the year 1990-1995...
took over as Head Coach. After a dismal start in the Philippine Cup campaign, the Tigers made a move by getting Burger King
Air21 Express
The Barako Bull Energy is a Philippine Basketball Association team that began in 2002.Barako Bull is owned by Energy Food and Drinks Inc., a subsidiary of the Linaheim Corporate Services, owners of the defunct Laguna Lakers of the Metropolitan Basketball Association...
stalwart Gary David
Gary David
Gary David is a Filipino Professional basketball player currently playing for the Powerade Tigers in the Philippine Basketball Association. He is widely perceived as one of the most prolific scorers in the PBA today....
alongside Chico Lanete
Chico Lanete
Chico Lanete , from Ormoc City, Philippines, is a Filipino professional basketball player for the Meralco Bolts in the Philippine Basketball Association. He grew up in Isabela, Basilan and then played for Southern City Colleges in Zamboanga City during college before moving to Lyceum of the...
, while giving up all-around Guard Alex Cabagnot
Alex Cabagnot
Alex Cabagnot is a Filipino professional basketball player currently playing for the Petron Blaze Boosters. He plays the point guard position. Alex once had a rivalry with Mark Caguioa for of the Eagle Rock High School scoring record.-About the player:He was drafted by the Sta...
and shooter Wesley Gonzales
Wesley Gonzales
Wesley O. Gonzales is a Filipino professional basketball player. He currently plays for the Alaska Aces in the Philippine Basketball Association.-Player Profile:...
in a deal. After the trade, they then went on to win 4 straight games, but still ended up in the 7th seed of the team standings. The Tigers defeated Burger King
Air21 Express
The Barako Bull Energy is a Philippine Basketball Association team that began in 2002.Barako Bull is owned by Energy Food and Drinks Inc., a subsidiary of the Linaheim Corporate Services, owners of the defunct Laguna Lakers of the Metropolitan Basketball Association...
in their first Wildcard match before bowing out to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the next game.
At the start of the Fiesta Cup
2010 PBA Fiesta Conference
The 2010 Philippine Basketball Association Fiesta Conference, is the last conference of the 2009-10 PBA season. It started on March 21 and finished on August 18, 2010...
, the team was running well as they won three straight games and four of their first five including a win over powerhouse team the San Miguel Beermen
San Miguel Beermen
The Petron Blaze Boosters is a professional basketball team in the Philippine Basketball Association. The team has been a member of the league since its inception in 1975 and hold the most PBA titles with 19.The team is owned by the Petron Corporation, a subsidiary of the Philippines' largest food...
.. But after a great start, the Tigers then lost their last seven games. They ended their losing streak by wining against the Barako Bull Energy Boosters. They finished the eliminations with an 8-10 record and advanced to the Wildcard round. They won their knockout match against Sta. Lucia but got eliminated by again by Rain or Shine at the conclusion of the wildcards.
Powerade Tigers
After finishing the season fruitless, Coca-Cola Philippines announced that they will rechristen the Tigers as the Powerade Tigers starting in the 2010-2011 season.2010-11 season
With the change of team name, big man Asi TaulavaAsi Taulava
Pauliasi M. Taulava also known as Asi Taulava is a American-born Filipino-Tongan professional basketball player playing in the Philippines for the Meralco Bolts in the Philippine Basketball Association....
stated that he would remain and would like to retire with the franchise, and hoped to win a title with the team, even though reports circulated that expansion team Meralco Bolts
Meralco Bolts
The Meralco Bolts is a professional basketball team of the Philippine Basketball Association founded in 2010 when the Manila Electric Company bought the Sta...
was interested with the former MVP.Having no first round pick in the draft
2010 PBA Draft
The 2010 Philippine Basketball Association Rookie Draft is an event held at Market! Market! in Taguig City on August 29, 2010 that allowed PBA teams to draft players from the amateur ranks. Players who applied for the draft went through a rookie camp that lasted a week...
, the Tigers used their 18th pick to acquire a point guard
Point guard
Point guard , also called the play maker or "the ball-handler", is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. A point guard has perhaps the most specialized role of any position – essentially, he is expected to run the team's offense by controlling the ball and making sure that...
that would strengthen their backcourt. On Draft Day, Powerade selected Jai Reyes
Jai Reyes
Jose Antonio G. Reyes or Jai Reyes is a Filipino actor and basketball player who played for the Powerade Tigers in the Philippine Basketball Association,. He is currently playing for the Cebuana Gems in the PBA D-League. He spent his elementary, high school, and college years at the Ateneo de...
of the Ateneo de Manila University
Ateneo de Manila University
The Ateneo de Manila University is a private teaching and research university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila, to the Jesuits...
as their 18th pick in the 2010 Draft
2010 PBA Draft
The 2010 Philippine Basketball Association Rookie Draft is an event held at Market! Market! in Taguig City on August 29, 2010 that allowed PBA teams to draft players from the amateur ranks. Players who applied for the draft went through a rookie camp that lasted a week...
. On the same day, Powerade acquired Air21's 6th pick, Sean Michael Anthony
Sean Anthony
Sean Michael Anthony is a Filipino-Canadian professional basketball player who currently plays for the Powerade Tigers in the Philippine Basketball Association...
, and Ren-Ren Ritualo
Ren-Ren Ritualo
Florendo Ritualo, Jr. better known as Renren Ritualo is a Filipino professional basketball player in the Philippine Basketball Association who currently plays for the Shopinas.com Clickers...
in exchange for future draft picks. During the off-season, Powerade did not renew the contracts of four players from the previous year namely Cesar Catli
Cesar Catli
Cesar Catli is a Filipino professional basketball player of the Philippine Basketball Association who played for the Coca-Cola Tigers. He was picked by the Sta. Lucia Realtors tenth overall in the 2005 PBA Draft.-References:...
, Ricky Calimag
Ricky Calimag
Recaredo Calimag , better known as Ricky Calimag, is a Filipino professional basketball player who currently plays for the Powerade Tigers in the Philippine Basketball Association.-References:...
, R.J. Rizada
R.J. Rizada
Ryan Joseph R. Rizada, better known as R.J. Rizada, is a Filipino professional basketball player who currently is on the inactive list of the Powerade Tigers in the Philippine Basketball Association. He was the twelfth overall pick in the 2006 PBA Draft...
, and Marvin Cruz
Marvin Cruz
Marvin L. Cruz is a Filipino Professional basketball player of the Philippine Basketball Association. He last played for the Barako Bull Energy Boosters.-Player Profile:...
. On September 22, 2010, Asi Taulava
Asi Taulava
Pauliasi M. Taulava also known as Asi Taulava is a American-born Filipino-Tongan professional basketball player playing in the Philippines for the Meralco Bolts in the Philippine Basketball Association....
was included in the three-team trade involving the Meralco Bolts
Meralco Bolts
The Meralco Bolts is a professional basketball team of the Philippine Basketball Association founded in 2010 when the Manila Electric Company bought the Sta...
and the Barako Bull Energy Boosters. Powerade received Barako's Robert Reyes
Robert Reyes
Robert "Rob" Reyes is a Filipino professional basketball player who currently plays for the Petron Blaze Boosters in the Philippine Basketball Association. He spent his college years in the United States at Flagler College. He was drafted fourth overall in the 2008 PBA Draft by the Talk 'N Text...
and Meralco's 2011 and 2012 second-round picks. Barako received Powerade's Ken Bono
Ken Bono
Karl Kenneth O. Bono , better known as Ken Bono, is a Filipino basketball player, selected sixth overall by the Alaska Aces in the 2007 PBA Draft...
and Meralco's Beau Belga
Beau Belga
Beau Belga is a Filipino professional basketball player for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the Philippine Basketball Association. He was the seventh overall draft pick by Purefoods in 2008 before being traded to Burger King. He played for the PCU Dolphins during his collegiate...
, Jason Misolas
Jason Misolas
Jason Misolas is a Filipino professional basketball player who last played for the Barako Bull Energy Boosters in the Philippine Basketball Association.- References :...
, and Khasim Mirza
Khasim Mirza
Khasim Mirza is a Filipino professional basketball player who currently plays for the Shopinas.com Clickers in the Philippine Basketball Association....
. Meralco then got Powerade's Asi Taulava
Asi Taulava
Pauliasi M. Taulava also known as Asi Taulava is a American-born Filipino-Tongan professional basketball player playing in the Philippines for the Meralco Bolts in the Philippine Basketball Association....
.
2011 - 2012 season: Breakout Year?
After a disappionting season, Powerade began offseason buildup by releasing Rob ReyesRobert Reyes
Robert "Rob" Reyes is a Filipino professional basketball player who currently plays for the Petron Blaze Boosters in the Philippine Basketball Association. He spent his college years in the United States at Flagler College. He was drafted fourth overall in the 2008 PBA Draft by the Talk 'N Text...
and Chico Lanete
Chico Lanete
Chico Lanete , from Ormoc City, Philippines, is a Filipino professional basketball player for the Meralco Bolts in the Philippine Basketball Association. He grew up in Isabela, Basilan and then played for Southern City Colleges in Zamboanga City during college before moving to Lyceum of the...
, then resigning Ricky Calimag and signing free agents Alex Crisano
Alex Crisano
Alex Vincent Crisano , is a Filipino-American rapper and professional basketball player who currently plays for the Powerade Tigers in the Philippine Basketball Association. He played for the Philippine Patriots from 2010-2011.-First Years:He was directly hired by the Barangay Ginebra Kings in 2000...
, James Martinez and Rudy Lingganay. In the 2011 PBA Draft
2011 PBA Draft
The 2011 Philippine Basketball Association Rookie Draft is an event, which allows teams to draft players from the amateur ranks. The event will be held at Robinson's Place Ermita in Manila on August 28, 2011...
, Powerade selected Gilas standouts JV Casio
JV Casio
Joseph Evans "JV" Casio, is Filipino basketball player for the Philippine national basketball team and the Smart Gilas. He was drafted 1st overall by the Powerade Tigers in 2011.-High School:...
and Marcio Lassiter
Marcio Lassiter
Marcio Tsongo Lassiter is a Filipino-American professional basketball player currently playing for the Powerade Tigers of the Philippine Basketball Association. He just completed his stint with the Philippine national basketball team, Smart Gilas...
, and acquired Josh Vanlandingham
Josh Vanlandingham
Joshua Vanlandingham also known as Josh Vanlandingham is a Filipino-American professional basketball player in the Philippine Basketball Association and currently plays for the Powerade Tigers...
and Doug Kramer
Doug Kramer
Douglas R. Kramer , better known as Doug Kramer, is a Filipino basketball player who will play for the Powerade Tigers in the Philippine Basketball Association.-Player Profile:...
through trades. JV Casio however was injured as the season began and debuted a few weeks later.
Head Coaches
| Powerade Tigers head coaches | |
|---|---|
Depth chart
Season-by-season records
- Records from the 2010–11 PBA season:
*one-game playoffsConf. |Team name | Elimination round | Playoffs Finish |W |L |PCT |Stage |Results PHI 2010–11 PBA Philippine Cup-San Miguel vs. Air21:-B-Meg Derby Ace-Meralco series:-Barangay Ginebra-Alaska series:-Talk 'N Text-B-Meg Derby Ace series:-San Miguel-Barangay Ginebra series:-Finals:-Conference records:-Team:-Individual:-Conference:...
Powerade Tigers 9th/10 3 11 .214 Did not qualify COM 2011 PBA Commissioner's Cup-Air21-Alaska series:-Talk 'N Text-Air21 series:-Smart Gilas-Barangay Ginebra series:-Finals:- Imports :The following is the list of imports, which had played for their respective teams at least once, with the returning imports in italics...
9th/10 2 7 .222 Did not qualify GOV 2011 PBA Governors Cup- Imports :The following is the list of imports, which had played for their respective teams at least once, with the returning imports in italics. Highlighted are the imports who stayed with their respective teams for the entire conference....
7th/9 4 4 .500 Did not qualify Total elimination round 9 22 0 semifinal appearances Total playoffs 0 0 NA |0 Finals appearances Total 2010–11 9 22 .290 |0 championships Total franchise 194 212 .478 |0 championships
**team had the twice-to-beat advantage
PBA's 25th anniversary all-time team
- Johnny AbarrientosJohnny AbarrientosJohnny Abarrientos is a retired Filipino professional basketball player in the Philippine Basketball Association. He was also a many-time member of the Philippine National team, and was the 1996 PBA MVP, becoming the shortest player to win the league's highest individual award.He is known by many...
- 1996 PBA MVP. Member of the Tigers 2002 and 2006 championship teams and the PBA all time steals leader. - Kenneth DuremdesKenneth DuremdesKenneth Duremdes is a Filipino professional basketball player in the Philippine Basketball Association who currently plays for the Powerade Tigers...
- The 1998 Most Valuable Player. Acquired in 2007 Fiesta Conference from Sta. Lucia with Alex CabagnotAlex CabagnotAlex Cabagnot is a Filipino professional basketball player currently playing for the Petron Blaze Boosters. He plays the point guard position. Alex once had a rivalry with Mark Caguioa for of the Eagle Rock High School scoring record.-About the player:He was drafted by the Sta...
and Ricky CalimagRicky CalimagRecaredo Calimag , better known as Ricky Calimag, is a Filipino professional basketball player who currently plays for the Powerade Tigers in the Philippine Basketball Association.-References:...
in exchange of Dennis MirandaDennis MirandaDennis Miranda also known as Denok Miranda is a Filipino professional basketball player. He currently plays in the Philippine Basketball Association for the Petron Blaze Boosters...
, Manny Ramos and Coke's 2008 second round pick
Other notable players
- Jeffrey CariasoJeffrey CariasoJeffrey J. Cariaso is a retired Filipino professional basketball player of the Philippine Basketball Association. He is the former starting off-guard for the Alaska Aces.-Alaska:...
- Member of the Tigers 2002 and 2003 championship teams, named Finals MVP of the 2003 Reinforced Conference - Rudy HatfieldRudy HatfieldRudolf Conse Hatfield II , better known as Rudy Hatfield, is a retired American-Filipino professional basketball player who last played for the Barangay Ginebra Kings in the Philippine Basketball Association....
- Member of the Tigers 2002 and 2003 championship teams, named Best Player of the 2003 Reinforced Conference - Edward Juinio - Tigers' center during their 2002 and 2003 championship runs
- Billy MamarilBilly MamarilJohn Billy Mamaril is a Filipino professional basketball player currently playing for the Barangay Ginebra Kings. He plays the forward and center positions...
- played for Coke in the 2005-06 PBA season - Ali PeekAli PeekAlbert Henry Peek better known as Ali Peek is a Filipino-American professional basketball player who plays for the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters in the Philippine Basketball Association. He plays mostly at the Center position, although he is also used as a Power Forward occasionally...
- Member of PBA's 5,000 point club, Tigers' center from 2004- 05 season to 2007-08 - Rafi ReavisRafi ReavisRafael Pangilinan "Rafi" Reavis is a Filipino-American professional basketball player currently playing for the B-Meg Llamados in the Philippine Basketball Association. He is well-known for his good shotblocking abilities...
- one of the team's first-ever draft choice in 2002, member of the 2002 and 2003 championship teams. - Freddie AbudaFreddie AbudaFreddie Abuda is a former Philippine Basketball Association player. He was drafted by Purefoods, then known Coney Island Ice Cream, in the 2nd round as the 10th overall pick....
- multiple Defensive Player of the Year awardee.
Imports
- Rashad Bell- played in 2007 Fiesta Conference
- Calvin Cage- played in 2008 Fiesta Conference, played only one game at the Tigers before getting injured
- Alex Carcamo- played in the 2005-06 Fiesta Conference
- Russell Carter
- Carlos Daniel- played in 2002
- Brandon Dean- played for 2008 Fiesta Conference
- Jason Dixon- played in 2008 Fiesta Conference
- Rosell EllisRosell EllisRosell Ellis in an American basketball player.-Career:Rosell Ellis was a former Washington state player of the year for Rainier Beach High School. His high school coach, Michael Bethea, remembers him as "domineering and overpowering" player...
- played in the 2002 Governors Cup - George Gervin, Jr.- played in 2008 Fiesta Conference,son of former NBA great George Gervin Sr.
- Ron HaleRon HaleRon Hale is an American actor best known for his role as Dr. Roger Coleridge on the ABC soap opera Ryan's Hope for its entire run...
- played in 2002 - Bakari Hendrix- played only one game at the Tigers before getting injured
- Darell Johns- played in 2004-05 season
- Anthony Johnson- played for the 1st nine games of 2007 Fiesta Conference
- Artemus McClary- named Best Import of the 2003 Reinforced Conference, led Tigers to the title of the said conference
- James Penny- played in 2009 PBA Fiesta Conference
- Jaja Richards- played in 2004 Fiesta Conference
- Mark SanfordMark SanfordMarshall Clement "Mark" Sanford Jr. is an American politician from South Carolina, who was the 115th Governor of South Carolina from 2003 to 2011....
- played in 2004 Fiesta Conference - James Sullinger- played in 2009 PBA Fiesta Conference
- Omar Thomas- played in 2004
- Jeff VaremJeff VaremJeff Varem is a Nigerian professional basketball player. He formerly played for the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBA Development League. He also played as an import for the Coca-Cola Tigers and the Barako Bull Energy Boosters in the Philippine Basketball Association.-External links:* nba.com* ...
- played in 2007 Fiesta Conference - Fred Williams- played in 2003