Red Bull & Sta.Lucia's first PBA title in 2001

Batang Red Bull Thunder won their first PBA crown at the expense of multi-titled San Miguel Beermen in only their fifth conference so far in the 2001 Commissioner's Cup.

Sta.Lucia Realtors followed Red Bull's miraculous season by winning their first PBA championship after 8 years of participation, also defeating the defending champion San Miguel Beermen in the 2001 Governor's Cup. 

1986 RP Youth team in the 9th ABC Youth Championship

Coach Joe Lipa's boys, aside from the newest hardcourt slotman Benjie Paras, were Arnold Adlawan, Paul Alvarez, Nelson Asaytono, Richard Bachmann, Joselito Guanio, Roberto Jose, Mar Anthony Magada, Romulo Orillosa, Zaldy Realubit, Enrique Reyes and Gilbert 'Jun' Reyes.

Benjie Paras was the Youth team's top scorer with an average of 16.83 points in six games. He was number six overall with China's Song Ligang and Taipei's Cheng Chih Lung emerging as the top two in scoring, both with 25.33 points average.

The Philippines defeated Japan on opening day on December 28, this was followed by their 95-93 win over Chinese-Taipei for their second win. Just before New Year's Eve on December 31, 1986, the RP Youth team had an easy work over HongKong, 78-51, in front of a lean crowd close to only 500 at the Rizal Coliseum, which was expected as everyone awaits the dawning of the new year.

On New Year's day, January 1, 1987, the Philippines eliminates defending champion South Korea, 107-96, for their fourth win and clinch the first finals seat. They dropped a no-bearing 72-75 decision to second-finalist China in their last assignment.

The RP Youth five failed to regain lost glory as they bowed to powerhouse China, 67-81, in the finals of the 9th ABC Junior Championships.

1998 PBA finals title-clincher

On May 8, Alaska wins its 8th PBA title and a back-to-back championship, defeating San Miguel Beermen, 72-63, in Game Seven for the All-Filipino Cup trophy.

Alaska wins its 9th PBA crown, repeating over San Miguel Beermen in the Commissioner's Cup finals, winning Game Six, 85-74, on August 14.

Formula Shell wins the Governors Cup title, their first championship in six years and third overall, winning against Mobiline Phone Pals, 93-91, in Game Seven on December 9.

Before they became the PBA's premier point guards

Olsen Racela first gain notice as a member of the 1989 RP Youth team that placed third in the ABC Youth Championships held in Manila.

 Johnny Abarrientos in his final year as the top amateur point guard in the PBL while playing for Crispa and later on with Triple-V in 1992.

NCAA season 80 opening (2004)

c/o PBA archives' facebook account

More 1980s basketball photos

The early months in Purefoods Hotdogs' PBA history

As the Purefoods franchise celebrates its 30th anniversary in the PBA this year, we look back at the early months of the ballclub during the pre-season of  1988. It was in January of that year when Purefoods was formally accepted by the league, buying out the disbanded Tanduay franchise.

Purefoods is arguably the most celebrated newcomer to join the pro league. The team was able to signed three of the most popular amateurs and national team players that time, Jojo Lastimosa, Jerry Codinera and Alvin Patrimonio (started playing in the 2nd conference). An added excitement they create in the PBA was naming Ramon Fernandez as their playing-coach. 

Jojo Lastimosa was the most charismatic rookie to enter the PBA in the 1980s as all eyes were on him during the first three games of the Purefoods Hotdogs.