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Shell Bug Busters - A bit of Crispa
by Reggie Amigo

As a rule, a rookie squad in the Philippine Basketball Association is understood to be exactly that - a rookie squad. But Shell Chemicals - they call themselves the Bug Busters - is more of an exception.

Ask coach Freddie Webb.

"I think it's a coach's dream to be able to handle this kind of team. I've come upon a team that is not only well-organized but also well-conditioned."

Indeed, rarely has a PBA newcomer boasted of such blend of youth and experience, as Webb would put it. But then, the league's newest member is not exactly a new kid on the block either.

With Philip Cezar, Bernie Fabiosa, Arturo Cristobal and former Redmanizer William Adornado, the league's only three-time MVP, in the fold, there's a little bit of Crispa in Shell Chemicals.

And the chemistry adds up to something like an explosive bench. Consider these: The Bug Busters count with five of the 11 crack amateurs picked from the draft. These players are reputedly the strongest batch ever released by the Basketball Association of the Philippines in a single season.

There are Santiago Cabatu, the 6-foot-4 two time MVP of the Philippine Amateur Basketball League and the 6-foot-5 Meynardo Jubinal. Two former national youth regulars - Leovino Austria and Manuel Marquez - fill the bill for speed and hustle. ANd there is Romeo Ang, who shone in Letran's heroic bid for a third straight NCAA championship last year.

Although little has been heard about its import, the 6-foot-9 Kevin Graham, who just arrived, Webb put in a good word for the American.

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The PBA Shell Team's Formation:

First Trip to the All Filipino Finals