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Shell Defends All-Filipino Title
Many people marvel at the way Formula Shell overcame the odds in winning back-to-back titles in 1998 and 1999. More impressive was the victory of the Zoommasters during the 1999 All-Filipino Cup where they defied the formcharts and rocketed to victory. With no substantial rookie addition, no direct-hire foreigner, and not even a new key player from a trade, Shell was able to overturn the more talent-laden teams and come up on top. This year, Shell is almost in the same boat. During the 2000 rookie draft, it did not have a first round pick because the team traded it beforehand to Sta. Lucia. It had a second round selection but was the 19th overall pick. At that point, the quality of the remaining draftees was indicated by the fact that Alaska had already passed twice before Shell had the chance to make its first selection. Shell did not get any big name players during the off-season just like in 1999. On the contrary, they lost a pair of key performers who were among the lead players during the team's back-to-back titles. Vic Pablo, the team's second top scorer and third top rebounder was sent to Mobiline for two taller players whose combined points and rebound fall short of his totals. Back-up backcourt man Noy Castillo who accounted Shell's three-point shots last year, was shipped to Purefoods in exchange for someone nobody knows yet. Still, coach Perry Ronquillo is upbeat about Shell getting back on the winning track. He was relieved when Shell finally signed Chris Jackson who was nearly given up for lost. The Defensive Player of the year 1999, Jackson holds the key in transforming Shell into a defensive unit that every team hates to face. Jackson is also the team's top rebounder. Benjie Paras remains the main man for the team. He leads Shell in scoring and second in rebounding. He is also second in assists per game. The Tower of Power is second to Marlou Aquino. More importantly, Paras is the glue that holds the team together. Paras won the Most Valuable Player plum last year at the same time inspired his teammates to do better. Leading the Shell backcourt is the veteran Gerry Esplana who was voted as the Best Player of the Finals during the 1999 All-Filipino conference. The 33-year old Esplana compiled averages of 10.5 points, 4 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game last year. For the year 2000, Esplana is aiming to guide Shell to another title or two this year. Although not really quick on his feet, Esplana's deliberate pace and control neutralizes that swirling defenses that the other teams put up against Shell. next >> |
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