Crispa 400

The Crispa 400s is a Philippine Amateur Basketball League (PABL) team that makes a grand return to the basketball scene in 1989 after a five-year absence. The Crispa amateur team would also carry the name Crispa White Cement, and lasted four years in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL), winning two championships.

PABL/PBL History

• On March 26, 1989, Opening of the PABL Invitational Cup at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum, all eyes were on the return of the legendary squad that won two Grandslams and the winningest team in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), in attendance were Crispa owner and boss Danny Floro, legendary Crispa coach Baby Dalupan and the ever-loyal supporters of the Crispa Redmanizers, coaching the team is Arturo Valenzona, with assistant Atoy Co, and a lineup composed of ex-pros Bernie Fabiosa and Ponky Alolor. Crispa won their first game against El Rancho of Cebu, 91-72.
• Crispa staged a successful comeback, placing third, behind champion Magnolia and Runner-up Sta.Lucia in the Opening Conference of the PABL, sweeping Burger City in their best-of-three series for third place. later that year after the UAAP tournament, the 400s were able to signed FEU Tamaraw and the best point guard in the collegiate ranks, Johnny Abarrientos.
• In 1990, Crispa is now coach by Fortunato "Atoy" Co, In the second conference known as Challenge Cup with teams parading imports, the 400s return to cage glory, winning their first PBL title with a 3-0 sweep over Philips Sardines. In 1991, the 400s would win their second title, this time under coach William "Bogs" Adornado, defeating Mama's Love, 3-1 in the best-of-five series, notable players of that team were Vic Pablo, Johnny Abarrientos, Jun Jabar and Kevin Ramas.
• The following conference, Crispa 400s were back in the finals of import spiced-Challenge Cup against newcomer Triple-V Foodmasters, coach by Derek Pumaren, the 400s lost in the finals series, 3-1. It was the last time the Crispa team, proud with its tradition and winning legacy, ever played in a championship series, both pro and amateur.
• In 1992, they would carry the name Crispa White Cement but didn't have much success in the following PBL tourney, by the middle of the season, the team disbanded, closing the chapter of the Crispa Redmanizers' rich history and contributions to Philippine Basketball.

Notable players of the Crispa PBL Team

• Bernie Fabiosa
• Ponky Alolor
• Saturnino Garrido
• Jun Jabbar
• Joseph Pelaez
• Nap Hatton
• Jerry Aratan
• Victor Pablo
• Johnny Abarrientos
• Felix Duhig
• Olsen Racela
• Rene Hawkins
• Julian Tomacruz
• Max Delantes
• Kevin Ramas
• Jojo Lim
• EJ Feihl
• Gil Lumberio
• Al David
• Vic Villarias
• Nestor Echano
• Romulo Orillosa
• Giovanni Pineda

End of the dynasty

• In the 1990s up to the early 2000s, the Crispa legends and former players would often play exhibition matches and reunion games but it was in 1992 where a Crispa team played for the last time in a tournament, two years later, Crispa sponsored a Chinese selection as guest team in the PBL.
• On February 24, 1995, Crispa owner and boss Danny Floro died on the day the PBA was set to return to the Araneta Coliseum, with a scheduled playdate at the big dome for the first time in 11 years.

References

http://www.philippinebasketball.ph/forums.php PABL/PBL Facts,Trivia,Records