Petron Blaze Boosters
- For the ASEAN Basketball League team that now carries the old name, see San Miguel Beermen (ABL).
| Petron Blaze Boosters | ||||
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| Joined PBA | 1975 | |||
| History | Royal Tru-Orange 1975-1980 San Miguel Beermen 1980-1984 1987-2007 2008-2011 2014-future Gold Eagle Beermen 1984-1985 Magnolia Ice Cream/Quench Plus/Cheese 1985-1987 Magnolia Beverage Masters 2007-2008 Petron Blaze Boosters 2011-present | |||
| Team colors | Blue, Red, and White | |||
| Owner(s) | Ramon S. Ang | |||
| Board governor | Eli Capacio | |||
| Company | Petron Corporation (a San Miguel Corporation subsidiary) | |||
| Head coach |  Gee Abanilla | |||
| Championships | 19 championships 1979 Open | |||
| Retired numbers | 6 (8, 9, 12, 14, 17, 19) | |||
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The Petron Blaze Boosters are a professional basketball team playing in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). The franchise is owned by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) since 1975 and holds the most number of PBA titles (currently at 19).
The franchise was known for most of its existence as San Miguel Beermen and is currently playing under the name Petron Blaze Boosters (SMC has majority ownership in Petron Corporation). Petron is one of three PBA ball clubs owned by the SMC group of companies, along with the San Mig Coffee Mixers and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
Beginnings
San Miguel Corporation was one of the nine companies which broke away from the Manila Industrial and Commercial Athletic Association (MICAA) in 1975 due to their dismay with the Basketball Association of the Philippines. This led to the formation of the first professional basketball league known as the Philippine Basketball Association.
MICAA days
Even at the very start, San Miguel Brewery had a team in the pre-war MICAA. And it was similar to the UAAP or the NCAA where basketball was one of the sports the employees played. There was MICAA competition for baseball, volleyball, football, among other games. But as always, it was basketball which became prominent.
A 1971 lineup was mentioned in this thread
San Miguel Braves
- 4 Belmonte
- 5 Worley Cuevas
- 6 Rolando Marcelo
- 7 Wilfredo Velasco
- 8 Orlando Castelo
- 9 Richard Palou
- 10 Alejandrito Miego
- 13 Manuel Paner
- 14 Rosalio Martirez
- 15 David Regullano
- 18 Ernesto Estrada
- 19 Ernesto Morales
- Coach: Ignacio "Ning" Ramos
For more on the fans account on the famed MICAA, Click here [1]
Manny Paner, Rosalio Martirez, and David Regullano were all members of the 1973 squad that won the Asian Basketball Confederation Championships held in Manila. Regullano and Rogelio "Tembong" Melencio alternated in shackling the high-scoring Shin Dong Pa of South Korea.
Royal Tru-Orange (1975-1980)
In their first PBA season, they were known as Royal Tru-Orange (San Miguel Corporation's softdrinks business were operated then as a division of SMC). Royal Tru-Orange (RTO) finished third place in all three conferences in 1975.
RTO was bannered by center Manny Paner, forward Estoy Estrada and point guard Yoyong Martirez. Both Paner and Estrada made it to the Mythical Team.[2] In the import-laden Open Conference, they paraded the high-scoring Carl Bird.
Manny Paner and Estoy Estrada became free agents in 1977 and they later signed with Presto and Toyota, respectively. RTO signed shooter Valerio "Botchok" delos Santos and center Marte Samson to replace their departed stars in a cost-cutting move.
1979 was the time when the team had two imports of unlimited height playing together - these were 6'9 Otto Moore and 6'7 Larry Pounds. They faced Toyota in the finals of that best of five series which they won in four games. Moore and Pounds were backstopped by a crew made up of a lot of Visayan cagers like Tony Torrente, Yoyong Martirez, Jess Migalbin, Salvador Ramas, Melchor Ravanes plus a host of others like Rudy Lalota, Leo Paguntalan, ex-PSBA standout Ramon Dizon, and ex-UV Green Lancer Marlowe Jacutin. The team was coached by ironically, future Toyota coach Ed Ocampo.
The franchise became the second team in PBA history to break the Crispa-Toyota stranglehold as far as winning championships were concerned. The year before, in 1978, UTex was the first team to do so when they beat Crispa for the title.[3]
San Miguel Beermen (1981-1983)
Playing as San Miguel Beermen, the franchise won the 1982 PBA Invitational tournament, defeating the Crispa Redmanizers in three games with Tommy Manotoc as head coach. Marte Saldaña won Rookie of the Year honors that year after coming over from the MICAA ranks. He complemented well with Best Import Award winner Norman Black and was instrumental in San Miguel's second championship in the 1982 Invitationals against Crispa. Another Saldaña, Antero or Terry of Toyota was also favored to win the Rookie of the Year award but he instigated a free-for-all against the national team of South Korea and by way of penalty, Terry Saldaña was taken out of the Rookie of the Year Award race.[4]
Manotoc moved to coach Crispa in the 1983 season. Nat Canson took over as head coach.
Gold Eagle Beermen (1984)
The team was renamed Gold Eagle Beermen for the 1984 season. In spite acquiring Abe King from the disbanded Toyota Super Corollas, the franchise suffered one of its worst seasons.
Magnolia Quench Plus (1985); Magnolia Cheese (1986)
In 1985, Gold Eagle changed its name to Magnolia Quench Plus (Magnolia was then a division of San Miguel Corporation), but despite the efforts of import and playing-coach Norman Black, Magnolia failed to enter the championship chase.
Disbandment and return
Magnolia folded after the 1985 season, this was due to the political climate that happened at the height of the first EDSA Revolution, which led to the ouster of Ferdinand Marcos. Chairman Danding Cojuangco, a well-known Marcos crony fled the country.
Following its disbandment, the former Magnolia players were absorbed by a new PBA team in Alaska Milk for the 1986 season. But the San Miguel franchise re-emerged under the Magnolia Cheese banner during the final months of the season under coach Derrick Pumaren.
In 1985, the famed Northern Consolidated team won several international basketball tournaments with Samboy Lim, Allan Caidic and Hector Calma, including the PBA Reinforced Conference. The NCC team was funded by Cojuangco, but the program was halted a year later due to the change in government.
With Magnolia's return in the final months of 1986, the team absorbed Lim, Calma, Franz Pumaren, Elmer Reyes, Yves Dignadice, Alfie Almario, Pido Jarencio and Tonichi Yturri from the core of the NCC team but failing to qualify for the semi-finals.
The start of 1987 PBA season brought new hope for the team. Magnolia's prized catch, however, was former Crispa and Manila Beer stalwart Abet Guidaben. Import Norman Black began his coaching career at this time. Ricardo Brown was also added to the squad after acquiring the former MVP from Great Taste. Magnolia finished third in the Open and All-Filipino Conferences.
Back as San Miguel Beermen (the Norman Black era) (1987-1997)
By the 1987 Reinforced Conference, the team reverted to its old name San Miguel Beermen. While the Beermen would later wear their traditional red and white jerseys, they wore a green and white color during the conference.
With Bobby Parks as import, San Miguel was able to win the conference and the franchise's first in five years defeating the Hills Bros. Coffeemakers, led by the Bruise Brothers Yoyoy Villamin and Ricky Relosa, in five games.
Guidaben was named season MVP but not without controversy. Many people thought that Villamin was more deserving than Guidaben.
San Miguel continued its winning ways in the 1988 PBA season season by winning the Open Conference that year. After placing fourth in the next conference, San Miguel traded Guidaben to Purefoods for Ramon Fernandez. The trade was executed in the height of a disagreement between Fernandez and the Purefoods management.
With Fernandez, the Beermen regained another championship by defeating the Shell Rimula-X in the finals of the Reinforced Conference. Fernandez won his fourth and last Most Valuable Player Award.
1989 Grand Slam
In 1989, San Miguel began one of the greatest seasons in league history. The Beermen defeated Shell led by Benjie Paras and Ronnie Magsanoc in the Open Conference, 4-1. In the All-Filipino Conference, San Miguel defeated a young but hungry Purefoods team in six games. At season's end, San Miguel completed the PBA's third grand slam by trouncing Robert Jaworski's Anejo Rhum 65 in five games with the enlistment of quality import and former Chicago Bull Ennis Whatley.
At the time, San Miguel joined Crispa (1976, 1983) as the only teams to win the coveted grand slam.
"El Presidente" was a prime candidate to win his fifth MVP, but Fernandez was denied by Paras, who became the first and still the only player to win the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards in the same season. He was however, hailed the MVP by the Philippine Sports Press Corps.
Early 1990s
San Miguel went titleless for the next two seasons, but in 1992, San Miguel defeated Purefoods in seven games to capture the All-Filipino Cup. Ato Agustin became a star on the San Miguel lineup winning the Most Valuable Player Award. However, some believed that Swift's Nelson Asaytono could have won it.
Following Presto's (formerly Great Taste) disbandment in 1993, San Miguel acquired shooter Allan Caidic. The trio of Agustin, Samboy Lim and Caidic in 1993 proved to be the peak of San Miguel's backcourt strength. It was during this time that San Miguel's back court became the yard stick of all PBA teams.
San Miguel won the Governor's Cup crown with Kenny Travis as import. At this time, it was the Beermen's 10th PBA title, surpassing Toyota for second on the all-time list.
1994 Asian Games
In 1994, the league announced that the winner of the All-Filipino Cup would represent the Philippines in the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima, Japan. San Miguel faced Coney Island for the championship, which the Beermen won 4-2. However, with several key San Miguel players suffering from multiple injuries, the team had no choice but to add several players from other PBA teams and in the amateur ranks.
Alvin Patrimonio, Jerry Codiñera, Rey Evangelista, and Johnny Abarrientos from the pros and then-amateurs Marlou Aquino and Kenneth Duremdes were among those added to the mix. At one point, San Miguel wore the national team colors during the Commissioner's Cup, only to lose to Swift for third place.
At the Asian Games, the SMB-led national team failed to bag a single medal by ending up in fourth place behind China, Korea, and Japan. However, Allan Caidic was the Asian Games basketball tournament leading scorer and was named in the Asiad All-Star Mythical Five Team.
After the season, Fernandez announced his retirement from the PBA after a stellar 20 season career that spanned three decades and also long time guard Hector Calma retired due to injuries.
Mid-1990s decline and the end of the Norman Black era
In 1995, San Miguel was struggling to maintain its ranks as among the best teams in the league with Sunkist and Alaska dominating at the time. All superstars Allan Caidic, Samboy Lim, Ato Agustin are injured and to cover the scoring gap Alvin Teng was traded to Seven Up for Gido Babilonia and Victor Pablo after All Filipino Conference. Acquired Freddie Abuda from purefoods, drafted Lou Regidor, Mike Mustre, Matt Makalintal, Gilbert Castillo and Bryant Punzalan. Though the beermen didn't prosper on first two conferences but in Governor's Conference with Kenny Travis back as import San Miguel broke Sunkist's dream of a grandslam by entering the finals of the Governor's Cup, only to lose to Alaska in a seven game showdown.
San Miguel's struggles would continue in 1996, the team finished third in the All-Filipino while nabbing fourth in the season-ending Governor's Cup. Early in the year, San Miguel traded Ato Agustin to Sunkist for known-scorer Nelson Asaytono and traded Victor Pablo to Shell for Paul "Mr. Excitement" Alvarez. The third conference saw the arrival of Lamont Strothers to the PBA.
After the 1996 season, Norman Black left the team and became the head coach of Mobiline. Replacing him was former NCC coach Ron Jacobs. Before the 1997 season began, controversy surrounded the hiring of Ron Jacobs, due to objections by the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines (BCAP). The BCAP believed that it endangered the chance of local coaches to enter the PBA. But, Jacobs remained coach of San Miguel for the league's 23rd season.[5]
With San Miguel in a sort of a rebuilding mode, Jacobs was able to mold young players like Olsen Racela who was acquired from Purefoods, Mike Mustre as well as veterans Asaytono, "Mr. Excitement" Bong Alvarez, Dignadice and Art dela Cruz into a strong team each conference. San Miguel won third place in all three conferences of the '97 campaign. The Beermen failed to enter the finals in the Commissioner's and Governor's Cups, respectively, losing in two do-or-die games against Gordon's Gin and Purefoods. Jeff Ward was the import during the second conference while Larry Robinson played for SMB in the third conference.
Asaytono was a candidate to win the Most Valuable Player Award but lost to Purefoods' Alvin Patrimonio.
San Miguel Beermen (the Danny Ildefonso era) (1998-2007)
For the 1998 season, San Miguel drafted Noy Castillo as the second overall pick in the draft. But, Castillo was quickly shipped to Shell in exchange for National University standout Danny Ildefonso.
The Beermen made a strong showing in the All-Filipino Conference but lost to Alaska in the Finals in seven games. In the Commissioner's Cup, San Miguel brought back Strothers to replace Jeff Ward during the tournament. SMB made its return to the finals but was defeated by the Milkmen in the rematch of the All-Filipino Cup, this time in six games.
After the conference, Racela was loaned to the PBA Centennial team. As incentive, all PBA teams were allowed to hire two imports in the Governor's Cup. Strothers and Robinson teamed up for San Miguel, but with their height disadvantage against other teams, the Beermen failed to either win the special Centennial Cup or the season-ending Governor's Cup.
Ron Jacobs resigned after two seasons with the Beermen. His assistant coach and former NCC protégé Jong Uichico took over as head coach.
The Jong Uichico era
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New coach Jong Uichico began his first season with San Miguel in 1999. As part of the PBA's new rule to allow each team one direct-hire Filipino-foreigner, San Miguel acquired the services of Danny Seigle, younger brother of then Mobiline center Andy Seigle, to bolster the team along with former Pop Cola guard Boybits Victoria.
However, San Miguel struggled in the All-Filipino Cup and was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Formula Shell. One of their finest moments was during a match against Mobiline and star center Asi Taulava. San Miguel's 67-66 squeaker on Asaytono's two clutch free-throws handed the Phone Pals its first defeat after winning their first seven games.
In the Commissioner's Cup, San Miguel tapped former Mobiline import Terquin Mott. Mott, a known temperamental player during his first stint in the league, molded well with his local teammates as San Miguel was able to make a strong showing in the elimination round. San Miguel also parted way with Asaytono, shipping him to Pop Cola for Nic Belasco and Dwight Lago. The Beermen upset the defending champion Alaska Milkmen in the semis to enter the Finals against All-Filipino winner Formula Shell with Benjie Paras and import John Best. San Miguel won the first two games of the series before Shell tied the series at 2-2. But the Beermen won the last two games to win their 12th PBA crown and their first in five years.
In the Governor's Cup, San Miguel brought back Strothers as the Beermen cruised into the Finals of the said tournament against Alaska. The Milkmen even led the series at 2-1 but San Miguel was able to win the last three games to win their second straight championship in six games.
Seigle was named as the Rookie of the Year at season's end and also threatened to beat Paras for the MVP plum, but the "Tower of Power" won the 1999 MVP award.
San Miguel failed to win the 2000 All-Filipino Cup by finishing fourth in the tournament. The Beermen, however, defended the Commissioner's Cup trophy, with NBA veteran Stephen Howard on the lineup, defeating Sta. Lucia. In the Governor's Cup, with Strothers back, they defeated Purefoods in five games for their 15th PBA title. Danny Ildefonso won his first Most Valuable Player Award at the end of the season.
In 2001, they were favorites to win the All-Filipino Cup and San Miguel did so to enter the finals against sister team Barangay Ginebra and prized rookie Mark Caguioa. After the series was tied at 2-2, SMB survived in overtime to win Game Five and blew out the Kings in Game Six to capture their first All-Filipino title in seven years.
San Miguel was now favored to win the grand slam, but the young Batang Red Bull Thunder upset SMB in the finals of the Commissioner's Cup in six games while the Sta. Lucia Realtors, behind former SMB mentor Norman Black defeated his former club 4-2 in the season-ending Governor's Cup.
Ildefonso, meanwhile won his second consecutive MVP in 2001. Some observers though believed that it was Danny Seigle who deserved to win the award.
Ildefonso, Racela, newly acquired Dondon Hontiveros, Seigle and coach Jong Uichico concentrated their time with the RP National team in the 2002 season. Meanwhile, San Miguel was left with only Dorian Peña and Boybits Victoria on the team. San Miguel fielded in Strothers and later former NBA veteran Mario Bennett for the Governor's Cup. After the Beermen finished eighth in the elimination round, SMB upset the Talk 'N Text Phone Pals in the quarterfinals but was eliminated by Alaska in the semi-finals and finished fourth in the tournament. Strothers announced his retirement after the tournament.
In the Commissioner's Cup, San Miguel took Shea Seals and Art Long as import. But the temperamental Long got into a dirty scuffle with Red Bull import Antonio Lang during a game despite San Miguel finishing fourth after the elimination phase. Terquin Mott replaced Long before the end of the eliminations. After eliminating Coca-Cola in the quarters, Red Bull eliminated them in the semis before finishing third.
In the All-Filipino, San Miguel was decimated by Danny Seigle's injury with the national team. Racela, Ildefonso and Hontiveros returned for San Miguel but they were eliminated by Coca-Cola in the semis to finished third for the second-straight conference.
San Miguel returned in the 2003 on a bright note. After the elimination round of the All-Filipino, they finished first in Group A to qualify for the quarterfinals phase of the tournament. But the Beermen failed to enter the semis after finishing 1-2 in the single-round robin format. Their great finish in the All-Filipino helped the Beermen qualify for the Invitational tournament, but San Miguel failed to advance to the semis.
In the first Reinforced Conference in more than a decade, San Miguel fielded in several lemon imports before settling on former Sta. Lucia import Kwan Johnson. After a 0-5 start, San Miguel went 10-3 the rest of the way to enter the Finals, but lost in seven games to the Coca-Cola Tigers.
2001-2011: The "Cebuano Hotshot" Dondon Hontiveros era
San Miguel Beermen acquired Dondon Hontiveros from the Tanduay Rhum Masters after the Rhum Masters were disbanded. Dondon became the main man of the team that brought the San Miguel Beermen to multiples championships. Dondon also received multiple awards as a player of the Beermen.
On March 2011 Danny Seigle, Dondon Hontiveros, Dorian Pena and Paul Artadi were shipped to Air21 for much younger players Rabah Al Husseni, Nonoy Baclao and Rey Guevarra.
In the 2011 PBA DRAFT, Dondon Goes back to Petron (San Miguel) as a part of a trade. In the deal,Petron will receive Hontiveros and Center Carlo Sharma, with the no.3 pick SMART-GILAS swingman Chris Lutz.
Before the end of August, he was involved in a six-player, four-team trade that sent him to Alaska.
17th title
San Miguel was once again favorites to win championships in the 2004-05 season. Art Long made his return as import for San Miguel in the 2004 Fiesta Conference, a transition tournament. Long and the Beermen powered its way to a 9-0 start before finishing the tournament in first place after the eliminations. But once again, San Miguel failed to enter the semis after a 1-2 record in the quarterfinals.
In the 2004-2005 Philippine Cup (formerly the All-Filipino Cup), the Beermen finished the classification phase with an even 9-9 record. In the quarterfinals, San Miguel swept the Sta. Lucia Realtors in a three-game series. Then, the Beermen also swept Alaska in the quarterfinals. In the semis against sister rival Barangay Ginebra, the Beermen took a 2-1 series in the best-of-five affair but the Kings won the next two games to win the series, that capped with Rodney Santos' game-winner in the deciding game. The Beermen then beat Shell to cop third-place in the tournament.
Chris Burgess was San Miguel's import for the 2005 Fiesta Conference. San Miguel finished the classification phase in second place to gain an outright semi-finals berth. Midway to the semis, Burgess was replaced by Ace Custis and became an effective replacement for San Miguel. The Beermen eliminated Red Bull in the semi-finals to enter the Finals against the Talk 'N Text Phone Pals. The Beermen defeated the Phone Pals 4-1 to give the team its 17th PBA title in team history and ended its four-year title drought; it was also the first time in their last six championships that they've won a title with Danny Seigle as a non-factor in the playoffs. He was injured for almost the entire semi-finals and played only in Game 5 of the Finals. It was Jong Uichico's sixth PBA crown as coach.
After their performance a year ago, San Miguel was heavily favored in the 2005-06 Fiesta Conference to defend their crown. They added import Rico Hill to bolster the lineup along with former Shell Turbo Charger Chris Calaguio.
But SMB's high expectations became a disappointment. The Beermen started off with a 0-4 record before winning a game against the Air21 Express in Aklan. Hill was replaced by Kwan Johnson but the Beermen lost four more games to fall to 1-8. But the Beermen won the next five games; Johnson was suffering an injury and was temporarily replaced by Kevin Freeman. The Beermen finished with a 6-10 card and eighth place in the nine-team classification phase.
Johnson returned in time for San Miguel against ten-sister team Coca-Cola in the survivor round. The Beermen had a twice to beat edge, but the Tigers won the first encounter on January 6. A day later, Ildefonso's game-winner propelled the Beermen to the next round. In the Wildcard phase against the Express, they ended up losing in three games.
Before the start of the 2006 PBA Philippine Cup, San Miguel traded its veteran forward Nic Belasco to the Alaska Aces for guard Brandon Cablay. In a separate move, the Beermen acquired Wesley Gonzales from the Air21 Express and shipped Eugene Tejada to sister team Purefoods. The Express was supposed to send Homer Se to Purefoods but failed to pass his physical test, and was returned to the Air21 squad. The Cablay trade was seen as a preparation for the possible retirement of point guard Olsen Racela.
After a 1-2 start in the tournament, the Beermen won the next eight games before finishing with a 11-5 record. Their second place tally sent the Beermen to an outright semifinals berth, a huge improvement from their disappointing run in the Fiesta Conference. The Beermen's surge also saw Danny Seigle's numerous scoring outburst, norming 20 points in almost all of the games he played during the conference.
However, in the semifinals, they were upset by the Red Bull Barako in seven games. San Miguel won Games 2, 4 and the sixth game to level the matchup to a seventh game. However, in Game 7, the Beermen lost on a last second shot by Junthy Valenzuela, eliminating them from the tournament. In a one-game matchup for third place, San Miguel lost to Alaska 102-95 to finish fourth in the 2006 Philippine Cup.
Chot Reyes and Siot Tanquingcen
In the offseason, the San Miguel Corporation moved national team head coach Chot Reyes to the Beermen as its head coach while sending Jong Uichico to coach the Barangay Ginebra Kings. In the 2006 PBA Rookie Draft, the Beermen selected LA Tenorio (fourth overall pick) and Gabby Espinas (fifth overall pick) in one of the rare incidents in which San Miguel drafted players from the rookie draft.
After a 0-3 start in the tournament plus the injuries of Seigle and Ildefonso, the Beermen received Rommel Adducul and Lordy Tugade from Ginebra and Red Bull, respectively, in a three-team trade. This led to San Miguel winning 13 of the next 15 games to finished with a 13-5 record and an outright semifinals berth.
In the semis, the Beermen defeated Red Bull in seven games that was highlighted by the physical encounters of both squad in the series which also involved Red Bull's head man Yeng Guiao. In the Finals, after leading the series 2-0 the Beermen were beaten by the Barangay Ginebra Kings in six games.
In the recent 2007 Fiesta Conference, Chot Reyes took a leave to form and coach the national basketball team for the FIBA Asia Championships. For a few games, Biboy Ravanes was hired as the team's interim coach but soon San Miguel faltered to a slow start.
Soon, former Ginebra head coach and assistant coach Siot Tanquingcen was moved to the Beermen to be its interim tactician. However, fortunes didn't change as they suffered to a horrible 0-6 start and later 2-8 after fielding imports Vidal Messiah and Paul McMillan.
But then, San Miguel soon won eight games with the arrival of the team's third import, former Alaska Ace Galen Young. SMB wound up with a 10-8 win-loss card to end the elimination round, only to lose to Alaska in the eliminations, and to Air21 in a knockout match for the second outright quarterfinals berth.
At this time, the Beermen shipped Rommel Adducul to Red Bull for prized center Enrico Villanueva in a controversial trade which also involved sister team Purefoods, which snagged Adducul after trading reserve Don Camaso.
SMB was relegated to the wild-card playoffs but beat Sta. Lucia in the first knockout game of the phase and then pulled off the first of what was dubbed as the "Beeracle Run" over Coca-Cola in which they came back from a four-point deficit with 12 seconds to go to advance against Ginebra in the quarters.
There, the Beermen exacted revenge on the Barangay Ginebra Kings by beating them in three full games. The Beermen entered the Fiesta Conference semifinals only to lose to Alaska in six hard fought games and placed fourth in a loss to Red Bull for the consolation third place trophy.
Magnolia Beverage Masters (2007-2008)
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After 20 years of carrying the San Miguel name, the San Miguel Corporation radically changed the team name to Magnolia Beverage Masters starting the 2007-08 PBA season.
Prior to the change, they named Tanquingcen as coach while they acquired Larry Fonacier from Red Bull. In the 2007 PBA Draft, Samigue Eman and Jonas Villanueva were taken in the first round.
Former first over-all pick Mike Cortez and Ken Bono were dealt by Alaska for Beverage Masters LA Tenorio and Larry Fonacier in a blockbuster trade.
In what could be one of the biggest single-day trade in PBA history, Magnolia acquired Marc Pingris from Purefoods in exchange for a future draft pick.[6]
Back as San Miguel Beermen (2008-2011)
In 2008, the team again reverted to its old name, the San Miguel Beermen.
In the 2008 PBA Draft, the team used its 3rd pick in the 1st round to select 5-foot-11 point guard Jayson Castro, then traded Jayson Castro to Talk 'N Text for the 6-foot-7 guard/forward Jay Washington. They also drafted 5-foot-11 point guard Bonbon Custodio using their 8th pick in the 1st round. They have also acquired 6-foot-9 center Mick Pennisi from Red Bull in exchange for their 2010 1st round draft pick.
In the Philippine Cup the team managed to have the 6th seed and they managed to beat the Crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra Kings but eventually lost to semifinals to the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters.
In their first game in the 2009 Fiesta Conference they played without an import but managed to beat the Alaska Aces, and with the Acquisition of Albany Patroons Gabe Freeman as their import they managed to win 8 consecutive games and had the best league record. And they gained an outright semis spot beating Burger King in 6 games as they march to the finals to claim their 18th title by beating the Barangay Ginebra Kings in 7 crucial games.
If the San Miguel Beermen was a powerhouse team last season, the team got more formidable and fierce with their new acquisition of players for the upcoming season. They acquired Arwind Santos from the Burger King in exchange for Marc Pingris, Ken Bono and a future draft pick. They drafted JRU stalwart James Sena in the recent annual draft. And lately, they received FEU standout Dennis Miranda from the Sta. Lucia Realtors in replace for a future draft pick.
The Beermen clinch the 1st outright semis slot but they lost to their sister team the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants in 6 games (4-2). They top the Kings for the Battle for 3rd place.
In preparation for the coming Fiesta Conference, the Beermen took a shake on their roster. They traded Mike Cortez to Air 21 Express in exchange for Alex Cabagnot.Then traded Bonbon Custodio to Sta. Lucia Realtors for Joseph Yeo.
The Beermen lost to Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters in game 6 of the PBA Philippine Cup on February 4, 2011. This is the first finals stint of coach Ato Agustin.
On March 2, 2011, the San Miguel Beermen has finally closed a deal with the Air 21 Express with the approval of Commissioner Chito Salud. On this trade, the Beermen shifted Paul Artadi, Danny Seigle, Cebuano Hot Shot Dondon Hontiveros and Dorian Pena to the Express in exchange for three draft rookie draft picks Nonoy Baclao, Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Rey Guevarra. This trade is the revised proposed trade of the Beermen which initially involved Joseph Yeo, Danny Seigle and Mick Pennisi in exchange for the said top rookie picks. This has not been aprroved by Commissioner Chito Salud until this revised trade came in.
After the trade, they were eliminated and finish 9th place with 2 wins and 7 losses(worst in the history of the franchise).
Petron Blaze Boosters (2011-2014)
On March 2011, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) announced that the franchise shall be playing under the name Petron Blaze Boosters, beginning the 2011 PBA Governors Cup.[7] SMC had acquired majority control of Petron Corporation in December 2010.[8]
After a bad record last conference, they had reached the PBA finals and they battle against the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters. Even though they had several injured players, they had defeated Talk 'N Text in Game 1, 89-88 in a buzzer beater shot made by Danny Ildefonso. In Game 2, they lost against the Texters in a score of 103-85.In Game 3, they lost against the Texters in a score of 132-105. In Game 4, they outscored the Texters 105-83. In Game 5, they won against the Texters in a score of 93-80. In Game 6, they lost against the Texters 104-78. In Game 7 they had won against the Texters 85-73 and won the championship despite absence of Jay Washington, Lordy Tugade, Joseph Yeo and Rabeh Al-Hussaini. Ato Agustin is the 9th rookie coach to win a PBA Championship. Arwind Santos was crowned as the Finals MVP.
The Petron Blaze Boosters made some changes in their line-up for the 2011 PBA Draft; the boosters acquired #3 pick Chris Lutz together with Dondon Hontiveros and Carlo Sharma from the Barako Bull. In exchange, Barako Bull received the services of #8 pick Allein Maliksi, Sunday Salvacion, Mick Pennisi and future draft picks.
The Arrival of The Fearless Ronald Tubid
In 2013 Ronald was involved in a 5-TEAM, 10-PLAYER trade that sent him to Petron Blaze Boosters. The Blaze Boosters acquired Barako Bull top gun Ronald Tubid while giving away Jojo Duncil and Fil-Am rookie Alex Mallari and Petron’s 2014 first round pick. Before the start of the Governor's Cup, Petron traded Jay Washington to Globalport in exchange for Jason Deutchman and 2014 two 2nd round picks, and Dorian Pena plus 2013 2nd round pick to Barako Bull for Doug Kramer.
Petron - Air21 Trade
Petron and Air21 express completed a deal that sents Joseph Yeo to the Express for Mark Isip. Trade was approved by Comm. Salud.
Petron - Globalport Trade
Petron acquired Chris Ross from Globalport. Denok Miranda acquired by Globalport. The trade was approved by Comm. Salud (October 30, 2013)
Draft day trade
Petron traded Mark Isip together with Magi Sison for 5th overall pick of Barako. Petron traded it's 5th pick (originally from Barako) to Globalport for Yousef Taha.
Return to Championship Era
As announced on Monday by SMC President Ramon S. Ang, Petron Blaze Boosters will changed it's name back to San Miguel Beermen starting next conference (in the PBA Commissioners' Cup) as part of it's 25th Grand Slam Anniversary.
Current roster
Rosters
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Season-by-season records
- Records from the 2010–11 PBA season:
| Conf. | Team name | Elimination round | Playoffs | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finish | W | L | PCT | Stage | Results | ||
| PHI | San Miguel Beermen | 2nd/10 | 11 | 3 | .786 | Quarterfinals Semifinals Finals | San Miguel** 95, Air21 75 San Miguel 4, Barangay Ginebra 2 Talk 'N Text 4, San Miguel 2 |
| COM | 10th/10 | 2 | 7 | .222 | Did not qualify | ||
| GOV | Petron Blaze Boosters | 2nd/9 | 5 | 3 | .625 | Semifinals Finals | 2nd overall (8–5), 3–2 in semifinals Petron 4, Talk 'N Text 3 |
| Total elimination round | 18 | 13 | .581 | 2 semifinal appearances | |||
| Total playoffs | 16 | 9 | .640 | 2 Finals appearances | |||
| Total 2010–11 | 34 | 22 | .607 | 1 championship | |||
| Total franchise | 1,098 | 870 | .558 | 19 championships | |||
**team had the twice-to-beat advantage
Players of note
PBA's 25th anniversary all-time team
- Ato Agustin - "The Atom Bomb" named 1991 PBA Most Improved Player & 1992 PBA MVP as a member of the team. Now he is the new head coach of SMB.
- Lim Eng Beng - played for San Miguel in 1982
- Ricardo Brown - "The Quick Brown Fox" acquired by the team from Great Taste and played his final playing years with the team, the PBA's All-Time leader in average points with 23.1 ppg in his whole career.
- Allan Caidic - "The Triggerman" acquired in 1993 from the disbanding Presto Ice Cream, he played six seasons with the team and later became playing assistant coach.
- Hector Calma - "The Director" was a key point guard of the team during their glory years in the late-1980s. He is now the current Team Manager.
- Ramon Fernandez - "El Presidente"/"The Franchise" acquired from Purefoods in 1988, he won MVP honors that same year despite playing 1/3 of the season with the team. He played six more seasons with the team.
- Abet Guidaben - named 1987 PBA MVP as a member of the team
- Samboy Lim - "The Skywalker"/"The Dragon" played his whole career with San Miguel and was known for his fearless drives to the basket that often leads to injuries. He is one of the most popular figures in franchise history.
- Manny Paner - played for the team during the Royal Tru-Orange years and also during the Magnolia years.
- Benjie Paras - "The Tower of Power" made a short comeback in the PBA with the team in 2003.
Other notable players
- Freddie Abuda- "the Scavenger" is a 4-time Defensive Team member & 2-time Defensive Player of the Year in 1997 & 2000. He is the current assistant coach of the team.
- Rommel Adducul -"The General"
- Kiko Adriano
- Alfie Almario - team captain of the 1989 Grand Slam team.
- Paul Alvarez- "Mr. Excitement"
- Nelson Asaytono- "the Bull" / "the Dynamo"
- Vegildo "Gido" Babilonia- Became the team's starting center in 1995, following Ramon Fernandez' retirement.
- Noli Banate
- Nic Belasco
- Brandon Cablay
- Ricky Cui - A member of the 1989 Grand Slam team, one of the two acquisitions from the disbanded Manila Beer team in 1987.
- Anthony Dasalla - Best remembered for the punching incident with Billy Ray Bates in the San Miguel-Crispa game in 1983.
- Arturo "Art" dela Cruz- 3-time Defensive Team member & 1995 Defensive Player of the Year.
- Yves Dignadice- member of the 1989 Grand Slam team, known defensive stopper, played 13 seasons with the beermen from 1986-1998.
- Rudy Distrito - "the destroyer", played for Gold Eagle/Magnolia in 1984-85.
- Rob Duat
- Estoy Estrada
- Lordy Tugade
- Larry Fonacier
- Bryan Gahol
- Arnold Gamboa
- Wesley Gonzales
- Dante Gonzalgo - "the Bicol Express" played for Gold Eagle/Magnolia in 1984-85.
- Jeffrey Graves - member of the 1989 Grand Slam team.
- Dondon Hontiveros- "The Cebuano Hotshot" -2009 Member of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) 5000 Career Points Club. 2011 5th Member of the PBA 800 Three points Club. 12x PBA All-Star (2001, 2003–11). 3x PBA Champion (2004-2005, 2009, 2013). 2004-05 PBA Sportsmanship Award. 2007 PBA 3-Point Shootout Champion. 2008-09 PBA Mythical Second Team
- Alfredo "Pido" Jarencio- "the Fireman" - current assistant coach of the team.
- Robert "Bobby" Jose- "the Firecracker" was a member of the 1989 Grand Slam team. A PBA All Star during his rookie year.
- Abe King- "the Chairman of the Board", although played only one season, was considered the team's franchise player in 1984.
- Dwight Lago
- Rudy Lalota
- Federico "Bokyo" Lauchengco
- Renato "Etok" Lobo
- Joey Loyzaga - one of the two Loyzaga brothers, and son of the "Great Difference" Caloy Loyzaga.
- Yoyong Martirez - By 1982, one of the only 13 loyalist cagers who started on one team since the birth of the PBA in 1975.
- Joey Mente
- Jess Migalbin
- Mike Mustre
- Leo Paguntalan
- Marc Pingris
- Mick Pennisi
- Dong Polistico - Played his final five seasons with the beermen as back-up center.
- Franz Pumaren- "the Missile" was member of the 1989 Grand Slam team.
- Olsen Racela - "Rah-Rah" was the 1993 Mr. Quality Minutes, 4th member of 900 games club, 21st member of 2,000 assists club, 6-time mythical five, 3-time most improved player, 5-time all-star, Current head coach of RP U-16 men's basketball team, Current assistant coach of the team.
- Melchor "Biboy" Ravanes - played for San Miguel from 1980-1985 and return to the ballclub in 1992, currently the assistant coach of the team.
- Ferdinand "Bong" Ravena- 1992 PBA Rookie of the Year, spent two seasons with the beermen, often played reliever to the more established stars of the team.
- Dave Regullano
- Elmer Reyes - "Marco Polo" was member of the 1989 Grand Slam team.
- Marte Saldaña - "The Mighty Mite" was the 1982 PBA Rookie of the Year, a member of the 1982 champion team.
- Carlson Samlani - Once made a mistake of shooting the ball on the opponent's goal.
- Danny Seigle - 1999 PBA Rookie of the year, along with two-time MVP Danny Ildefonso, formed a fearsome combination, that led to the team's late 90s and early 2000 dynasty.
- Dale Singson
- Alvin Teng- "Robocop" was the 1988 PBA Most Improved Player, a member of the 1989 Grand Slam team, the 1993 PBA All Star MVP & 1993 PBA Defensive Player of the Year and a 4-time Defensive Team member, also the father of Jeric who played for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and Jeron who played for the De La Salle Green Archers of the UAAP.
- Siot Tanquingcen - Former Head Coach of San Miguel Beermen.
- Lewis Alfred Tenorio
- Tony Torrente
- Boybits Victoria
- Enrico Villanueva - "The Raging Bull"
- Jonas Villanueva - 2008-09 PBA Most Improved Player and 2009 PBA Fiesta Conference Finals MVP
- Willy Wilson
- Tonichi Yturri- member of the 1989 Grand Slam team.
Imports
- Mario Bennett
- John Best
- Carl Bird
- Norman Black - former head coach of the team. Steered to the 1989 Grand Slam.
- Chris Burgess
- Rick Calloway
- Nate Carter
- Cedric Ceballos
- Derrick Chievous
- Ace Custis
- Pat Durham
- Gabriel Freeman
- Frank Gugliotta
- Rico Hill
- Kwan Johnson
- Donnie Ray Koonce
- Art Long
- Amal McCaskill
- Otto Moore
- Richard Morton
- Andrew Moten
- Terquin Mott
- Bobby Parks
- Michael Phelps
- Larry Pounds
- Stephen Howard
- Larry Robinson
- Shea Seals
- Keith Smart
- Lamont Strothers
- Jay Taylor
- Kenny Travis
- Jeff Ward
- Jameel Watkins
- Ennis Whatley
- Ricky Wilson
- Galen Young
- Chris Williams
- Joe Wylie
- Nate Johnson
- Jeremy Wise
- Anthony Grundy
- Nick Fazekas
- Will Mcdonald
- Eddie Basden
- Marcus Faison
- Renaldo Balkman
- Elijah Millsap
Retired numbers
The retired numbers of Petron Blaze are hanging in the rafters of the Ynares Sports Arena, the home of ABL's San Miguel Beermen.
| Petron Blaze Boosters retired numbers | |||
| N° | Player | Position | Tenure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Allan Caidic | G | 1993-1998 [a] |
| 9 | Samboy Lim | G | 1987-1997 |
| 12 | Yves Dignadice | G | 1987-1997 |
| 14 | Hector Calma | G | 1986-1994 |
| 17 | Olsen Racela | G | 1997–2011 [b] |
| 19 | Ramon Fernandez | C | 1988-1995 [b] |
- a – retired during the 2000 PBA season after announcing Caidic's retirement. Jersey number retired together with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel[9]
- b – retired during the 2010-11 PBA season
- c – retired during the 1995 PBA season
Coaches
- Ignacio Ramos (1975–1977)
- Edgardo Ocampo (1977–1980)
- Tommy Manotoc (1981–1982)
- Nat Canson (1983–1984)
- Derrick Pumaren (1986)
- Norman Black (1985, 1987–1996)
- Ron Jacobs (1997–1998)
- Jong Uichico (1999–2006)
- Chot Reyes (2006–2007)
- Biboy Ravanes (2007-interim)
- Siot Tanquingcen (2002-interim, 2007–2010)
- Ato Agustin (2010–2012)
- Olsen Racela (2012–2013)
- Gee Abanilla (2013–present)
See also
- San Miguel Beermen (ABL)
- Petron Blaze Spikers Philippine Super Liga women's volleyball team
External links
- San Miguel Brewery, Beermen section
- Petron Blaze Boosters on Facebook
- Petron Blaze Boosters on Twitter
- Petron Blaze Boosters on Instagram
References
- ↑ http://mypba.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=4464
- ↑ http://mypba.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=778&st=10
- ↑ http://mypba.com/forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=778&view=findpost&p=205195
- ↑ http://mypba.com/forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=778&view=findpost&p=31524
- ↑ http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/9225/970301c.html&date=2009-10-25+07:06:03
- ↑ Philippine Basketball Association - ADDUCUL’S ILLNESS LEADS TO BIG 4-TEAM DEAL
- ↑ http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/215417/sports/from-smb-to-petron-beermen-to-carry-new-name-in-3rd-conference
- ↑ http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/12/16/sanmiguel-petron-idUSSGE6BF00F20101216
- ↑ San Miguel, Gins to retire Caidic's jersey, Nelson Beltran, The Philippine Star, February 13, 2000
| Preceded by (start) (returned from leave of absence) |
PBA teams genealogies 1975-1985 1986-present |
Succeeded by Alaska Milkmen present |
| Awards and achievements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by U/Tex Wranglers |
PBA Open Conference Champions 1979 |
Succeeded by U/Tex Wranglers |
| Preceded by N. Stoodley-USA |
PBA Invitational Conference Champions 1982 |
Succeeded by Great Taste Coffee Makers (1984) |
| Preceded by Tanduay Rhum Masters |
PBA Reinforced Conference Champions 1987-1989 |
Succeeded by Coca-Cola Tigers (2003) |
| Preceded by Tanduay Rhum Masters |
PBA Open Conference Champions 1988-1989 |
Succeeded by (last) |
| Preceded by Añejo Rhum 65ers Purefoods T.J. Hotdogs Coney Island Ice Cream Stars Alaska Milkmen |
PBA All-Filipino Cup Champions 1989 1992 1994 2001 |
Succeeded by Presto Tivoli Coney Island Ice Cream Stars Sunkist Orange Juicers Coca-Cola Tigers |
| Preceded by Crispa Redmanizers (1983) |
Grand Slam winners 1989 |
Succeeded by Alaska Milkmen (1996) |
| Preceded by (first) Shell Super Unleaded Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs |
PBA Governors Cup Champions 1993 1999-2000 2010-11 |
Succeeded by Alaska Milkmen Sta. Lucia Realtors Rain or Shine Elasto Painters |
| Preceded by Alaska Milkmen |
PBA Commissioner's Cup Champions 1999-2000 |
Succeeded by Red Bull Barako |
| Preceded by Barangay Ginebra Kings |
PBA Fiesta Conference Champions 2005 2009 |
Succeeded by Red Bull Barako Alaska Aces |
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