IT was around this time three decades ago when Presto, a mix of experienced players and promising young talents, gathered steam for an epic run that would be climaxed by a classic triumph over the Alvin Patrimonio-led Purefoods team in one of the most memorable PBA finales.
It's the 1990 PBA All-Filipino ruled by the Tivolis even with top gun Allan Caidic relegated to being a cheerer, his injured hand on a sling during the winner-take-all Game Seven then at the Ultra (now PhilSports Arena) in Pasig.
Caidic was averaging more than 20 points a game when he got hurt in Game Six and thus would be sidelined in the most important game of the tournament.
Alas, the Tivolis never cowered and went unperturbed.
They came out ready for a shootout in the do-or-die, and did outgun a jolted Purefoods side in a mind-boggling 115-96 victory to claim what would be the franchise's final crown before folding up at the end of the 1992 season.
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"Na-injure si Allan (Caidic) sa Game Six and so underdog kami. Ang tingin ng halos lahat, talo na kami," recalled Gerry Esplana, among the youngsters in the Tivoli squad of coach Jimmy Mariano versus the talent-laden Purefoods team of coach Baby Dalupan.
"Kaso nag-step up lahat lalo na si Arnie Tuadles, at na-off balanced ang depensa at preparasyon ng Purefoods," added Esplana during his appearance at The Link podcast of veteran sportswriter Rey Joble.
Looking back, Esplana said Presto then also had quite a cast.
"Kumpletos rekados din yun sa amin, magandang balanse ng mga beterano at rookies," said Esplana.
"Yung mga beterano namin brainy, sina Abe King, Manny Victorino at yung pinakahahangaan ko si Arnie Tuadles. Nandon din sina Padim Israel, Onchie dela Cruz, Joy Carpio at Willie Generalao," he added.
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Esplana said their veterans' willingness to welcome and watch the back of the youngsters made them tick.
For Esplana, it's a help lift towards winning the season's Rookie of the Year award.
He remembered being hit by Dong Polistico while going for a layup in a tune-up at the Acropolis Gym in Pasig, and King coming in to take the cudgel and hit back at the then Alaska Milk giant.
"Sa kanila kapag rookie ka, laro ka lang, nandito kami para sayo. Tataas ang morale ng rookie," said Esplana of his experience with the Presto veterans.
"Presto lang ang team na lumalaban noon sa Ginebra. Pagkalaban namin ang Ginebra, may panapat kami sa lahat. Nandyan si Abe King, Manny Victorino at Onchie dela Cruz. Kung duruan, di mo maduduro ang Presto," Esplana added.
And the Tivolis definitely made good use of that character in their 1990 All-Filipino title run. (SB)
