Topics on Crispa's twin grandslam success in 1976 and 1983, Toyota's 16-second collapse in Game 5 of their Finals series against U/Tex, among others have been retold over the past couple of weeks. For my contribution, allow me to list down the 5 greatest imports of Crispa and Toyota who have significantly contributed to the excitement of their heated rivarly.
Crispa:
Bubbling Under: Glenn Hagan (1982 Reinforced Conference runner-up)
Glenn Hagan blocking Toyota's Sonny Jaworski's layup (photo c/o Crispa Redmanizers FB page)
5. Larry Demic (one championship)
This choice might surprise several fans especially since Demic was never known as a prolific import. Apart from that, he was a replacement for the more offensive-minded DeWayne Jay Scales and didn't exactly post huge numbers. But Demic was a logical choice because he became the perfect complement to Billy Ray Bates, the more heralded reinforcement in Crispa's 1983 Open Conference campaign. Unlike Scales who oftentimes got Bates off rhythm on offense because he needed the ball to be effective, Demic was the silent, more efficient type who loved to do the dirty job inside.
The former #9 pick of the 1979 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, Demic essayed a defensive role, ideal in a Tommy Manotoc system. Because Demic was willing to play the secondary role and give way to Bates' amazing talents, the combination worked perfectly, allowing Crispa to sweep their Finals series against Norman Black and the Great Taste Coffeemakers and winning their second grandslam. His one-on-one defense against GTC's big import, Dawann Scott, was a key factor in Crispa's series dominance.
Larry Demic in NBA action for the NY Knicks against Chicago's David Greenwood and Roger Brown
Another legitimate first round NBA draftee, the 11th in the 1978 NBA Draft, by the New Orleans Jazz, gave Crispa fans so much hope at the start of the 1981 Open Conference after several debacles. The Redmanizers have not won an import-flavored conference the past 3 seasons, their last being the 1977 Open Conference that had Cyrus Mann and good buddy, Ricky Hicks, reinforcing them. Hardy had all the impressive credentials, and he played true to form from the getgo, towing the team to a league-leading 13-5 record after the elimination round. More importantly, Crispa had reason to feel good as they finally found a player who can match up against Toyota's Andrew Fields, who by then was regarded as the gold standard among big imports. Hardy not only posted impressive numbers but more importantly, served as Crispa's anchor on defense with his shot-blocking skills.
It was unfortunate that Hardy suddenly "disappeared" in the Finals series against Toyota (their last one in PBA history), forcing Coach Baby Dalupan to give more floor burn for erstwhile Toyota import, Byron "Snake" Jones. A shadow of his old self, many fans speculated that Hardy was already disinterested after reports came out that the now Utah Jazz was offering him a contract to fly back to the US to play for them during the off season. Hardy was obviously the missing link in the Finals won by the Super Diesels, 3-2, and many believed that if Hardy played true to form, Crispa would have won that series.
3. Al Green (one championship)
The PBA introduced the first Reinforced Conference in 1981 which featured a height limit for imports. 4 teams were allowed to bring in imports no taller than 6'5, 4 other teams were allowed up to 6'3 imports, while Toyota and Crispa were given a 6'1 handicap. The Redmanizers brought in the high-flying Al Green, a 3rd round draft pick of the Phoenix Suns in the 1979 NBA Draft, and never regretted their decision. It turned out that despite his diminutive size, Green played taller than his height because of his high-leaping abilities. He was an exciting player who can dunk the ball authoritatively and can penetrate the lanes easily because of his athleticism and speed.
Many felt Green's presence would impact negatively on Crispa's local rotation but Coach Baby opted to use Green more at either SG or SF, allowing Atoy Co and Bernie Fabiosa to retain their minutes. A tenacious defender with a knack for coming up with timely interceptions, Green compensated for his lack of shooting ability with his daring drives and open court basketball wizardry. He led the Redmanizers to a splendid Game 3 victory, 116--112 over the U/Tex Wranglers courtesy of back-to-back and one plays against 6'3 import, Leroy Jackson, catapulting Crispa to a crucial 2-1 lead, before winning Game 4, 124-119, to win the first Reinforced tournament.
2. Cyrus Mann (three championships)
Cyrus Mann is regarded as the first dominant import ever to play in the PBA. Mann first played as part of the visiting Palmeiras team of Brazil who came over for a series of exhibition games against PBA teams back in 1975, Coach Dalupan and team manager Danny Floro were in unison that they needed an imposing defensive presence inside and the 6'10 Mann fitted the bill. He joined Crispa in tandem with Bill Bunton in the 1976 Open (2nd) Conference and quickly made his presence felt, particularly on the defensive end. He ruled the interior, blocking every single shot available and collared the boards menacingly. While his PBA averages weren't exactly eye-popping (18 ppg and 13 rpg), it was his shot-blocking ability that made him a feared adversary as tall imports like Bill Bozeat of YCO/Tanduay and Dan Knight of U/Tex found out.
The former 4th round pick of the Boston Celtics in the 1975 NBA Draft, the then 20-year mastodon powered Crispa to its first grandslam in the 1976 season. He became a three-time champion in the 1977 Open Conference when he practically served as Crispa's lone import the entire conference as his good friend, Ricky Hicks, turned out to be a lemon, going up against the likes of John Irving and Sky King of Toyota and Snake Jones of U/Tex. Mann came back in 1978 and 1979 but there were reports that he was already a junkie, forcing Floro to fire him after failing to lead Crispa in the 1979 Open Conference Finals. No one can argue though that Mann was the first gold standard among all imports in the PBA as he was perfect for Crispa's high-octane offense with his natural yet superlative defensive abilities.
Cyrus Mann double-teamed by U/Tex's Dan Knight and Danny Florencio (photo c/o Crispa Floro Redmanizers FB page)
1. Billy Ray Bates (two championships)
This was the easiest choice as Bates is regarded as the greatest PBA import of all-time, and no one even comes close. Much has been said about the Black Superman's exploits, but did you know that Coach Tommy Manotoc once described the 6'3 former 3rd round pick of the Houston Rockets in the 1978 NBA Draft as only 70% of his real game when he first played in the Philippines in 1983? In 1980, while playing for the Portland Trailblazers, Bates averaged an impressive 25 ppg in the playoffs and even improved on this by averaging a scintillating 28.3 in the succeeding playoff season - it remains to be a franchise record for the Rip City. Bates was so dominant in the PBA that he led Crispa to 12 straight victories in the Reinforced (2nd) Conference before losing to the Donnie Ray Koonce-led San Miguel Beer team.
Management had problems with Bates' nocturnal activities as he was often seen in various nightclubs consuming gallons of liquor almost every night. Yet, Bates remained dominant, scoring in the 50's regularly while toying around with the defense given to him. There were occasions when his superstar teammates would feel frustrated as Bates hogged the offense. Yet, despite the thin line they were treading, the team was able to find ways to achieve their common objective. And Bates only knew too well that nothing less than giving Crispa its second grandslam was the ultimate target.
Toyota:
Bubbling Under: John Irving (1977 Open and Invitational Conferences champion)
John Irving going for a dunk against U/Tex's Byron "Snake" Jones (photo c/o Toyota Tamaraws FB page)
5. Byron "Snake" Jones (two championships)
Jones first played in the PBA in the pioneer conference when the league allowed the teams to be reinforced by imports in the All Filipino. Only a few teams availed of the privilege - Mariwasa brought in Israel "Cisco" Oliver, U/Tex with Charlie Walker, and Toyota with Jones. Jones' presence was more than enough to give the Comets the conference crown, upending Crispa 3-1 in their best of 5 series.
Jones was extremely prolific anywhere from the perimeter, converting medium range jumpers and snaring rebounds to jumpstart Toyota's vaunted transition game. He continued his dominance in the second conference, steering Toyota to a back-to-back championship at the expense of Crispa once more. This time around, Jones proved his overall worth, averaging 20 ppg, more than the combined scoring of Crispa's import pair of Pete Crotty and Johnny Burks who can only muster 18.33 collectively. Jones was the side A of Toyota's pair of reinforcements as Stan "Sweet" Cherry merely averaged less than 6ppg in the finals. A fifth round pick of the Boston Celtics in the 1973 NBA Draft, the 6'8 southpaw was particularly strong on the left side as the Redmanizers couldn't find a defensive antidote against him. He played on for 3 more conferences for the Silverio franchise, averaging 16.9 in 1975 and 19.7 the year after, but failed to win a title again for the team. Jones' memorable performance with Toyota was the reason why other PBA teams hired his services - U/Tex in 1977 and 1978 (including their first title in the 1978 Open), Honda Hagibis in 1980, and Crispa in 1980 and 1981.
4. Donnie Ray Koonce (two championships)
The Toyota Silver Corollas started the 1982 season on a high note, defeating Crispa in the second game of the opening twinbill, 111-110. Since the team failed to reach the Finals in the previous year's reinforced conference, they were allowed to suit up a 6'3 import while Crispa and U/Tex were forced to field imports no taller than 6'1. Arnold Dugger was Coach Ed Ocampo's original pick, but after 6 games, he was replaced by a 22-year old jewel from North Carolina named Donnie Ray Koonce. Koonce, who earlier was drafted in the 4th round by the Detroit Pistons in the 1981 NBA Draft, turned out to be the do-it-all import that the team was looking for. His ability to play 4 positions was proof of his overall versatility and skills, and it was evident when they swept YCO/Tanduay in the quarterfinals and a 3-2 series victory over their arch rivals in the semifinals to set up a showdown against the Norman Black-powered San Miguel Beermen.
The two teams duked it out in their Best of 7 series, ultimately won by Toyota, 4-3. Koonce topscored for the Silver Corollas in 3 of those 7 games, but none mattered more than the 13 of his 27 made in the 4th quarter of Game 7 that gave them the championship, 101-95. Koonce played in the Asian Invitationals and the Open Conference, teaming up with Andy Fields in the last conference as they won their second title for the season, sweeping Gilbey's Gin, 3-0. Koonce again proved to be the pivotal player in the Finals, scoring 31 in the second game and leading a fiery rally in the second quarter of Game 3. He was later named the conference's Best Import. He ended his Toyota campaign with a team high 26.37 ppg average in 62 games. It wasn't a surprise to see DRK come back and play for SMB in the 1983 season and for Alaska in 1986.
3. Bruce "Sky" King (three championships)
Toyota's longest resident import, King played for the Tamaraws from 1977 to 1980, a total of 8 conferences, and won three. King was the prototype stretch 4, when the term was non-existent back then. He was extremely prolific, and once scored 72 points for the team in a game back in 1977, making most of his baskets from the perimeter and later, beyond the three point line when this rule took effect in 1980. It was also his ability to knock down those jumpers that made him a defensive nightmare for the opposing teams as it forced the interior to open up and allow the other bigs to score. Which was why whenever King played simultaneously with another import during the game, Toyota would be the odds-on favorites. From 1977 to 1979, King played with John Irving, Carl Terry and Andy Fields and won all the Invitational Conferences. In 1980, they placed a close second behind guest team Nicholas Stoodley, losing in a competitive Best of 3 series.
Coach Dante Silverio made sure that King was partnered with a dominant interior player to complement each other's games. The former University of Iowa standout was also a perfect fit for Toyota's run-and-gun game, as King would normally be a recipient in the break from the outlet passes of his teammates. Up to 1980, this former Hawkeye was the longest serving import for one particular team, a testament to his valuable contribution to the franchise. Curiously, fans will remember King most for his unique jersey number - he remains to be the only player in the PBA to don a 3-digit jersey - 111 - in the 1979 season. Previous to that, he used to wear #11 but when Arnie Tuadles came in and used that number, King opted for 111. He ended his PBA career in 1980 wearing jersey #43. He will be enshrined as perhaps Toyota's most memorable import of all time because of longevity and the 3 titles given to the franchise. King passed away a few years ago from a heart attack.
2. Carl Terry (one championship)
Not too many fans would remember the blizzard named Carlos Fernando Terry (how teammate Abe King calls him) when he came in as a replacement for the ineffective TJ Robinson in the middle of the 1978 Open Conference. Coach Dante Silverio took a huge risk as he gave up his tallest import ever, the 6'11 Robinson, for his shortest import ever, the 6'5 Terry, to partner with King. Turned out to be a providential and sage move as Terry ran amuck as a dominant force inside, all 210 pounds of him. Terry more than made up for his lack of ceiling with his brute force, his incredible agility, his nose for the ball when getting rebounds, and his gazelle-like speed when completing the transition.
Terry astonished everyone as he was regarded at that time as perhaps the greatest import to have played in the PBA in its first 4 seasons. He's a Winston-Salem State alumnus, and was drafted in the 5th round by the Los Angeles Lakers, although he didn't get to wear the purple and gold jersey. Instead, he took his act to the Philippines and created a storm. Terry was so good that in one game against the Crispa Redmanizers, relief slotman Jimmy Javier tore off Terry's #42 jersey in his vain effort to stop Terry from grabbing the rebound. Terry may have arrived a little late in replacing Robinson, as Crispa and U/Tex snatched the two finals seats, later won by the Wranglers. But Terry led the Tamaraws to a convincing 3-1 Finals series victory against the Tanduay Esquires, topscoring in Games 3 and 4 with 41 and 36, respectively. It was unfortunate that Terry never came back to play for Toyota or for any other team after as he inked a contract to play for the Washington Bullets in 1980, averaging 7.2 points, 4.5 boards, 2.7 dimes and 1.0 steal per game for the defending runners-up. Terry passed away in 1989 at 32 years old from a car accident.
1. Andy Fields (three championships)
PBA fans were surprised to learn Toyota was not bringing back John, "Dr. I, Irving or Carl Terry for the 1979 Open Conference to tandem with "Sky" King as part of their title retention campaign. Instead, they brought in a little-known, albeit, former playoff MVP of Cheyney State in the NCAA Division II. Fields, barely 22 years old that time, was actually drafted in the 2nd round of the 1979 NBA Draft by the Portland Trailblazers but failed to secure a contract, paving the way for his Philippine stint. It turned out quite eventful, giving his mother team 3 championships and winning the first Best Import Award given out in the 1981 season.
Fields was the prototype big man for the PBA. He was a lean and muscular 200 lbs, fitted in his 6'9 frame. A cerebral and clutch player, Fields was equally athletic and skillful, but was also one of the baddest shotblockers ever. To date, he remains the league's record holder for most blocks in a game with 13 in a phenomenal triple double performance in an elimination game against Crispa back in 1981. And because he was equally a phenomenal rebounder, posting a PBA career average of 15.5 boards per game, he was the catalyst of Toyota's transition with his pinpoint baseball passes to the streaking Arnie Tuadles, Francis Arnaiz, Abe King or even Bruce King for the easy lay-in or dunk. Fields gave Toyota 3 championships, none more important than the 1981 Open Conference when he was the primary figure when they beat their arch rivals in the Finals - the last championship series between the two protagonists. He was supposed to come back and play for ex-teammate and now Ginebra playing coach Robert Jaworski in the 1985 Open Conference but had a previous commitment for another team. He will be remembered as the greatest defensive player ever to play in the PBA as well as the gold standard for all teams when recruiting tall imports. More importantly, he will be remembered as the greatest import ever to play for the Silverio franchise.
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