Beyond The Game

Pampanga Dragons' first MBA title remembered after 25 years

By Brian Joseph N. Yalung

The Pampanga Dragons own the bragging rights for being the first Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) champion on October 31, 1998. They turned back a stubborn Negros Slashers quintet in Game 5, 89-85, at the San Fernando Sports Complex then, wrapping up the best of seven series 4-1.

However, it was a game that the Dragons had to work for. They found themselves down by as much as 16 points, 56-40, in the third quarter but managed to claw back against the Slashers. Leading the charge were Renato Agustin and Gherome Ejercito, someone who found a way to play despite being under dextrose the previous night.

After overhauling the deficit, the Dragons and the Slashers engaged in a close match from there. Aside from Agustin and Ejercito, other players who stepped up include Long David, Ato Morano, and Dave Bautista.

The turning point for the Dragons

It was David’s three-point play against Jack Tanuan with 54.7 seconds left in the game that started the turning point. His effort gave the Dragons its first taste of the lead at the stage, 85-84.

Johnedel Cardel of the Slashers tied the count at 85-all after splitting his charities before Agustin put on the finishing touches. He made a crucial basket and capped up that game with two important free throws, giving the Dragons the distinction of being the first-ever MBA title.

"Nung naramdaman naming na medyo pagod na sila, doon na kami nag step-up,” Agustin said at the time. “Hiningi ko na talaga ang bola at nag-isolation na kami,” he added.

The late Aric del Rosario was the coach of the Dragons at that time. Winning the first-ever MBA title right in front of his hometown was something to remember, a reason why he wept in joy after the game.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga player ko at sa lahat sa aking mga kababayan dito sa Pampanga dahil sa suporta nila,” del Rosario stated. “Para sa inyong lahat ito.”

Aside from Agustin, Bautista, David, Ejercito, and Morano, other members of that MBA champion squad were Eric Gascon, Andy De Guzman, Bryant Punzalan, Norman Gonzales, Udoy Belmonte, Nonoy Pido, Egay Ignacio, Ariel Garcia, Rolof Liangco, Billy Bansil, Willy Mejia and Lester del Rosario.

The reserves for the team at the time were Ariel Reyes, Roehl Culala, Arnold Padaong, and Roland Pascual.

The Dragons were owned by Anton Gonzales. Gil Cortez and Jimbo Reverente served as team manager and assistant team manager, respectively.

Further, del Rosario had Ompong Segura and Romy Lopez serving as his assistant coaches at the time.

Pampanga Dragons reunite after 25 years

The Pampanga Dragons are set to hold a huge reunion on December 7 in Pampanga as they celebrate their 25th Silver Anniversary. The key players and personnel who contributed to that MBA title conquest will be around as most try to recall the good old days.

“I'm very proud of this team because I have very fond memories with these talented and kind-hearted players. We are all blessed to be together celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Pampanga Dragons’ first MBA national championship. It is a privilege and a blessing,” Cortez said.

Familiar names will also grace the occasion, people who were able to cover and witness the MBA back then. That list includes Bill Velasco, Severino Sarmenta, Charlie Cuna, Jay Mercado, Dodo Catacutan, and yours truly.