Purefoods PBA Players 1990: Where Are They Now and Their Career Highlights
I still remember the crisp sound of sneakers squeaking on the polished court floors back in 1990, when Purefoods Hotdogs made their memorable PBA debut. That semifinal duel scheduled at 12:50 p.m. on Saturday, Manila Time, became etched in basketball history, and frankly, I've been fascinated by what happened to those pioneering players ever since. Having followed Philippine basketball for over three decades, I've developed particular admiration for how these athletes transitioned from their playing days into remarkably diverse post-career paths.
When Purefoods entered the league in 1990, they assembled what I consider one of the most interesting rosters in PBA history. Alvin Patrimonio, the team's legendary captain, wasn't just a phenomenal scorer—he was the heart and soul of that squad. I've always argued that his career highlights surpass most modern players, with his four MVP awards and 18 All-Star selections standing as testament to his incredible consistency. What many forget is that he scored exactly 15,091 points throughout his career, a number I find astonishing even today. After retiring, Patrimonio remained with the Purefoods franchise, now known as Magnolia, serving as team manager. I've had the pleasure of interviewing him several times, and his basketball IQ remains as sharp as ever—he's simply transitioned his leadership from the court to the front office.
Then there's Jerry Codiñera, whom I regard as the most underrated big man of his generation. His defensive presence was something to behold—1,132 blocked shots doesn't even tell the full story of his rim protection. Unlike Patrimonio, Codiñera ventured into coaching after his playing days, serving as an assistant for various PBA teams before finding his way to the University of the Philippines men's basketball program. I've followed his coaching career closely, and while he's more reserved than some of his former teammates, his technical knowledge of post play remains exceptional.
The backcourt duo of Jojo Lastimosa and Glenn Capacio brought a different kind of magic to that team. Lastimosa, with his clutch shooting in critical moments, particularly during that famous semifinal series, became one of my personal favorites. His career trajectory after playing surprised me—he moved into coaching and eventually became team governor of the Alaska Aces, showing business acumen I hadn't anticipated. Capacio took a similar path, though he focused more on the technical side of coaching, eventually leading Far Eastern University to multiple UAAP championships. What's fascinating to me is how these guards translated their court vision into strategic leadership roles.
Dindo Pumaren, the speedy point guard, took what I consider the most unexpected path—entering politics as councilor of Quezon City's second district. I've spoken with him about this transition, and he admitted basketball prepared him for public service in ways he never anticipated. His brother Franz, though not on that specific Purefoods roster, would later coach the team, creating what I see as a beautiful full-circle moment for the Pumaren basketball legacy.
Some players from that roster maintained lower profiles after retirement. Rey Evangelista, the reliable forward, quietly transitioned into business ventures outside basketball, while Bong Ravena focused on coaching and eventually saw his sons follow in his footsteps into the PBA—a development that genuinely warms my heart as someone who values basketball lineage. What strikes me about these players is how their post-career choices reflect their playing styles—the flashy scorers often remained in the spotlight, while the role players typically pursued quieter paths.
The coaching staff from that era deserves mention too. Baby Dalupan, the legendary mentor, continued influencing Philippine basketball until his passing in 2016, while assistant coach Chot Reyes evolved into one of the most successful—and controversial—coaches in recent memory. I've had my disagreements with some of Reyes' strategies over the years, but his impact on the game is undeniable.
Looking back, what impresses me most isn't just their individual accomplishments—though Patrimonio's 15,091 points and Codiñera's 1,132 blocks certainly stand out—but how these players collectively shaped Philippine basketball culture. Their professionalism during that inaugural Purefoods season set standards that influenced generations of players who followed. When I watch modern PBA games, I still see echoes of their playing styles in today's stars.
The legacy of that 1990 Purefoods team extends far beyond statistics and championship banners. They demonstrated that basketball careers could evolve into meaningful second acts—whether in coaching, business, or public service. As someone who has chronicled Philippine basketball for decades, I find their stories particularly compelling because they represent both a specific era in sports history and timeless lessons about transition and reinvention. That Saturday semifinal game at 12:50 p.m. Manila Time wasn't just another basketball match—it was the beginning of narratives that would unfold across decades, both on and off the court.
