Cone looks back on dynastic Alaska team as Hawkins, Cariaso make PBA 50 Greatest
MANILA, Philippines – As more members of the dynastic Alaska Milkmen of the 1990s made the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players, former head coach Tim Cone raved about the “unique” team.
Rugged forward Bong Hawkins and skillful swingman Jeff Cariaso were two of the 10 new additions to the list in time for the league’s 50th founding anniversary as they joined their former Alaska teammates Johnny Abarrientos and Jojo Lastimosa in the exclusive club.
“No doubt, was a special team who dominated the ’90s and had a unique chemistry and camaraderie about them,” Cone told Rappler in an interview.
Alaska became just the third franchise after Crispa (1976 and 1983) and San Miguel (1989) to complete the Triple Crown in 1996 and fell a title short of replicating the feat in 1998.
For Cone, the arrival of Hawkins in 1993 through a trade from Sta. Lucia helped the Milkmen reach a new level.
“Bong was our MIP (Most Important Player). He was the one that brought everything together. He guarded the best players of those days (Alvin Patrimonio, Nelson Asaytono, and Benjie Paras) along with the bigger imports,” recalled Cone.
“Plus, on offense, he was a stickler in our execution. He flawlessly executed the triangle (offense) and demanded such from his teammates,” he continued.
“It was hard to fully express how important he was to the success of that team. It was immeasurable.”
Cariaso, the Rookie of the Year in 1995, completed the puzzle as he changed the way the Milkmen were able to get out on the fastbreak.
He was also an outstanding defender who could put speedbumps on opposing imports such as Kenny Travis of San Miguel.
“They were great individually, but they were greater collectively. I was honored to be a part of them,” said Cone, who won 12 of his record 25 championships with Alaska. – Rappler.com