The List: Top 10 Players in Purefoods history

Since entering the league in 1988, Purefoods has been the PBA’s glamour team. The retirement of Alvin Patrimonio and the name change from Purefoods to B-MEG has barely dampened the passion of fans for the team. In the initial installment of The List, a new regular feature on InterAKTV, we count down the ten greatest players in franchise history.

But before we get to the Top 10, here are some honorable mentions:

Peter June Simon

(2004-present)

A former MBA Discovery of the Year and PBL Most Valuable Player, Simon has spent most of his career as a super-sub backing up James Yap at the shooting guard spot. With the departure of Ryan Gregorio, Simon has found more time in the starting lineup.

Elmer Cabahug

(1991-1993)

Cabahug was part of the trade that sent Jojo Lastimosa to Alaska, and quickly gave Purefoods the lethal outside gunner they needed to open things up for Alvin Patrimonio and Jerry Codiñera down low. He had the best years of his career with the Hotdogs, but left acrimoniously because of contract issues with the management.

Noy Castillo

(2000-2008)

Castillo was Purefoods’ star player during the team’s dark ages, straddling the period when Patrimonio was no longer dominant, and James Yap hadn’t found his groove in the pro league yet. “The Golden Boy” had a happy ending toward the end of his career, helping the team as a role player win the 2006 Philippine Cup title.

Ramon Fernandez

(1988)

The legendary “El President” was Purefoods’ first superstar after the Ayala squad bought the old Tanduay franchise, but his term didn’t last long. He led the Hotdogs to championship appearances in their first two conferences, but was shipped to San Miguel after accusations that he didn’t play his best during the 1988 All-Filipino finals against arch-rivals Robert Jaworski and Añejo.

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