The 2001 Tanduay Rhum Masters season was the 3rd and final season of the franchise in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Draft picks
Transactions Players Added Via Draft Oliver Agapito Ricky Calimag David Friedhof Via Free Agency Bonel Balingit (From the MBA) Rommel Santos (From Shell Turbo Chargers) Via Trade Bong Hawkins (From Alaska Aces in exchange for a future draft pick) Wynne Arboleda (From Pop Cola Panthers) Noli Locsin (From Pop Cola Panthers) Dindo Pumaren (From Purefoods TJ Hotdogs on March 7)Players Lost Via Free Agency Jorge Gallent Jaime Gayoso Bobby Jose Jomer Rubi Via Trade Rudy Hatfield (To Pop Cola Panthers) Pido Jarencio (To Pop Cola Panthers)
Occurrences Purefoods coach Derrick Pumaren didn't renew his contract with the Hotdogs and has moved over to become the new head coach of Tanduay Rhum Masters, replacing Alfrancis Chua.
During the off-season, Tanduay tendered an offer sheet to the league's two-time MVP, San Miguel center Danny Ildefonso. The contract stipulated P96 million in 16 years which was met by stiff criticisms from the PBA Commissioner's Office. The Rhum Masters were ordered to rework the deal but instead of coming up with a revised offer sheet, Tanduay simply gave up in their bid to get Ildefonso.
Purefoods guard Dindo Pumaren, who played eight games with the Hotdogs during the All-Filipino Cup, was acquired by Tanduay upon his desire to play alongside his brother-coach, Purefoods shipped him to the Rhum Masters in favor of a future trade pick.
Fil-Am Eric Menk was not allowed to play in the first two conferences as he awaits a confirmation from the Department of Justice regarding his status.
Tanduay sold its franchise to Airfreight 2100 the following year, giving away their top players first by trading them to other teams.
Roster
Team Manager: Chito Bugia
Eliminations (Won games) DATE OPPONENT SCORE VENUE (Location) February 9 Sta.Lucia 76–62 Philsports Arena February 23 Red Bull 71–66 Ynares Center March 4 Sta.Lucia 88–85 Philsports Arena March 21 Alaska 90–84 Philsports Arena April 4 San Miguel 92–79 Philsports Arena June 8 Sta.Lucia 83–76 Philsports Arena June 24 Alaska 87–81 Araneta Coliseum July 11 Purefoods 83–77 Philsports Arena September 14 Swift 96–93 Philsports Arena October 10 Purefoods 114–89 Araneta Coliseum October 24 Shell 81–78 Philsports Arena November 2 San Miguel 92–90 *OT Cuneta Astrodome November 7 Talk 'N Text 99–82 Araneta Coliseum
References