1999 Alaska Milkmen season

Draft pick

Direct hire

Summary

Alaska lost their first three games of the season but came back strongly and had an even four wins and four loss record after the first round of eliminations. The Milkmen were tied with Tanduay and Shell with nine wins and seven losses after 16 games and seeded second. Alaska were forced into a playoff by Purefoods but nonetheless prevailed over the Hotdogs in their do-or-die game to move into the best-of-five semifinal series against the Tanduay Rhum Masters. The Milkmen were beaten in four games and dethrone as champions by the returning PBA ballclub that had a strong frontline composed of powerhouse rookies Eric Menk and Sonny Alvarado.

Last year's best import Devin Davis will be playing his first full conference. The defending Commissioner's Cup champions raced on top of the standings with six wins and two losses and had no trouble making it to the next round. Alaska played their last season's championship rival San Miguel Beermen in the best-of-five semifinals. The Milkmen led the series, two games to one, but the Beermen bounces back by winning the last two games to enter in the finals series against Formula Shell as the Milkmen were booted out of the finals picture for the third straight conference.

Sean Chambers is playing in his 11th season in the league. Alaska won their last game in the Governors Cup eliminations against Shell to finish at the fourth spot and a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. They repeated over the Shell Turbo Chargers to enter in the semifinal series against top-seeded Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs. The Milkmen were able to retain their streak of a finals stint for the sixth straight season by scoring an easy 3-0 sweep over the Hotdogs as they once again battled their old rival San Miguel Beermen in the finals. Alaska lost in the Governors Cup finals in six games to the Beermen, which swept the last three games for a 4-2 series victory. Main article: 1999 PBA Governors Cup finals

Notable dates

March 7: Johnny Abarrientos torch the nets for 22 of his 35 points in the second half in carrying the undermanned Alaska five on his back for a classic 88-87 come-from-behind win over Tanduay Gold Rhum as the Milkmen continued their win streak to three games after a 0-3 start.

March 19: Alaska welcomes the return of all-star forward Bong Hawkins and scored a masterful 88-79 victory over San Miguel and tied the Beermen's won-loss record at 4-4.

March 24: Alaska pulled off an amazing 85-83 squeaker over Purefoods courtesy of Kenneth Duremdes' buzzer-beating 15-foot jumper.

Roster

(*) Started playing in the Governors' Cup

Transactions

Recruited imports

References

References

1. "Abarrientos cuts down to size Tanduay's giants". Manila Standard.
2. "Return of 'the Hawk' a big boost for Alaska". Manila Standard.
3. "Milkmen bucks PF's Segova in scary win". Manila Standard.