1985 Tanduay Rhum Makers season

Summary

The Tanduay Rhum Makers had a massive build-up of their rosters from last season, acquiring Crispa stars Abet Guidaben, Padim Israel and Freddie Hubalde, signed former rookie of the year winner Willie Generalao and returning to its fold was forward Victor Sanchez, only six players were left from the team that participated in two conferences last year. In the Open Conference, Tanduay had the returning Merlin Wilson as their import, who played for this same ballclub way back in 1979. The Rhum Makers rallied from 21 points down to beat newcomer Shell Azodrin, 103-101 in overtime, in the first game of the season on March 3, after two games, Wilson was replaced by David Pope. Tanduay clinch the first two semifinal seats along with Great Taste with similar 8-4 won-loss slates after the eliminations. During the semifinals, the Rhum Makers bombed out and didn't win any single match, losing all their six assignments. Tanduay placed fourth, losing to guest team Northern Consolidated in six games in their series for third place.

Tanduay were locked in a three-way race for the second finals berth along with Shell Azodrin and Ginebra San Miguel during the All-Filipino Conference, with defending champion Great Taste on top of the standings and nailed the first finals seat. The Rhum Makers won their first two assignments in the semifinal round but lost the remaining four that put them out of contention, the heartbreaking losses in their final two games were against Shell, 116-119 in overtime on August 6, where Abet Guidaben scored a personal-high 42 points, and Great Taste, 116-117 on August 8. Tanduay placed third in the All-Filipino Conference, winning via superior quotient over Ginebra with their series tied at two wins each.

Enlisted Ronnie Valentine as their import for the Reinforced Conference. After the first round of eliminations with Tanduay having only one win in six games, a blockbuster trade took place sending their center Abet Guidaben to Manila Beer in favor of Ramon Fernandez. On October 1, Fernandez debut in Tanduay uniform in the Rhum Makers' 106-112 loss to Magnolia. Coach Orly Castelo was assigned by the ballclub to be the team's athletic director and was replaced by former Gilbey's coach Arturo Valenzona, going into their last two games in the elimination round. Valenzona's debut as the Rhum Makers' coach was spoiled by Manila Beer in a 110-112 loss on October 15, two days after, Tanduay enters the quarterfinal round with a 133-124 win over Ginebra San Miguel. The Rhum Makers with a 4-8 won-loss slate had a slim chance of making it to the semifinals, they were ousted by Great Taste and split their last two assignments.

Roster

_{Team Manager: Eddie Rivera}