The 1990 Formula Shell Zoom Masters season was the 6th season of the franchise in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Known as Shell Rimula-X beginning the Third Conference.
Contents
Awards
Summary
Three-time best import Bobby Parks, who led Shell to runner-up finishes twice, is on his third stint with the Zoom Masters. Parks accepted the role as import-coach of the team. He won his first game as playing coach with Shell routing Presto, 126-105 on February 20. The Zoom Masters were unbeaten in their first four games before losing to Alaska. After the eliminations, Shell tops Group A standings with an 8-2 won-loss slate and same card with Añejo Rum in Group B. The Zoom Masters clinch the first finals seat on April 22 with their 13th win in 16 games, beating Presto Tivoli, 114-111. Formula Shell emerged with the best record of 14 wins and 4 losses and arrange a title showdown with the league's most popular team Añejo Rum 65. The explosive and riotous championship series in the First Conference ended in a walkout by the 65ers in the second quarter of Game Six, Shell on top, 62-47, with 2:52 remaining. The Zoom Masters won their first-ever PBA title since joining the league in 1985 with a 4-2 series win.
Assistant coach Arlene Rodriguez, who has taken the coaching job from Bobby Parks during the First Conference finals following the protest by the Basketball coaches of the Philippines (BCOP) against hiring American coaches, failed to lead the Zoom Masters past the eliminations in the All-Filipino Conference, placed sixth with a 3-7 won-loss slate.
In the Third Conference, the team was known as Shell Rimula-X. The Turbo Chargers were blown out in their first game by Purefoods Hotdogs, 126-146 on September 30, despite 52 points each from Bobby Parks and his partner Kevin Williams. Shell scored seven straight wins for solo leadership at 7-1 before losing their last two games in the eliminations. The Turbo Chargers won their first three matches in the semifinals over Sarsi, Presto and Alaska, but were forced into two playoff games in a triple tie at second place with Purefoods and Presto. On December 4, Shell eliminates Presto, 137-114, to set up a do-or-die game with Purefoods Hotdogs for the right to meet Alaska Milk in the championship. The Turbo Chargers led most of the way against the Hotdogs but were outscored, 43-18, in the final quarter with Bobby Parks picking up his sixth personal foul, Purefoods blew the game wide open in a 121-101 victory and march into the finals. Shell placed third with a two-game sweep over Presto Tivoli.
Roster
Team Manager: Charlie Favis